Honda GB400 TT

The news and your views about biking
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

http://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/detai ... AD-5466999

So the track bike money is still sitting in an envelope waiting to be spent. So had a bit of a gander on Bikesales as you do.

Found this, I’ve looked at a few GB’s but not seen one that’s as well presented as this seems to be. I used to go into the local bike shop as a kid and lust after one of these for ages. I like the ‘idea’ of having one as a second bike.

But does anyone has experience with one? Any things to look out for? I don’t expect it to be fast, handle well or be overly comfortable on long trips. But I have had an itch for a cafe racer style bike for a while and this would be fulfilling a childhood dream.

Due to its age I can register it under a ‘club rego’ and it can be used unlimited for club events and up to 60 days personal use and the cost is considerably less than normal rego.

What’s the vote??
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
User avatar
Kwacky
Posts: 38538
Joined: 21 Oct 2013, 21:52
Your Bike: Brutale 800RR, 1000SX Ninja
Location: Brum
Has thanked: 4314 times
Been thanked: 8352 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by Kwacky »

Go for it, that looks very smart without being too blingy or tarty.
User avatar
C00kiemonster
Posts: 8425
Joined: 22 Oct 2013, 07:11
Your Bike: Triumph Street Triple 765 R
Location: Not Froggie Land
Has thanked: 4296 times
Been thanked: 1737 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by C00kiemonster »

Thats cool - simple as that.
User avatar
D41
Posts: 12923
Joined: 22 Sep 2014, 11:36
Your Bike: Triumph Daytona 650.
Has thanked: 4283 times
Been thanked: 1129 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by D41 »

Do you want an honest opinion, or should I be friendly & supportive??
User avatar
duke63
Posts: 15493
Joined: 22 Oct 2013, 07:34
Your Bike: Ducati 748/853 & Triumph Street Triple 765RS
Location: Staffordshire
Has thanked: 4170 times
Been thanked: 4124 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by duke63 »

We must all be getting old......or we gave all been there and done that and what to try something different.

That's a nice looking bike but I have no idea what it's like to ride.
User avatar
StMarks
Posts: 4578
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 21:55
Your Bike: Daytona 675 graphite
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Has thanked: 915 times
Been thanked: 1306 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by StMarks »

Fwiw I really like the way it looks. Tidy looking job that.
Don't think the idea of owning one (or even riding one much) appeals though.
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

D41 wrote:Do you want an honest opinion, or should I be friendly & supportive??
You’re honest opinion, but it goes to the bottom of the list of opinions till you start riding again :P
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

duke63 wrote:We must all be getting old......or we gave all been there and done that and what to try something different.

That's a nice looking bike but I have no idea what it's like to ride.
I’d never have it as a only bike. But the Multi is a lump to just pop into town on and because it’s hot plenty of go I keep misbehaving. I’m quite keen to have something slower and more old school to just tootle on.

Reading online and those that have owned one seem to love ‘em even though they concede they aren’t rocket ships at all.
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

StMarks wrote:Fwiw I really like the way it looks. Tidy looking job that.
Don't think the idea of owning one (or even riding one much) appeals though.
It’s a real nostalgia thing for me St Marks. I learnt to ride on this era of bike, old CB250 & Z440 etc. I don’t have any expectations of a stunning ride, just something to tinker with and go for a casual bimble when it strikes me.
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

Got hold of the owner, scheduled in a chat about it tomorrow evening. If it’s as good as it looks in the advert and I can get him down to $4,500 I reckon I’ll get it.

I’ve done a bit of research and the engine is based on the XL 600 engine, bottom end is pretty much identical so has potential for getting more out of it, but doubt I’ll go down that line, i like
the idea of keeping it pretty standard. It’s just hit 30 yrs old so in Aus at least considered a classic so its value should hold or even appreciate in the future
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
User avatar
D41
Posts: 12923
Joined: 22 Sep 2014, 11:36
Your Bike: Triumph Daytona 650.
Has thanked: 4283 times
Been thanked: 1129 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by D41 »

kiwikrasher wrote:
D41 wrote:Do you want an honest opinion, or should I be friendly & supportive??
You’re honest opinion, but it goes to the bottom of the list of opinions till you start riding again :P
St.Marks pretty much nails it.
I think the idea of owning one is outweighing the reality of riding one.
User avatar
Frankie
Posts: 3917
Joined: 11 Mar 2014, 21:37
Your Bike: Fast Ones, and dirty ones
Has thanked: 723 times
Been thanked: 1473 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by Frankie »

I like the look of that... buy it, have fun :)
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

So I’ve decided not to buy this. Post surgery I don’t know when or even if I’ll be able to ride again. Plus money is going to be tight. I’m looking at a long stretch off work and the income protection is only going to cover about 60-70% of my current income.

