Classic Honda Motorcycle Shootout - CB400 vs CB550 vs CB750 vs CB900!

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  • Опубликовано: 30 янв 2025

Комментарии • 120

  • @straightchad8059
    @straightchad8059 Месяц назад +11

    I know that when it's about motorcycles , most would say bigger is better but the CB400 just looks special and manageable .

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +3

      Right on! It was a gem of a bike. Cheers!

    • @liberals_destroy_everythin2497
      @liberals_destroy_everythin2497 Месяц назад +1

      Indeed. Of this bunch, it was my favorite.

    • @davidbrayshaw3529
      @davidbrayshaw3529 Месяц назад +3

      People say bigger is better until they get older and have ridden a lot of motorcycles. At that point better is only relevant to what you use the bike for and nothing else.
      We all wanted 1100's as a kid, and we all grew out of it.

    • @liberals_destroy_everythin2497
      @liberals_destroy_everythin2497 Месяц назад +1

      @@davidbrayshaw3529 Well, sort of. Some of us realized that fast, well-handling big-bore bikes ARE great, but that we need a few other not-so-fast bikes to enhance our motorcycling lives!

  • @RogerHale-t7k
    @RogerHale-t7k Месяц назад +8

    Thanks Jon. Another excellent & fun video. That 400 is surprisingly cool.

  • @Sara_PY
    @Sara_PY Месяц назад +5

    Wow, did that bring back memories! I've owned a 1976 CB750F, a 1979 CB750F, and I still own a 1965 CB77 Super Hawk. I miss the '76 750F the most, actually. I lament not purchasing a 1976 CB400F - I would still love to own one of those bikes! And then, the biggest prize, the "one that got away", a 1979 CBX, I never owned, either - but I would have and would now love to (the back story is that the salesman at the local Honda dealer told me "that's too much bike for you, little lady", otherwise I would have). I could go on and on about "old bikes"! Thank you for your videos! The nostalgia is wonderful!

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      I'm glad you enjoyed the video, Sara! You've owned some nice machines. I also reviewed my friends CB77 SuperHawk on this channel: ruclips.net/video/bKpsfaWSafw/видео.htmlsi=QeO9j_oihIqwyRf_
      Cheers!

    • @redtobertshateshandles
      @redtobertshateshandles Месяц назад

      I've ridden a 400/4, and honestly, I think that the 400N is superior.
      The 400/4 is old tech.

  • @Willy-qd9qu
    @Willy-qd9qu Месяц назад +6

    Hi Jon. I like the special sound of these 2 valves/carb engines. I don't remember seeing one of these 900 honda custom with a camshaft in france. we had a chain trans 900 named "bol d'Or" after a famous 24 hours french race. Thanks again for your videos. Arnaud,

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      Bonjour. You're welcome, Arnaud. The CB900C was a US model and not imported to Europe. We had the Bol d'Or here as well but it was called the CB900F Super Sport, or just CB900F. Cheers!

    • @williamanderson4029
      @williamanderson4029 Месяц назад +1

      I think you are referring to the CB900F Bol d Or, a race replica sold in Europe.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      @@williamanderson4029 Yep.

  • @SophisticatedBob
    @SophisticatedBob Месяц назад +4

    My first was a 1981 Honda CM400, and I rode that thing all over the North Carolina mountains. Thanks for taking me down memory lane.

  • @Shagnasty-bo5bj
    @Shagnasty-bo5bj Месяц назад +5

    The 900 was the one I always wanted!

  • @bigmanmoto9897
    @bigmanmoto9897 Месяц назад +2

    Just love these classics.

  • @Mannix2023
    @Mannix2023 Месяц назад +3

    Among all this bikes I think the CB400 T was the best, sound, run, very nice John. Happy holidays

  • @ronmoropito2200
    @ronmoropito2200 Месяц назад +2

    Back in 1990, a Lady friend got married and put her bike up for sale. It was an '82 CB-400F, same colour as yours, with colour matched small saddlebags. Low mileage, but had been sitting for a while. After washing and polishing it, and installing a new battery, it ran very well and was an easy machine to ride. I was used to bigger bikes at the time, as I had an '81 CBX, and an '83 Suzuki GS-750-T. The Honda was my town bike that summer. Paid $400 for it, sold it that fall for $800. Still remember what a nice bike it was.

