What's high miles for a Honda CB400 Super Four?

[furry-ninja]

I know it's a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' question but what is considered high mileage for a mid size bike?

Specifically I'm looking at a mid '90s CB400 Super Four which seems in good nick but the mileage is making me hesitate as it's nearly 40k.
This wouldn't make me blink on a car, but on a bike? I have not a clue!

Cheers!

[P.addy]

Are they KM? Sure the old SFs were grey imports.

Brother has one on 27,000 miles and is still going strong.

[WULFSTAN THE 2nd]

as long as its been looked after 40k is nothing go for it if its in good nick
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CBR 600 F L 1990

[Rob W]

40K is nothing on one of those.
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'90 TS50 > '04 Senda 125 > '91 ZXR400 > '90 CB-1 > '04 GSX-R1000 > '96 Bandit 600 > '89 ZXR750 H1 > '96 GSX-R750 SRAD > '98 RR-W Fireblade > '98 T595 Daytona > '03 Hornet 900 > '04 Fireblade > '16 GSX-S1000F (x2) > '23 XSR900

[ninja_butler]

I'm not sure TBH and I used to own one too. The engine is probably due for a top-end service but if the bike hasn't been abused then I guess it's still good for many more years.

[furry-ninja]

Yeah, in KMs it was more, that's the rough equivalent in miles.

Really? I'm encouraged!

I'm also a bit iffy on shelling out on a 20 year old bike, but I think it wants me to buy it.

The other one on the short-list is a 10 year old Kawa. Assuming it's not rusting into the ground does age really matter, or mileage more, or just care and condition?

[furry-ninja]

Roughly how much would I want to budget for parts for a top-end service?

[Rob W]

[Vincent]

As mentioned, at 40K miles, you're probably about ready to have the valve clearances checked. The cost would depend on if the valves need adjusting. Not sure if the valves have shims or not, I would imagine they do 'Shouldn't cost much to just have the clearances checked - 50 knicker tops maybe. If many of the valves need sorting, (and they are shims), add about another 75 quid. Price also can depend on if they're commonly used Honda shims that are likely to be in stock.
AFAIK, they're good strong engines, esp if the previous owners have kept an eye on the oil level. Stick a pic of the bike up, we'll soon tell you if it looks good to go.

Personaly though, and if there was a good one for sale, I'd get a CB-1
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Space Is Deep

[JackDaniels]

i have one and mines on 35,000 the clocks are in km but it has a convertor so im not 100% sure of the mileage but its going strong with no knocks or rattles.

https://www.deviantart.com/download/299451514/my_new_ride_by_drumcrazy779-d4yaa9m.jpg
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THEORY TEST - PASSED! - 02-08-11 CBT Passed - 09-08-10 MOD 1 - 09-08-2011 - MOD 2 - 28-09-2011
2006 Yamaha JOGRR>2010 Yamaha Ybr>1995 Honda CB400 Superfour >2005 Honda hornet>1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200 > 2002 BMW R1150GS > 2013 Tiger Sport 1050 > 2007 GSXR 1000 > 2005 GS500E

[Richy CB1000]

Normally maintained and in good nic, will last a lot longer than 40k (miles) I have seen them working fine with 60+ K mile on, my own although the 1000 has 50k and feels like new.

20+ yr old Honda's are fine IMO if they've been looked after, just listen out for a cam chain rattle although don't let that put you off in any way they'll run for years rattling and it ain't that much to get in done.

[P.addy]

It isn't the red one on ebay by any chance

[_Iain_]

Dunno, but i thought about the orange one with a bodge up fairing and black tank as a bit of a project. Even if the link pipe was on back to front.

Seller was a total f*cking muppet. Asked how much he was looking for as the ad was a "best offer" and the guy replied £1000. Pointed out he could keep it, and that being generally rude and sarcastic with potential buyers wasnt the way to get a sale
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Please be aware that the above post may be full of complete nonsense.
Riding: '07 KTM Duke II, Baotian BT49QT-20 Driving: '88 Volvo 340

[0l0dom0l0]

we've got one at uni with 45k on the clock and it sounds sweet as a nut
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CBT Passed: 30/08/2009, Theory Passed: 31/08/2010, Mod 1 Passed: 6/9/2010, Mod 2 Passed: 13/09/2010. Restriction ended 13/09/2012.

Bikes: 2007 Derbi GPR 50, 1998 Yamaha Fazer 600 (written off), 2002 Yamaha Fazer 600, 1994 CBR 600F, 2003 Triumph Daytona 600, Kawasaki ZX6R J1.....Current: 2006 Yamaha FZ6, 1998 Suzuki TL1000R and a Honda VFR 400 NC30.

[P.addy]

[Vincent]

Re-valve clearances and noise - you have to remember that some clearances close up with wear so they don't actually get noisier. I don't know if this is the case with the SF or not but worth bearing in mind with any bike.
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Space Is Deep

[salty21]

mine has around 40,000 miles and gets abused daily, by abused i mean i literally thrash the tit's off it everyday and have been doing so for the last 2 years

It is without a doubt the toughest little bike i have ever owned and i'm covinced they are impossible to kill.

[Vincent]

[salty21]

4 valves per cylinder

not sure if there is a parts book anywhere online but there is a workshop manual somewhere, the manual i found and downloaded is badly translated from russian but it gives you a good enough idea and i couldnt find anything else at the time. I would be happy to email you a copy of it if you needed one.
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[Vincent]

Thanks but I was looking for a parts manual, I like the exploded diagrams, they're an easy way to get to grips with a new engine and see what's what. I've always wondered if you could get a CB-1 motor in an SF without too much faf. Not that there's anything wrong with the SF lump.
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Space Is Deep

[salty21]

i always thought they were basically the same, both of them being slightly detuned cbr400 motors? could be wrong though as it was just something a mate told me
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[Vincent]