Best around town motorcycle you can possibly own
The bike runs flawlessly, and with the exception of the normal wear items, very little has went wrong with this motorcycle for 14 years.
I'm on my third set of tires and my second chain.
I have installed a gel battery (3rd year on it), and it starts right up every spring.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th April, 2016
A happy reunion brings back a sense of nostalgia
Tachometer cable broke.
This bike is the most fun ride I have ever owned. I bought one to train on when I first started riding. I loved the handling and the responsiveness. I moved onto a bigger bike (Honda Shadow 1100) after T-boning a truck that pulled out in front of me.
I liked that bike, but it was a little slower on the handling being a cruiser. I purchased a Honda Shadow Saber 1100 to replace that one due to the shorter rake and lower seat height. I was looking for a little better handling. It was better, but it still missed the classic flare and handling of the CM400C. I sold it once kids started coming back in 2004.
So now, 11 years later, I have decided to get back to riding. In my search on the sale sites I came across another '81 Honda CM400C. What are the odds. I had to gobble it up, if only for reminiscence sake. I am pleased to report, she did not disappoint.
The handling is exactly as I remember. She turns on a dime and gives you the change. I do miss the power that the 1100 possessed, but I am willing to overlook that for the comfort and handling that she offers in return. City driving is a dream. The low torque clutch and the ease of shifting is welcomed. The controls are right where they belong to operate naturally, with the exception of the high/low beam switch. I prefer the newer rocker style than the slider switch that exists.
I would say to anyone that rides, you have to sit on one of these to appreciate the styling and engineering that went into its creation. And to those who would like to take up the sport, you could not go wrong by making this your first bike. You will fall in love with her quickly. I highly recommend it to anyone, whether a seasoned rider or a novice, a collector or a trader.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd April, 2015
Dependable
Nothing... it rock and rolls... fires right up... scares all the neighbors... a great mid size bike...
Starts first time... responsive... for a 150 lb dude.. this is the bike for me..
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 24th February, 2011
I am a 4'8" 67 year old woman, who's been riding almost 40 years, including Short Track, Motocross, & TT Scrambles Racing.
Due to a 360 neck fusion, from C3-T2, I was ordered off of motorcycles in 2009.
With a compromise, my Neurosurgeon reluctantly agreed to a trike.
I now have a 1977 customized, 1000cc Gold Wing.
However, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and it's beginning to hurt my clutch hand, so I double clutch, to avoid using the clutch all the time.
My husband found a 1981 Honda CM 400 Automatic, but the words: "a great beginners' bike", aren't what I wanted to hear.
I'd LOVE a response, from someone, as to exactly how they feel, going from a larger, to a smaller bike (my Husband would switch over the trike kit).
Honesty, please! This, to me, is my status symbol, of all I've done on bikes, and my fighting through Brain Surgery, Spinal Fusions (L3-S1 & C3-T2), and now Scleroderma, with the RA. I'm still riding, and I'm darned proud of it!
It does matter to me, that people are amazed, and proud, of my accomplishments.
Frankly, I plan on riding, until they pry my hands off of the handle bars.
Thank you! Maggie.
8th Jan 2018, 22:44
Thanks for taking the time to review the motorcycle.