  • @Yamafizzy
    @Yamafizzy Месяц назад +3

    This version of the CB400 was known here in the UK as the Honda CB400N Superdream. I watched the first one being unboxed in 1979/80 and I was blown away by it's space-like look compared to anything I'd seen before. That was the day that I knew Honda was winning the motorcycling world - such high quality!

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      @@Yamafizzy Right on! Honda has produced lots of great motorcycles. Cheers!

    • @grahamhensman2981
      @grahamhensman2981 Месяц назад +1

      It also had twin disc front brakes in Europe, not the single ones in the US version.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @grahamhensman2981 Correct. The CB400N also had lower handlebars and a few more hp due to the lean US mandated jetting. Merry Christmas!

    • @grahamhensman2981
      @grahamhensman2981 Месяц назад +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Merry Christmas too! I used to have a 1981 CB900FA in blue and silver. The RD350YPVS (RZ in US) I had before was so much more fun to ride, but the torque of the 900 meant gear changes no longer mattered, would actually pull away from a standstill in 5th gear if I wanted it to... Still miss both bikes! Have you ever owned any two strokes?

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @@grahamhensman2981 Right on! I love the look of the CB900F. I've never owned a two-stroke but wouldn't mind having a nice one in the garage someday. Cheers!

  • @EricKoch-p8f
    @EricKoch-p8f Месяц назад +3

    Man, those are some beautiful bikes. I had a '81 Honda 400 Hawk. It was a good bike, but when pushed the rear brake arm would drag on the ground on a hard right which was unsettling. If you rode the bike like a normal person you would be OK. That was my only complaint about the bike. All very nice bikes.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @EricKoch-p8f Thanks, Eric! The 400 Hawk is a fun bike. You must have been hauling to drag hard parts. Cheers!

  • @71three5ohscrambler8
    @71three5ohscrambler8 Месяц назад +1

    Im 62 years old. I still have my 1971 350 twin. I love it.❤

  • @redtobertshateshandles
    @redtobertshateshandles Месяц назад +2

    The 400N has a sophisticated 3 valve engine.
    The three valve head let's the engine breathe properly.
    Great design.
    It makes great torque, which is the first part of acceleration.
    It was super noticeable after riding the older two valve designs.
    I've ridden bikes with all these engines.

  • @Coldwarrior7781
    @Coldwarrior7781 Месяц назад +3

    That 550 is the bike I learned street and did my riding test on for my license. Same year, same color. I later also had A Hawk but it was the economy model. Drum brakes, spoke wheels and no electric starter. After that I had a couple of Seca 750s both of which were trouble. Should have stuck with Honda. Then VMax, Eliminator, then Goldwing. The Secas can only be credited with causing me to prefer shafts.
    Currently riding an 06 Goldwing.

  • @DocJonesGarage
    @DocJonesGarage Месяц назад +2

    Love my CB900 but that 550 looks and sounds great too!

  • @propdoctor21564
    @propdoctor21564 Месяц назад +2

    A nother excellent video as always. Fun fact is many years ago I had a 1975 Honda 550K and a 1980 Honda 750K. Also a friend had a CB900 custom. Even though I have owned a few Kawasaki and Yamaha I am a lifelong fan of Honda machines and at 61 years old have owned many of them since my teens. 😁

  • @cerealtiller
    @cerealtiller Месяц назад +2

    4 excellent Bikes
    Thank you
    I would love to to own a CB900C.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      Right on! I actually had three CB900Cs in the garage recently. they were fun bikes. I especially liked the 1982 CB900C with its better brakes and taller gearing. Cheers!

  • @Patrick_59
    @Patrick_59 Месяц назад +3

    Lovely bikes

  • @Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez
    @Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez Месяц назад +3

    My brother collects CB 125, 175 and CL 175 cc bikes. Fun little around town bikes.

  • @ironsteph666
    @ironsteph666 Месяц назад +1

    My first street bike was a 1976 Honda CB360T. Had so much fun driving it.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      So cool! That's the motorcycle I learned to ride on as well. Did you see my CB360 video? ruclips.net/video/PgZEdy8Lnqs/видео.htmlsi=TCgPwaIn4bEjcAGE

    • @ironsteph666
      @ironsteph666 Месяц назад +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Nice, mine was white with some red stripes ont the tank.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @@ironsteph666 Very cool 😎!

