1981 Honda CM400 build log

[Daox]

I was afraid of that. I was hoping to get more driving technique tips here versus mod ideas. I already have my hands full with my small fleet of vehicles. I'm really not looking for another project right now.

[jkv357]

One technique that comes to mind is not spending much time accelerating. Accelerate briskly, shifting near the torque peak, and get into top gear ASAP - then minimal-throttle cruising.

I know you don't want to do a lot of mods, but lower bars and a front fairing/windshield might give some improvements. Maybe not as significant as if you were on the hwy, but something.

What RPM are you cruising at most of the time in top gear?

[Varn]

You do not want to use motor oil that has friction modifiers in it. This engine runs the engine/transmission and clutch in the same oil. Honda makes an oil to their specs. I usually run 15w40 Rotella in my Honda and Yamaha 4 strokes.

60 mpg is not bad for commuting. Have you had a chance to take it out on the road?

One area that I didn't see mentioned is a valve adjustment. Also maintaining lubrication on the chain is also important. When you have to change chain and sprockets add a tooth to the countershaft sprocket.

[Michael Moore]

For sprockets check with

http://www.shop.pbisprockets.com/med...Catalog(2).pdf

They list sprockets for the CM400E. I've had luck with calling them with something that wasn't shown and getting them to check their cross reference to see if there is something that will fit but isn't cataloged that way.

If they don't have a countershaft sprocket look in the online parts fiche and find your model and take the sprocket part number and put it into the "where does this fit" search and you may find a different model that PBI does catalog.

cheers,
Michael

[renault_megane_dci]

As for technique, I found it quite easy to EOC to lights but it requires to coast down with the clutch in and find your neutral when stopped or about to stop.

[mechman600]

Originally Posted by Varn

You do not want to use motor oil that has friction modifiers in it. This engine runs the engine/transmission and clutch in the same oil. Honda makes an oil to their specs. I usually run 15w40 Rotella in my Honda and Yamaha 4 strokes.

Rotella T is an excellent choice. It is diesel motor oil that has a cult following with motorcyclists. So much so that Shell went out of their way to get it JASO MA certified for motorcycles. Bobistheoilguy has very good things to say about it, and it is dirt freaking cheap. I run it in all my bikes.

[Varn]

Never met Bob but he must me some kind of smart. Rotella does work. I use Diesel grade oil in all of my gas engine too. Last winter Mobil1 was $13 dollars a gallon at Auto Zone. I use it in my diesels.

[mechman600]

Originally Posted by Varn

Never met Bob but he must me some kind of smart. Rotella does work. I use Diesel grade oil in all of my gas engine too. Last winter Mobil1 was $13 dollars a gallon at Auto Zone. I use it in my diesels.

Here's Bob: Bob Is The Oil Guy | The Internet's Number One Motor Oil Site
An amazing resource for all things oil.

[Daox]

I took the bike up to my brother and sister in laws this weekend. That quickly put on enough miles to finish off the tank of gas. I hit the freeway, but kept it to 60 mph. That netted me a 63 mpg tank, best yet!

[mechman600]

Well done! I once had a CB400T, which was the "sport" version of the CM, and 58 mpg was about the best I could muster. Admittedly, I never really tried hard for an entire tank. I find that I get bored hypermiling motorcycles and have never made it through an entire tank.
Maybe I should fill the V-Strom tomorrow and use some inspiration from you and "persevere" for at least a 100 miles or so.