If I make it through this bullsh*t I will buy a second bike and be damned with cost.
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
User avatar
Frankie
Posts: 3917
Joined: 11 Mar 2014, 21:37
Your Bike: Fast Ones, and dirty ones
Has thanked: 723 times
Been thanked: 1473 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by Frankie »

Sorry to read this mate...lots of positive thoughts and wishes being sent..
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

He’s still got it, going to see him Wednesday with $4,500 cash in my pocket. If it’s as advertised and he drops to that, i’ll take it.

I’m more confident I still have a riding life ahead of me and it ticks a lot of boxes for me.
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

Bought it today for $4,700.

When I took it for a test ride it was stalling heaps and dying, but being a old school bike with a choke I thought it was just me getting to know where the choke needed to be. After 5 mins it came good and rode well, well the motor ran fine at least.

It’s gutless, handles like a marshmallow and the brakes feel wooden, the rear drum seems to work better than the front disk.

But I love it all the same. It’s raw and old school and makes me feel like I’m a naughty teenager again.

If I want fast, smooth and great handling, I’ll jump on the Multi.

So got home, took it off the trailer. Started it up and let it warm up well. Off down the road and within two mins it stopped dead. A couple of mins later it started no problem. The fuel has been in the bike for a few months so wondered if it dragged some crap through. Well in the 10 km to Jess’ it died 5 times. Luckily most the trip is down hill so I rolled as much as I could. Waiting a couple of minutes and it started fine every time. So wondering if it’s a fuel filter. Had it before where it was sucking all the crap onto the filter and starving then withnit jot running all the crap drops away and it’ll run again for a short period.

Eventually made it to Jess’. So guess my first job is to drain the old fuel out, change the filter and see how it goes. They are pretty basic so I’m confident I can sort it ok. I’m guessing the two hours of bouncing around on the trailer has stirred up all the crap from the bottom of the tank and been dragged through once I ran it.
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
User avatar
Cavetroll87
Posts: 2320
Joined: 11 Mar 2014, 21:40
Your Bike: 2014 Yamaha MT09
Location: Kent
Has thanked: 591 times
Been thanked: 532 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by Cavetroll87 »

don't you juts love old bikes with character ;) good luck and hopefully its an easy fix!
Remember: If in Doubt use Full Throttle, It may not make the situation any better, But it will end the suspense...
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

Cavetroll87 wrote:don't you juts love old bikes with character ;) good luck and hopefully its an easy fix!
Me too!!
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
User avatar
StMarks
Posts: 4578
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 21:55
Your Bike: Daytona 675 graphite
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Has thanked: 915 times
Been thanked: 1306 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by StMarks »

kiwikrasher wrote:.....Eventually made it to Jess’. So guess my first job is to drain the old fuel out, change the filter and see how it goes. ....
Part of the fun of bike ownership imho. -Our modern machines are so well engineered & reliable that we almost "miss out" on anything but basic maintenance.
Enjoy. :)
User avatar
kiwikrasher
Posts: 8862
Joined: 17 Mar 2014, 04:32
Your Bike: ‘16 Thruxton R. '10 Multistrada 1200 S.
Location: Kurrajong Heights, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 4577 times
Been thanked: 4647 times

Re: Honda GB400 TT

Post by kiwikrasher »

StMarks wrote:
kiwikrasher wrote:.....Eventually made it to Jess’. So guess my first job is to drain the old fuel out, change the filter and see how it goes. ....
Part of the fun of bike ownership imho. -Our modern machines are so well engineered & reliable that we almost "miss out" on anything but basic maintenance.
Enjoy. :)
Looks like I’ve fixed the issue already. The clip on the fuel hose to the carb was not gripping and the hose had slipped off a bit and kinked. Cut it a bit shorter and squeezed up the clip and she’s all good! Got up my hill a lot better than I was expecting!
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
Post Reply