The journey of my CM400 C

drd551

drd551

New Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2026
Total Posts
9
Total likes
8
Location
Missouri
I've had this bike since 2011-2012. When I first got it, it had been wrecked and I knew almost nothing about fixing or working on bikes. Ibwas able to get it running and enjoyed it a few times the over the summer of 2013 then it sat in a garage until last summer where I finally found time to see what I could manage to do. Since then its gone through some changes mostly restoring it as close to what it was originally as I can. So here are some pictures. Top to bottom in order from first start to complete bike and all the variations in between.one of the biggest headaches i had was finding an original seat in halfway good condition. I ended buying an old seat and hand stitching (with needle and thread, no machine) a new seat cover. So anyway tell me what you all think. 838.jpg839.jpg840.jpg481.jpg477.jpg520.jpg1195.jpg1199.jpg
 
Nice work. The stitching on the seat turned out well and the black paint job did, too, although I also liked that chameleon-like paint in one of the middle pictures.

Are the low LED lights to see or to be seen? I could imagine them being helpful on dark country roads.

Does it run pretty well with the Mikuni's?
 
The lower lights are more to see at night, it runs pretty well but I still think I need to do some more tuning.
 
drd551 said:
The lower lights are more to see at night, it runs pretty well but I still think I need to do some more tuning.
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Don't we all! Thinking you need to do some more tuning is much better than knowing you need to do more tuning. Must be running decently then.
 
ferrisbueller said:
What headlight is that? And does it fit in the original housing? Nice job!

Larry
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I found it on Amazon it said it would fit my bike but when I got it it was in a thick plastic housing and didnt fit quite right. Had to shave the plastic down in a few spots to get it to fit right. When I looked at the instructions it said it was meant for a jeep lol.
 
stl360+450 said:
Don't we all! Thinking you need to do some more tuning is much better than knowing you need to do more tuning. Must be running decently then.
Click to expand...
Ive been able to ride it a few times but its been acting strange. And i have to get it warmed up and it seems to be burning oil. Not sure whats going on with it.
 
drd551 said:
Ive been able to ride it a few times but its been acting strange. And i have to get it warmed up and it seems to be burning oil. Not sure whats going on with it.
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Is your suspicion about burning oil based on oil consumption or something visible in the exhaust? Is it possible that it's too rich?

Did you purchase a pre-jetted kit for your bike or are you starting from scratch? The needle clip and slide cutaway can make a big difference as well as the jet sizes.
 
drd551 said:
I found it on Amazon it said it would fit my bike but when I got it it was in a thick plastic housing and didnt fit quite right. Had to shave the plastic down in a few spots to get it to fit right. When I looked at the instructions it said it was meant for a jeep lol.
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That is pretty funny. The light provided is an improvement though right? Would like better light and lower power consumption. Thanks for letting me know.

Larry
 
drd551 said:
it seems to be burning oil. Not sure whats going on with it.
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Are you sure it's oil and not water from the exhaust ?
..there's a tiny exhaust weep/drain hole at the bottom front of each tailpipe where it inserts into the powerchamber - might be clogged and a puddle can take up to 10 mins to burn out...

Oil level checked correctly with the bike on center stand upright and not overfilled ?

..Is your battery a lead-acid type with a vent nipple for a vent hose tube ?
I don't see one and you don't want to damage everything below and behind it (ie, CM400Custom battery sidecover, the exhaust and suspension chrome, paintwork of the frame, swingarm, rear wheel, etc...)

Is the front wheel centered ? ..Looks left
Is the front wheel's axle holder installed correctly with the arrow in its casting pointing forward ?
 
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