I chose the Candy Ruby Red, as this was not available on the 1980 range, the liveries being either a blue or green - the latter being that in which my CM400A was supplied. The CM250 came with the blue combination.
The advantage in swapping the tank was that I gained another few litres (11 as against 9).
For some odd reason the smaller-capacity bike has a larger-capacity tank! One would have thought it would have been the other way around.
So whilst the tank and side panels were at the specialist I ordered the correct set of colour-matched decals from the USA and also a new pair of HONDA tank badges from a supplier here in Oz.
Whilst the total cost was not inexpensive - particularly that for the refinishing - the result is simply fabulous (to coin an expression!). It's not a metallic but has a silver base over which the red is applied and is then finished off with several clear coats.
I think it suits the bike to a 'T' and is more attractive than the green.
What do you think?
Sorry its been so long since ive checked out your blog.
ReplyDeleteSeriously tho, that little beast looks better ever time I see it :)
Well Done!
Thanks, squire. :)
ReplyDeleteIn the short time I've owned it I've become very fond of this 30-year old machine.
It really is a pleasure to ride.
I also have a 1980 cm400a. I love the bike. I got mac 2 into 1 exhaust for it and a K&N air filter and it has messed up the performance. My mechanic says it will only get better if I go back to the old air filter and exhaust; rejetting these bikes for this purpose is not fun or really possible, he said. How have your pipes been working out? What exactly are they? I read somewhere you said they were some replica pipes from something but cannot remember what. Beautiful bike! mine is green and I am looking to repaint it as well someday as there is a little spotting of rust. I go this bike to ride as I could not wait for my other bike project to be finished (1981 Royal Enfield converting to diesel to run on veggi oil).
ReplyDeleteit has been very fun to ride, until, like I said, I put the new exhaust on. Now at 1/4 throttle or less it puts along awfully. Also not much power going up hill. If your exhaust works well, I may reach back into my pocket and search between the lint balls for enough money to get a new exhaust.
Keep on riding that thing; It's awesome!
Thanks for the feedback on the bike.
ReplyDeleteThe pipes are repro-Dunstall reverse-cones and I bought them from Trojan Classic Motorcycles (Sydney) through their on-line Ebay outlet.
http://stores.ebay.com.au/TrojanClassicMotorcycles
I have had no problem with power loss at all.
The carbies are exactly as before the switch.....no re-jetting done.
The acceleration is identical to that when the standard exhaust system was used and cruising at 100 kph (indicated) is no problem.
The best thing about the new pipes - apart from the appearance - is the sound. It is now more like a British parallel twin.