  • @ricardoberterame5950
    @ricardoberterame5950 Месяц назад +3

    Hola Jhon.me encantan tus motocicletas. Gracias por mostrarlas.saludos

  • @lifewithjosef
    @lifewithjosef Месяц назад +1

    My brother has been riding for 40+ years, his One True Love was his CB900C. I was too tall for it, but what a nice riding bike. My brother put 80k on his, including time in Europe, while in the service.
    I graduated high school in 1978, the hot bike was the CB400. IIRC, they were easily "borrowed."

  • @wdhewson
    @wdhewson Месяц назад +4

    I've got a 1979 CB750 DOHC in the garage now.
    Doing a tune up for a friend.
    The thing sure is BUILT !!! Maybe a million mile bike if you looked after it.
    As usual, plugged up carbs, and de-zincification of the brass jets by damn ethanol are the reasons she stopped !!!

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      @@wdhewson Very cool 😎! They are great bikes. Clogged pilot jets and ports are the usual culprits. Good luck!

  • @NoremacOktik
    @NoremacOktik Месяц назад +1

    Hard to pick a favorite. All cool

  • @Jimmyschickenshack
    @Jimmyschickenshack 5 дней назад +1

    I just love these videos. Thank you so much. I've commented before that my first bike was a 78 GS 400. To me, at the time it was stupid quick. Not fast. No real top end but crap it was so quick and nimble. But to be fair my comparison was an 85
    4 spd. Chevette. Lol Plus I loved the kick start. Rebel without a clue. Lol. Thanks again.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  4 дня назад

      Right on! It's funny how our perspectives change over time. I remember thinking the same thing about the first street-bike I rode, Honda's CB360. It could rev so high (compared to the cars I drove) and it felt quick 0-60. Good times!

  • @SharazKhan-v1b
    @SharazKhan-v1b Месяц назад +2

    CB 400T CB 400 N excellent bikes

  • @FloridaBiker-t3b
    @FloridaBiker-t3b Месяц назад +1

    subscribed, the CB 900 Custom's an amazing beast..what a cool sounding machine

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      @@FloridaBiker-t3b Right on, thanks for the subscription!

    • @FloridaBiker-t3b
      @FloridaBiker-t3b Месяц назад +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 If you ever get a chance to review the rare Honda CB700SC Nighthawk , that was a special bike power beautiful, think they were only made from '84-86...would love to see your impressions of the one. ..👍

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @@FloridaBiker-t3b I have ridden one and really enjoyed it. I would love to feature one on this channel if I get the chance. Cheers!

  • @recovering_rider
    @recovering_rider Месяц назад +1

    Great video Jon!

  • @JimmyRJump
    @JimmyRJump Месяц назад +2

    Went from a Yamaha RD50 (not the RDM) 1978 build, to a Honda 750 Four K7 (1969 build, chassis number 00002), then a Honda 750 F2, then a Suzuki GT 380, then a Suzuki GT 750, then a Yamaha V-Max (1986 build with a 140PK kit), then a Honda GoldWing 2023 DCT Touring (no Airbag), to back on foot cuz I had to sell the GoldWing because I'm 63 and poor, which means I couldn't afford the insurance and gas. All of the above between 1978 and 2024. Cheerio.

  • @ericromeiro6688
    @ericromeiro6688 Месяц назад +1

    Always Great bikes & videos 👍😊

  • @georgepeacock2837
    @georgepeacock2837 Месяц назад +1

    Another great video. I had what I think was Honda's worst bike ever, 1976 CB500T. I bought it new, out of the crate in 1979. Rode it until 1983 when I purchased the then brand new Nighthawk 650 with shaft drive. That bike was very fast and smooth. 😊

  • @MonochromaticLightsource
    @MonochromaticLightsource Месяц назад +1

    I've got a 400/4, and a 400N Superdream. Both need to be revved hard, but they are great around town, and the superdream has a balancer shaft to dampen vibes, smooth at around the legal speed limit! Honda built the 250N and 400N with the same chassis, with an extra disc brake rotor on the front, which meant the 250 with 27Hp was a little bit underpowered, but the 400 was almost perfect for a small capacity bike. I took the 400/4 round Europe back in the 80's it never missed a beat, but the rear wheel bearing let go about 250 miles from home. Today mine starts within a second on the electric starter, and for a 50 yr old bike still turns heads from the old boys who remember them.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @@MonochromaticLightsource So cool 😎! Thanks for sharing your CB400 memories. I would love to review the 400/4 on this channel if I get the chance. Cheers!

