BabyBlade

I found a Japanese Domestic Market CBR400RR NC23 sitting outside at a shop in Seattle.(Bremerton)
it all started when I came across an ad and found this...

My curiosity was immediately sparked and I had to respond!
I tried the email link a couple times and got no response. So I called the sales dept. and spoke to a salesman. I asked him what do we know that is wrong with it and he told me that it was "just typical stuff that you would expect with a bike that has been sitting" , I figured that I would take the chance and gamble with a $1500 offer?
He said that he would have to ask his sales manager and get back to me?
I was on a quick trip to Helena that weekend to pick up the VTR (that is a whole OTHER story in itself) and when I got back I got the message that they would take my offer! I was then all of a sudden excited, anxious, concerned and outright scared!! And had to figure out how to get down to Seattle area and get it back home.
I didn't really want to drive my truck all the way down there and back(a whole new set of anxiety emotions) and I did not want to put it on my little trailer and drag it behind my Pilot over Snoqualmie Pass? I asked a friend and fellow Brother here from the Seattle area if he would like to go for a QUICK roadtrip?? and get to know each other better??? He was down , so we both didn't want to be gone long, we decided to go for the 24hr Seattle 1000 in his truck... (a much better more comfortable, reliable ride)
I made the deal over the phone and wired the money, sight unseen, just to lock in the price. I didn't want Mike to head right over there and snag it!(just kidding) I just was sure I wanted to throw the dice and take the chance ?
They had told me that one of the owners found it at a Mecum auction and I am getting it for "WAY" less than he paid for it. https://www.mecum.com/lots/434800/1988-honda-cbr400rr-nc23/
So we get down there very early morning and have to wait for them all to come to work. I could not sleep but my buddy was snoring extremely aggressively in the passengers seat. They finally get there and let me in to go check this thing out! It looks good, a ding on the tank and right side rear cowl that I did not see in the photos online. Then I opened the gas tank, WOW, I expected some rust but man it was worse than I think I have ever seen! Well I knew that I was in for some work so here we go!! Got it loaded up and off we went!!!

 

So cool!!!! Thanks for starting anew thread.

 

Yeah.... considerably less than auction sale price.

 

Yay, a new thread!! It will be fun to see the progress.

 

okay , so I got it home... there is a whole lot yet to come...

 

Thanks for starting the new thread! REALLY looking forward to the progress you make...what a cool bike!

How many miles did you have to drive to pick her up?

 

1123.5 miles round trip!
fuel cost '96 Ford f250 $450!!
worth it!!!

 

so we got it out and started to dig into it...
removed plastics to find a bird nest?


this is what came out of the fuel filter!
and what does the tank really look like...

hummm

The tank is now currently soaking with EvapoRust!
I will check it tomorrow?

 

When I use Evaporust I fill the entire tank up to the tippy top with it. Let it sit for a few days. 2-3 maybe. Pour out through a screen. Then power wash out the inside of the tank with a power washer. I have an electric one that does the job pretty good. Then rinse out multiple times. Then refill with Evaporust again. You can reuse what you took out. Or reuse a portion of it and fill rest of the way with fresh product. Using that power washer is very helpful! Stick the wand/nozzle in - work it all around. Go through both top and bottom where sender attaches.

Also, yeah I had a Carolina Wren build a nest in my service bay. I actually refrained from working in there until the eggs all hatched and the babies left. Anyway.....

 

Poor little thing. Babyblade sounds cute.
Was that the common name for this model. I dont think it was availble where I live, but 400 seem to be a popular class in the land of the rising sun.

 

Thanks, yeah its a pet name for the CBR version of a "pocket rocket".
She was neglected for way too long, I will try and save her!
They were not available here either!! Makes for an interesting parts search!!!

 

Yes, I will be using the pressure washer today! I used this method on the Goldwing, wasn't quite as bad, but it turned out good!! I will probably have to go make a run to Harbor Freight for some more fresh product to add to it for a second go round.
Thank you for your input!!!

I don't believe that we transported any species of bird from the coast to Montana? I think they were done with the nest before we got there.

 

It comes down to licensing in Japan. They require a special license to ride larger than 400cc. My son is stoked since he just received his Japanese license last week after buying a 2013 CBR400. Parallel twin unfortunately, not the screamer like these little guys. I really hope you can bring this back to life!

 

I had a feeling. Best of luck to you on the quest.

 

Yes NCB you were right, but I was looking for a challenge?
A little more than I was hoping for to be quite honest, but what the hell, should be fun!
It IS going to cost me and I am not just talking about money!!
Happy Diaz De Los Muertos!!!

 

Yes, it is actually out of the truck!

 

no real update, tank is still evaporating rust. had to run to Kalispell for more so I just let the old stuff sit in there today.

 

Is that "better"? Yikes.