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The story of this Honda CB400 Four begins in 1979, on Dutch roads. While it might not seem particularly remarkable on paper, this motorcycle was ahead of its time with features like a 4-1 exhaust system and a 6-speed gearbox.
After clocking over 60,000 kilometers, its glory days came to an end, leaving it dismantled and stored away in a few dusty cardboard boxes in the attic.
Years later, after earning my motorcycle license, I couldn’t ignore the call of this forgotten classic. These old Hondas have become iconic blank canvases for the modern café racer scene, and I was eager to breathe new life into this machine.
The revival began with my brother taking the lead—retrieving the dusty boxes from storage and loosely assembling the parts to see what was salvageable. That’s when the potential of this four-cylinder marvel became clear. A bit of electrical work, a carburetor overhaul, and fresh oil brought this machine roaring back to life. Certainly a testament to the highly advanced capabilities of the Japanese.
Hearing the growl of its 4x100cc cylinders was all the motivation I needed to get this bike back on the road.
A Cafe Racer Transformation
The project involved more than just functional restoration; it was a transformation into a true cafe racer. The frame was welded to fit a sleek custom seat, the entire wiring harness was replaced, and the steel fuel tank was repainted in a pearl white finish to match the headlight.
Staying true to cafe racer philosophy, only practical and minimalist parts made the cut. Out went the center stand, neutral switch, plastic covers, mirrors, and other unnecessary extras, even though I personally find these delightful.
This stripped-down approach—where function reigns over form (though form still plays a significant role)—resulted in a clean, purposeful design that truly embodies the cafe racer.
The Result
The result is nothing short of fantastic—a joy to ride and a symphony for the ears above 5000 RPM. The bike’s roar is both exhilarating and deafening, making every ride a thrill.
For me, the journey of rebuilding this motorcycle was as rewarding as the rides themselves. There’s something uniquely satisfying about turning a forgotten relic into a head-turning masterpiece. Luckily, there are still plenty of dusty boxes waiting in the attic for their chance at freedom.