    • @MonochromaticLightsource
      @MonochromaticLightsource Месяц назад +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Happy to lend you mine, it's in the shed full of gas and hooked up to the battery maintainer. Last ran on Sunday. It's in the UK though. I can do a video of it for you if you want.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @MonochromaticLightsource I appreciate that! If I get the chance to travel to the UK, I can let you know. Cheers!

  • @tomsworkmail9621
    @tomsworkmail9621 Месяц назад +1

    The 400 is my favorite. I had one (in black) and wish I still had it.

  • @tonypalermo5796
    @tonypalermo5796 Месяц назад +1

    I've owned them all and must say for fun , it's the 400f, for travel it's the 900f. In line 4s.

  • @rolandwheeler4842
    @rolandwheeler4842 Месяц назад +1

    I did enjoy that video! How many bikes do you currently own, and are any of them modern-era bikes? Maybe do a shop tour video?

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      @rolandwheeler4842 Thanks, Roland! I sold these bikes to make room for new projects in the garage. My friend Bill owns the 550 and 750 now. Currently, I have two modern bikes in the garage, among other classic motorcycles. I'm always buying or selling something, so the garage looks different from month to month. I'll feature lots more modern and classic machines in the coming months, some of which I still own. My garage is an overcrowded 2-car garage and unimpressive, save for the bikes crammed inside. Cheers!

  • @soraksan321
    @soraksan321 Месяц назад +1

    I think this may be a case where bigger isn't necessarily better, I got the feeling the little Hawk was the most fun and happy to run- all very nice, you do a great job. Just curious how you know that you got the jetting right. Do you change them until it feels like it's running right (objective) or do you ever check emissions to see if it's lean or rich.? Or check how the plugs look?

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      That's a great question! Most bikes of this era (1978 and newer with stricter emissions) had lean factory jetting. I get the bikes running first and see how they run with the stock jets. If they exhibit symptoms of leanness (cold starting, surging, stumbling), I know the culprit. I then go up on my pilots/mids/mains and out on the air-fuel screws depending on the severity of the symptoms and where they occur in the rev range and throttle settings. Initially, the CB400T was very difficult to start and would surge and stumble at light throttle settings. Since the pilots were pressed in, I went two sizes up on the mids, and one size up on the mains and 3ish turns out on the air/fuel screws. The change was miraculous. In summary, I establish a baseline by checking the jetting first, and driving them for a while, then I rejet according to the symptoms. I hope that helps. Cheers!

    • @soraksan321
      @soraksan321 Месяц назад +1

      @ Thanks for that. I know it can be a pain to remove the carbs in order to change the jets, best to get it right the first time, eh? I was surprised as to how happily the CB400 spun out to redline, never would have guessed by looking at it... btw, what's your favorite cold weather ride? Perhaps a vid on that subject would be in order right about now...Let's (cold) ride!

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      @soraksan321 That's a great idea. love riding the Honda ST1300 in the colder weather. Full wind protection, heated grips, and heated seats are awesome in the colder weather. I had it out earlier this week. Cheers!

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @soraksan321 I agree. Taking the carbs out and putting them in again is a pain. However, it can't be avoided if the bike is a non-runner. I have to see how it runs in stock form to establish a baseline and to know where I need to change the jetting. Once the bikes are properly set up, the time spent is well worth it. Cheers!

    • @soraksan321
      @soraksan321 Месяц назад +1

      @ Better to err on the side of being on the rich side, if you see black smoke or plugs you know you went too far, eh? Getting the carbs out the first time is the worst, the second time only takes 5 mins....take it easy and thanks again-

  • @marcelgaud
    @marcelgaud Месяц назад +1

    Wow Jon, when filming the riding on that CB400T, it's really "grainy".

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      Sorry about that! I had some technical difficulties with the ride portion on the CB400 video. I think the cold sapped the battery, causing some issues. Cheers!

