NC29 Crash & Rebuild

[NC_Girl]

After a slow speed drop on 11/4/09 we (my husband, Tomas mostly) decided to put some time and love into our mostly stock CBR400 (NC29). Amongst the new parts being installed or items being powdercoated, Tomas worked on cleaning every inch of the bike that he could reach. This was definitely overdue considering the bike is 15 years old and likely never been through such a thorough rebuild. Most of the support came from here in the US, but there are a few overseas contributors listed.

Asthetics
• Wheels were powdercoated bright white by Performance Powdercoating
• Dark smoke double bubble windscreen
• Purchased a few new left side pieces (since ours were beyond repair)
• Ordered custom decals from Brooky (Vinylmark Signs) in the UK
• Thanks to Barry at Bearco Paint, the bodywork was all sanded and multiple small cracks/fractures including a minor dent in the tank were fixed. He then painted the entire bike Honda Red and applied the decals with a final clear coat on top…it looks stunning.
• We also tried to install risers (to help me into a more upright position), but they ended up putting the clip-ons too far forward so those were returned; however we picked up a set of fully adjustable risers (thanks Dave Bell) which we are going to work with this winter to get them set up and on the bike.

Suspension
• This was a large chunk of change, but well worth it…we found a clean rear Ohlins shock off a CBR900 for a great deal (thanks Tacky1)
• Dave Rose rebuilt the rear Ohlins shock with factory kit and also tended to the front forks with a full RaceTech rebuild
• All of it was then adjusted to my height, weight and the bike – the difference is mind blowing (thanks again, Dave)

Engine
• Tomas cleaned and rebuilt the carbs to ensure we had a clean flow
• Breathers, filters, etc. were replaced
• Right side engine cover was replaced (that was a pain to find) and we had the left side powdercoated gray to get rid of the scratches/scuffs
• Wrapped ThermoTec header wrap from the manifold back to the exhaust
• We also ordered a sick slip-on from PipeWerx in the UK which finishes off the bike quite well

Braking
• Ran HEL steel braided brake lines on the front
• Replaced OEM front brake rotors with upgraded EBC rotors and pads

Miscellaneous
• Powdercoated the rear subframe along with other random parts (kick stand, etc.)
• Multiple parts were replaced (fairing stay, turn signals, etc.)
• Tomas also repacked the wheel bearings finding some that matched exactly at a local shop (Whisler Bearings and Drive)

We also want to thank our friend Cory who (thankfully!) was living in the UK at the time and drove around it multiple times picking up parts for us. He ended up shipping it over in a box almost as big as me.

The rebuild itself took about eight month and of course the overall cost of the rebuild…well it was around the same price as the bike sad to say. We offset the cost with trying to sell spare parts where we could (still trying to offset it, in fact, if you’re interested in a few spare bits for the CBR).

All in all it feels like a completely new bike. The CBR has always fit me so well and been at the top of my list (shhh don’t tell the RVF!!) it’s hard to believe that the bike could get any better, but it did…by a hell of a lot.

So a long post, but wanted to memorialize the CBR since it should now feel as loved as the RVF did 6 years ago when it was rebuilt. Of course, there is a really ironic end to all of this (no I didn’t crash it!). For about two months we rode as much as possible and far more than we had in previous years. I even rode through my early weeks of pregnancy determined to stay on that bike as long as possible. But eventually Mother Nature called an end to it and I had to step off the bike for the season at the end of September. Boooooo!

I’m looking forward to maybe getting a little riding in next year and then picking up later on, but for now the bike shines on in the garage and the next project (this time for Tomas’ RC) shall commence shortly.

A few pics:
Pic of the damage from the crash:

Bits from the UK:


The bike in rebuild:

The shock installed:

The powdercoated pieces:

The new rotors, wheels and forks on (notice who is peeking through the front wheel in the background:

Starting to come together:

The header wrap:

There it is -- just waiting for the final touch - the pipe:

COMPLETE!!!!:

[alexwitham]

Wow.

[Drunkn Munky]

done as nice job on that.

The RVT in background looks ace in those colours

[veefer400]

Tidy!

Not sure I like the red, but thats a personal preference...

Looks like a new 'un!

[cbr400rrn]

Looks good, nice and tidy

[NC_Girl]

Thanks for the good notes - it was definitely an undertaking and the paint was one of the hardest decisions. I really, really wanted to have a scheme similar to the white RC you have over there, but didn't feel like I could shrink the side wings and make it look right.

So we went with the full red and white decals to make it pop..I should take a pic with my helmet as it's white and gray with red accents and looks awesome with the bike.

Also a big thanks to brooky and those on this board who helped us out

[Davez29]

Thats really nice, would love to spend the time doing my bike up but I need it for transport so dont get the chance.

[cajun]

Looks NICE!!! Let me know if yall need anyting else. I've unfortunately got quite the collection going on over here.

[RockerTed]

well done, a credit to you!!ted

[brooky]

stumbled across this, looks good mate. glad to help out