Hello from Southern England

[allojohn]

Rob - yes, definitely a common thing over here in the 70s - a number of accessory companies made them for a good selection of bikes - the manufacturers themselves also joined in. Whether the bars did any good if you dropped your bike is up for discussion! I'm not sure there was a set for the rear of the 400, but I will look out for them.

I had a rear crash bars on my '76 GT380- very early one winter morning had my leg trapped between the crash bar and rear indicator after sliding off on ice (this often happened) - couldn't move... but was rescued by the milkman.

[Gorminrider]

Yes^^ ...hahha i shouldn't laugh but I can picture it .Even the three-supported bars can fold back.(similar story HERE but with boggy road and no milkman)

[Rob S.]

I had a rear crash bars on my '76 GT380- very early one winter morning had my leg trapped between the crash bar and rear indicator after sliding off on ice (this often happened) - couldn't move... but was rescued by the milkman.

We had to read that in high school - The Milkman Cometh.

[GS400B]

Cosmetic refurb is progressing, with the repaired/re-upholstered seat being the last piece to be returned and fitted last night. Raised handlebars make a big difference to the riding position and overall look of the bike, so I'm happy with that. After I've checked a few engine/fuel related items, I'll be ready to take it out for a proper test ride. Still can't make my mind up about that rear rack, but I do now have a set of front engine protector bars, so maybe still go down the 'front/rear bars+rack' route as was the fashion in the 70s if I can find a rear set.

Hope it goes as good as it looks (IMO, anyway!) ...

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[ddaniels]

Yes, the seat and bars look much better now. If you are going to change out brake lines, might as well go with steel braided lines.

[GS400B]

hi DD - yes I did that as part of the rebuild. Used HEL black coated braided steel lines - with the raised bars, I needed a longer one for the top half of the system anyway. Overhauled the m/cyl too - it was pretty gunged up.
The m/cyl overhaul kit wasn't cheap either (£50) - twice the cost of most other overhaul kits for various bikes. Still, can't skimp on this - not unless you want to take an unplanned trip through a hedge!

[GS400B]

First proper road test today - rides and handles very well, better than the CB360 I've got here - quicker too.
Last piece of the jigsaw has been ordered up - an OEM front mudguard. That one on the bike is a universal replacement type, so its got to go.
The replacement will need rechroming - more expense! This had all better be worth it!

[GS400B]

And here she is with the new mudguard fitted - very pleased with how its coming along (but don't ask how much the re-chroming cost! ).

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[Rich82GS750TZ]

So, how much does re-chroming cost?

[Gorminrider]

Wowee! (haha-right-don't want to know how much chrome cost! Need nag: watch out on the insides of fenders...I keep mine heavily and as toughly painted since I saw rust coming up through chrome..)

[rphillips]

Not gon'na ask what it cost, just want to compliment on how good it looks... Great job.

[steve murdoch]

Nice looking bike, Andy.

[GS400B]

Well, my wife says a fool and his money are easily parted...

so, here's the fool's latest acquisition !

how nice - not one, but TWO of them in the garage!

[steve murdoch]

Even numbers are unlucky, better get a third one!

Congrats on the new ride.
Are those Jama pipes?

[Suzukian]

The bike is a cream puff. I wouldn't do anything to it except ride and maintain it.