[goblin]

Hello
I am writing from New Delhi and I wanted some info regarding the Honda CB400Tii HAWK '78-79 models. There arent many of them around here n I happened to have found one.

Looked around for info about them n I found that they were just about decent for a first project. So, youtube' a couple of videos n I found the speedometer showing 110 MILESs/hr in a few and 140 KM/hr in some. The bike m looking at is marked at 140km/h!!

Wanted to know if there are any major differences between the two because I could not find any info regarding this particular model (140km/h). Everything that is there talks about the one that has a 110m/h speedo. Is it possible for these bikes to have been restricted (cdi, speedo) by some means in few countries while the engine n make are essentially the same in both of them. If so, is there a way out of it?

Going through a few posts I know people arnt particularly fond of these bikes, however, would be great if u could give me some info regarding this issue.
thnks

 

[hillsy]

I doubt the bikes would be restricted, I think the speedos would just be different. IE: the 140kph speedo would just go to the stop if the bike was traveling faster than that.......if they could.......which I doubt....

 

[goblin]

if that was the case, I should assume that the bikes marked at 110mph never went over 80mph. many sites claim it could do 100mph! I just want to b sure it it can or cannot.

 

[hillsy]

My old XJ900s speedo went up to 300kph.

Was the bike capable of that?........no.....

 

[goblin]

I do not mean to drag this but what u r pointin to is where my problem lies.
A speedo sayin 110mph wud js abt get to 90/100mph n a speedo sayin 80mph wud be givin its all at about 70mph. So, why wud honda hav the same bike with diffrnt limits?
I lik the honda cb series bikes and there arnt many around here bt a 400cc twin that wud go red at abt 70mph which my yezdi CL250 does without gettin on the tank is not very convincing.

 

[ehodder]

Wasn't there some gentlemen's agreement between the manufacturers at some point that speedos topped out at 85 MPH / 140 KPH?

 

[goblin]

Wasn't there some gentlemen's agreement between the manufacturers at some point that speedos topped out at 85 MPH / 140 KPH?

I do not have ny clue of how it was in the USA coz these bikes wernt even sold in India. goin through forums, web brochures n videos, I've found most of them with a limit of 110mph.
If it is as u say, the bikes should perform the same irrespective of wat the speedo says.
I wnt to b sure abt this before I buy the said bike.

 

[Joep7]

Is it possible that there is another model speedo that fits perfect and is a common replacement for the stock ones??

Also you are making some assumptions about the hawk that just arent true...they are not a good platform for many reasons expressed on this site. ESPECIALLY in a country where finding parts is going to be really tough.

 

[goblin]

Also you are making some assumptions about the hawk that just arent true...they are not a good platform for many reasons expressed on this site. ESPECIALLY in a country where finding parts is going to be really tough.

I'd lik to put things into perspective. there arnt many classic bikes around in India. if u look around u'll only find Royal Enfields, Royal Enfields a few Jawa Yezdis n if u still keep lookin u may stumble upon a Yamaha RD350. u will not find nythin beyond 535cc (single cylinder) or a 350cc (twin) and thats 'gold standard' here whereas a 450cc bike would be a starters bike out there.
now, that ive come across a honda twin(again rare in India) I'd lik to make sure if 95-100mph is a possibilty for it or not. I do not wnt to make ny assumptions about its performance is why I am askin around.

 

[Joep7]

I'd lik to put things into perspective. there arnt many classic bikes around in India. if u look around u'll only find Royal Enfields, Royal Enfields a few Jawa Yezdis n if u still keep lookin u may stumble upon a Yamaha RD350. u will not find nythin beyond 535cc (single cylinder) or a 350cc (twin) and thats 'gold standard' here whereas a 450cc bike would be a starters bike out there.
now, that ive come across a honda twin(again rare in India) I'd lik to make sure if 95-100mph is a possibilty for it or not. I do not wnt to make ny assumptions about its performance is why I am askin around.

Ok here is what I am trying to say...are you a fabricator? Do you have access to a fabricator?

If the answer to both of those is no then please ask the other hawk owners for confirmation but they will tell you that even in the states there is hardly anything aftermarket made for those bikes. You will have to fabricate EVERYTHING.

What is wrong with an old enfield? Tons of parts. Not going to get the best performance but I dont feel like a hawk is much of an upgrade in the performance dept and the drawbacks are huge.

I dont know what the stock speed of hawk is but If you are going for the cafe look and feel I would not get thatt bike. My opinion. Im sure others will comment.

