"I can't ride it unless it's my color." 1974 Honda CB400FOUR

"I can't ride it unless it's my color."
Born from that sentiment, this is the 1974 Honda CB400FOUR (Yonfor). We introduce a one-of-a-kind machine that owner Satoshi has meticulously customized down to the smallest detail.

1974 Honda Dream CB400FOUR (Yonfor)

Encountering a Legendary Motorcycle Admired in Manga

For riders in their 40s, the Yonfor holds a special place. Having seen this legendary motorcycle in numerous manga and magazines, they harbored a vague dream of "owning one someday."

Then one day, a friend decided to part with his Yonfor.

"If the timing is right, I should just buy it!"

That thought pushed him forward, and he welcomed the motorcycle he had always admired.

Yonfor unified in blue

He acquired his dream motorcycle when his friend decided to sell it.

The Yonfor, which many riders dream of owning someday.

Concept: "Eliminate Red, Unify with Blue"

All the motorcycles Satoshi owns are unified in blue. His Gunner and SR400 are also finished in the same color, and this Yonfor is no exception.

The Yonfor originally sported red, a popular color. However, Satoshi boldly repainted the entire bike in blue, his personal favorite color. The decals on the tank and side covers were also custom-made to match the body color.

But he didn't stop there.

He removed the red Ueda Racing sticker from the tandem bar and replaced the brake lens with a clear one. The turn signal lenses and the reflectors next to the headlight were also changed to clear, thoroughly eliminating any red elements.

The most challenging part was the red emblem on the Moriwaki hand-bent exhaust system.

Since the emblem was on a plate and couldn't be removed, Satoshi considered how to cover it. He had a friend trace the emblem and then created a blue version using an aluminum sticker. He now applies this sticker over the original emblem, achieving a blue unification down to the finest details.

"Even if it peels off, I have plenty of spares, so it's no problem (laughs)."

This playful approach is another anecdote that perfectly captures the spirit of this unique machine.

Instagram "Satoshi"
https://www.instagram.com/sato310f

Satoshi's beloved Gunner125 (Webike Plus)

"I can't ride it unless it's my color." Color is Satoshi's point of pride.

Gunner125 dyed in Satoshi's color

Changed from the popular red to his personal favorite blue.

Turn signal lenses were also changed to clear, thoroughly eliminating red elements.

The ultimate touch... even the Moriwaki emblem on the exhaust system was made blue.

Customizations for a Comfortable Ride, Not Just Looks

Current major customizations include an AGAIN double seat with a lowered cushion, Ueda Racing rubber-grip tandem bar, Kijima Alfin release cover, Moriwaki hand-bent exhaust system, and NITRON rear suspension.

Furthermore, updates such as converting the fuse box to blade type and changing lighting lenses to clear have been made to enhance reliability and usability.

Future plans include converting the lights to LED, installing an AS Uotani full transistor ignition system (Futora), an oil cooler, and a multi-temperature meter, aiming to create a classic bike that can be ridden with peace of mind.

Equipped with an AGAIN double seat with a lowered cushion.

The silencer chosen is the Moriwaki hand-bent exhaust system, boasting a powerful sound.

The Kijima Alfin release cover and NITRON rear suspension enhance both presence and riding performance.

A beautiful handlebar area that retains the classic charm.

Expressing Yourself with a Classic Bike

In the world of classic motorcycles, there's a strong culture of valuing original condition.

Satoshi admits that he sometimes feels a bit out of place repainting the popular red color to blue.

"Maybe it's just me thinking that way..."

He says with a laugh, but he also finds that his unique approach is often warmly received at events because it's a machine that truly reflects his individuality.

A machine that expresses individuality rather than adhering to the original.

With classic bikes, why not add your own personal touch to the customization!

Classic Bikes Are Meant to Be Ridden

What Satoshi values most is not "displaying a classic bike," but "riding a classic bike."

"I want to keep the good parts while incorporating new technologies. It's about learning from the past to create the future. I want to continue making it a bike I can ride extensively."

While respecting the original design, he enjoys customizing it to his own taste and actively incorporates modern technology. This approach seems to offer one answer to how to interact with classic motorcycles.

He concluded with a final remark:

"However, the Yonfor is slow. It's really slow (laughs)."

It's precisely because of its charm that transcends mere performance that it continues to captivate so many riders even after more than half a century.

Instagram "Minna no Tankito"
https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito

The charm of the Yonfor, which cannot be described by performance alone... it continues to attract many riders even after more than half a century.