1978 Hondamatic 400

[Jim T.]

I inherited a few bikes when my dad passed on in 2005 and decided to get one running. The first I picked is the 1978 Honda 400 automatic with only 1,950 miles on it. I'm in the process of rebuilding the carbs and getting the tank sealed and will have it running this weekend. My question is, has anyone here ever owned one of these? I'm curious as to what I could expect mileage wise. Otherwise I'll add it to the list.

Jim T.

[vxdude]

50-70 mpg

[GasSavers_JoeBob]

Probably a bit less...that is the Honda Hawk with a two speed automatic, IIRC. The Hawk got around 50 or so. You could still buy the '78s brand new in '81, along with the '78 Honda 750 automatic. Remember seeing a lot of them still at dealers when I was looking for a new bike in '81.

Of course, if it's in good shape, with that low of miles, it's still better than nothing, just be careful...it'll probably whet your appetite for a real bike!

[Jim T.]

Originally Posted by JoeBob

Probably a bit less...that is the Honda Hawk with a two speed automatic, IIRC. The Hawk got around 50 or so. You could still buy the '78s brand new in '81, along with the '78 Honda 750 automatic. Remember seeing a lot of them still at dealers when I was looking for a new bike in '81.

Of course, if it's in good shape, with that low of miles, it's still better than nothing, just be careful...it'll probably whet your appetite for a real bike!

I have a 2006 Triumph 1050 Sprint,
A 1991 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan,
The 1978 Hondamatic nicknamed the "Hoover",
plus four more project bikes when I get the time.
I'm also planning on a Guzzi purchase this year that will be my 40th motorcycle
A real bike is whatever I happen to be riding.

Jim T.

[GasSavers_JoeBob]

Originally Posted by Jim T.

I have a 2006 Triumph 1050 Sprint,
A 1991 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan,
The 1978 Hondamatic nicknamed the "Hoover",
plus four more project bikes when I get the time.
I'm also planning on a Guzzi purchase this year that will be my 40th motorcycle
A real bike is whatever I happen to be riding.

Jim T.

"Of course, if it's in good shape, with that low of miles, it's still better than nothing, just be careful...it'll probably whet your appetite for a real bike!"

You see, I was right! It worked! (OK, so you got a few of them before the Hondamatic, but what's a few bikes between friends?)

[Jim T.]

Well, it's running. I've put a few gallons thru it and with the carbs still need a little work/balancing and so on, but so far it seems to be right around 51/52mpg. It seems happy around 45/50mph in second (top) gear. Time will tell as I'm letting anyone that wants to ride it. There's not many takers as it's fairly ugly at this point.

Jim T.