 

[crazypj]

The 400A had different cam, smaller carbs and less power but I think it's correct to say the speedometers were not marked to full scale for some markets
The early model 400T should hit 100mph, the later 400N was a little faster and would just hit 108mph on a good day

BTW, Joep, New Delhi is in India where they make the Enfields, I'm pretty sure OP knows more about them than either of us
40bhp Hawk would be a massive upgrade compared to 350 or 500 Enfield, even a 'tuned' 500 is only rated at 27bhp from the factory (even though Hawk only really makes around 35bhp)

 

[goblin]

I do hav access to a fabricator n the bike is not in such bad shape.
n I do own an enfield whch is great for touring around the country but isnt a throttle happy city bike that I want. the overall feel of an enfield and a fast honda engine would not be the same.

 

[Joep7]

The 400A had different cam, smaller carbs and less power but I think it's correct to say the speedometers were not marked to full scale for some markets
The early model 400T should hit 100mph, the later 400N was a little faster and would just hit 108mph on a good day

BTW, Joep, New Delhi is in India where they make the Enfields, I'm pretty sure OP knows more about them than either of us
40bhp Hawk would be a massive upgrade compared to 350 or 500 Enfield, even a 'tuned' 500 is only rated at 27bhp from the factory (even though Hawk only really makes around 35bhp)

haha I know where he is located I never claimed he didnt. It really was meant as a question. I have never owned one.

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I do hav access to a fabricator n the bike is not in such bad shape.
n I do own an enfield whch is great for touring around the country but isnt a throttle happy city bike that I want. the overall feel of an enfield and a fast honda engine would not be the same.

Are you looking for a stock bike for around town or do you want to "cafe" it?

I guess I always thought people in the states desired enfields?? or is that just the douchy poseur crowd bc they have a cool history and a vintage look? Serious question. Dont know much about them.

 

[goblin]

The 400A had different cam, smaller carbs and less power but I think it's correct to say the speedometers were not marked to full scale for some markets
The early model 400T should hit 100mph, the later 400N was a little faster and would just hit 108mph on a good day

BTW, Joep, New Delhi is in India where they make the Enfields, I'm pretty sure OP knows more about them than either of us
40bhp Hawk would be a massive upgrade compared to 350 or 500 Enfield, even a 'tuned' 500 is only rated at 27bhp from the factory (even though Hawk only really makes around 35bhp)

thanks for responding. needed the facts. N wud it jus be the markings on the speedometer or cud an actual limiter lowering the engine performance be a possibilty?

stil learnin abt engines so u guys shud know betr. well, I have a headstart with the enfields.

 

[goblin]

Are you looking for a stock bike for around town or do you want to "cafe" it?

I guess I always thought people in the states desired enfields?? or is that just the douchy poseur crowd bc they have a cool history and a vintage look? Serious question. Dont know much about them.

I do not want it stock nor wud I 'cafe' it all out. I will prefer practical mods leanin towards a cafe type bike. eg lowering the headlight, bike, seat, better forks etc. I wil want to ride around city without it attractin too much attention.

People hop onto bandwagons everywhere. Its the same about enfields. U'll find a few posers who wudnt know how to allign their rear wheel assembly n some who tune their point system accordin to their trip. the ones who keep their bikes learn, the rest sell them off.

 

[Joep7]

get that that whole thing. Its the same here with any brand. I just know nothing about enfields. I know they were mass produced in india. Do they perform and handle that much worse than the jap and brit bikes of the same era?

 

[goblin]

buying an enfield, u r becomin a part of its legacy n history etc etc. The cast iron engines remained unchanged from 1940-90'. so each of these bikes have a lot of character n u'd probably hate ridin it the first time but once u get used to it(eg. it wudnt fire up d day u r late for work) u get the hang of it.
there are so many hassles that its a challenge to ride one and overcomin them is the fun/joy part of the bike.

 

[bfont52]

For christs sake take 5 extra seconds and spell your words. This aint a text message. i mean msg. Lol xoxoxo

C u l8er

 

[crazypj]

400N is a completely different style but motor is basically the same as the earlier model
There were a few changes and upgrades but all the basics are the same

 

[goblin]

For christs sake take 5 extra seconds and spell your words. This aint a text message. i mean msg. Lol xoxoxo

C u l8er

Point taken. Will be careful next time. I mean nxt tim.. NO?

Oh.. and if/when you visit India, you can take all the time to get your Hindi right. Just saying.