  • @timkis64
    @timkis64 Месяц назад +1

    as a parent, id insist my kids ride a 4 or 500 for a year or 2.if they can handle that safely without killing themselves.we'd ALL feel ALOT better about a more powerful machine.todays bikes are so QUICK, you can put yourself in a fatal position 3 seconds before you realize it.then you get to watch how you die....sad, but happens hundreds of times every year.thanks jon, been a while since i saw some of your older hondas again.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      I agree. I told my kids that they could talk to me about owning a motorcycle after driving a car for a year without any tickets or accidents. At that point, I would insist on taking the safety course with them and then put them on a 400-500cc machine, as you suggest. Fortunately, there are some great smaller machines out currently. Cheers!

  • @paulscountry456
    @paulscountry456 Месяц назад +1

    I had a cb 450 it vibrated but it was strong as Honda replaced the motor with a new one no charge.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      That's cool! I've never had a motorcycle get a free motor replacement. Cheers!

    • @paulscountry456
      @paulscountry456 Месяц назад +1

      This was back in 81 at Costa Mesa Honda ,they did not have the shifting fork to fix it so they have to keep parts for ten years so they installed a new motor free of charge.Im getting a new bike but it's from Europe this time....

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @@paulscountry456 Very cool! What are you picking up?

    • @paulscountry456
      @paulscountry456 Месяц назад +1

      They have a husky 350 s otd for 10,ooh here 2024,or a Gas Gas es 350 a bit less,really the 450 l honda can be had for about the same but it is a dated platform and a bit heavy ,hard choices as so many great dual sport out there, these 350 s can be uncorked or ridden stock,nearly 14 1 compression on Gas gas so potential for big power and 260bs wet.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @paulscountry456 Very cool!

  • @Ds-xi2sq
    @Ds-xi2sq Месяц назад +1

    I have a Honda CB1000C 1983

  • @user-sh5dy5tr9d
    @user-sh5dy5tr9d Месяц назад +1

    Good evening Jon,...missed ya this morning. I'm out of my Saturday morning routine, working wide open during holiday peak season.
    I enjoyed the Honda lineup. The 900 especially looks and sounds really nice. After you mentioned dual-range, it brought me way back to memories of climbing near cliffs with a knobby on the back of our 2 little Trail90s. (Butler county, early 70s)
    I'm still thinking about getting another bike next year and still not sure what I want. The Versys 1000 and Africa twin both appeal to me for different reasons.
    Eric in NC

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад +1

      @user-sh5dy5tr9d Thanks, Eric! Both the Africa Twin and Versys 1000 are great bikes. I'll feature a Versys 1000 in an upcoming video. It is hard to beat on the street. Cheers!

  • @marcelgaud
    @marcelgaud Месяц назад +1

    also, noting you have to really have the 400 up in the RPM's in order to enjoy it. Unlike all of your Big Bikes.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      You are correct. The smaller engine needs to be revved more to get the most out of it. Cheers!

    • @jlrutube1312
      @jlrutube1312 Месяц назад +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Yes, I owned the 1981 Honda 400 custom which was basically the same bike. I bought it for my son because I had a bigger bike that I normally rode but I would occasionally ride the 400. Out on the highway it had to run at really high revs so I went a tooth or two bigger on the front sprocket and it seemed like such an improved bike to me. It still seemed to have plenty of acceleration but just rode much better on the highway. I suppose if you had a stop watch the shorter gearing would prove a tiny bit quicker but for most every day riding the taller gearing was much, much better.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @jlrutube1312 Right on! Thanks for sharing your CB400 experiences. Cheers!

  • @luiscardozo0000
    @luiscardozo0000 Месяц назад +1

    i remember the cb400n and it look a little better and bigger than this one but i dont know what its the difference i never see this model the engine looks the same but the tank of the 400n looks bigger

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      It is the CB400T Hawk in the US. It's the CB400N Super Dream in Europe. The European version got dual front disc brakes and a lower handlebar. Cheers!

  • @wheelie63
    @wheelie63 Месяц назад +1

    the performance of the CB400 makes my KZ400 seem downright stodgy.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  Месяц назад

      @@wheelie63 It would be a fun back-to-back comparison. I was surprised by the performance of the CB400 T. Cheers!