As with many important questions in life, the answer is always a Honda. Want to go reliably to work and back? Honda. Want to go somewhere ridiculously fast? Honda. Want to feel like a 20-year-old again without dating a 20-year old Russian girl? Believe it or not Honda.
Want something vintage looking, yet reliable enough to take you anywhere and within a modest budget? That was Menelaos question that ultimately let him to acquiring this 1993 Honda CB400SF
Honda CBs are no stranger to the custom world, but often the water-cooled models of later generations fall under the radar when it comes to building a custom project. But with a price of cheap and awesome VTEC noises, more and more are biting the bullet and making a project out of them. Sadly, not all of them get finished.
Making it a proper built
As with any proper build it started with a total disassembly until only the frame was left. After inspecting the frame for any cracks, shortening the frame, and constructing a lovely rear hoop took place.Next, a custom seat pan, and a battery tray underneath that seat pan were also neatly incorporated into the build. Working with someone that knows how to build a proper custom takes out the guesswork and the progression of a build moves naturally.
Up next the rear end piece was made from fiberglass that rounds up the rear end beautifully.
Up front a 2001 R1 donated its front end including the massive brake calibers and rotors. Braking force is applied through a Brembo master cylinder.
Matching the upgraded suspension up front is yss rear adjustable shocks.
To truly benefit from these upgrades, wrapped around the powder-coated wheels are Pirelli angel gt tyres.
Going the extra mile
Usually that’s where most builds draw the line, but not in this case. With the engine out , it was a good time to give the engine a thorough rebuilt along with re-jetting and rebuilding the carbs to play nice with the DNA filters and HP exhaust.
The bike was also converted to hydraulic clutch system instead of the factory cable for a better and more complete lever feel.
Controlling the whole project is a moto gadget m unit blue with the wiring being done inhouse! Taking advantage of the versatility of the moto gadget unit, mOtone button switches are being used along with a Daytona digital speedo.
Making for an ultra- clean setup around the clip-on bars and paving the way for a 7 inch round led headlight.
Love It or hate it yellow
In a sea of black, grey, nardo grey, graphite grey, and so on…. Seeing someone with the attitude of standing out from the crowd really brings a smile to our face. This matte yellow was inspired by a Roeg helmet – Usually it’s motorcycle that inspires the helmet- but this worked out so good!
With the seat stitching being colour matched to the paint, and some striking black decals, this Honda really makes a statement wherever it goes! I absolutely love it!
Other than the colour choice, something I really appreciate is the fact that Menelaos got involved as much as possible with the build and did not just hand a lot of euros to someone and told him make do with!
So how does the Honda answer to Menelaos initial question? Chatting with him it clearly ticks all the boxes! A reliable stunning looking motorcycle that performs as good as it looks every single day.
As far as I am concerned, Menelaos and Underground Customs managed to create an exceptional build that stands out of the crowd, without sacrificing the driveability and reliability for which the Honda Cb is known.
- Photography by: Stephanos Ioannou @stephanfocus , Michalis Pipponides
- Words : Odisseas Sophocleous
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