CM vs CB: Differences and similarities?

[scott s]

I asked this on the Total Motorcycle forum but thought you guys may have more insight:

have a line on an '80-'82 CM400. It's being pulled out of storage soon and I'll know just what year it is.
I see plenty of parts, exhausts, etc. for the CB but not much for the CM. What's the difference? Are the engines the same? Will parts such as headers/pipes for a CB twin fit the CM twin?
I really don't like the "riser" or two level seats on the later bikes either. Will the earlier "flat" seats fit the early '80's CM's? Are there other seat options available for the CM?

Lastly, what's everyone's opinion of the CB/CM twins? How do they stack up to the fours of the same era? What about repair costs between the twins and fours? Will a 400 twin be enough to cruise around on for a guy that weighs ~180lbs>

Any websites or forums specific to these models?

[redcoat]

hey Scott,

You have the second best bike out there. The best is the CB. I've had 25 or so. It has been my ride for 20 years. Founded an ice cream business on them. Got three outside, one pulls a sidecar which is laden with two workers and a bunch of demo tools every morning. The charging system is the bees knees, I run an inverter for running a bunch of stuff on site. The CB/CM engine is the same. The CM swing arm is like 2cm longer (3/4 inch). You can make a cb from a CM- just get a donor CB with a dud engine and start swapping bits. Goes much better with a tall narrow 18in CB rear than the 16" CM rear wheel. Look at my intro "nutter"- I'm new here- for waht you acn do with these fabulous bikes. Note: thread a new cam chain in (don't bother splitting the engine) if it's nearing 40K. Look at the UK wemoto or the US old bike barn for bits

Congrats on a wise purchase!

Justin

[redcoat]

Of course twins are better than fours! Better bottom end torque, and only two of everything than 4 to go wrong- two carbs, two pistons, 4 or 6 valves rather than 8 to 16...

Bits for the CB/CM are cheap and fairly plentiful... lots of aftermarket/patterm (UK Eng). JC Whitney, wemoto.

Go to a non Honda dealer! They will be more likely to find you pattern parts, rather than sell you a Honda part!

Did you take delivery yet?

[dweiss]

redcoat- a question....'course this is open to anyone who may also have an answer....

So, I have my first bike, a 1982 CM450A. LOVE IT!! I bought it used (16K miles), but it is an 8.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being best. It has scuffs, scratches, and a very small dent ot two...but I LOVE IT!!!!

Anyway, I have taken a few rides on it, and I noticed that the low gear light does not come on when in low gear, even though neutral and high indicators do light when in those gears. I figured out how to remove the entire unit from the mounting bracket (three bolts on the bottom), but after that, I dared not go further.

Do I have to replace the entire unit just to have a working 'low' indicator light, or is it possible that it is just the bulb, and is there is a way a newbie like me (although mechanically inclined) can change it?

Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!

[Kal]

wemoto don't always have parts however there is also David Silver and CMNSL for classic honda parts