Paul Turk

“If you want the bikes you’ll have to take all the bike parts as well,” said the guy selling up to move everything to Portugal. He’d acquired a pair CB400F ex-stunt bikes that had been painted matt black from top to bottom, the stuff was everywhere! I wanted the 400/4 so reluctantly agreed to take the scrap as well as the two dog rough bikes. One had been so heavily modified the frame was junk so the other one became ‘my bike’ – I was hoping I could make one half decent bike out of two plus what cold be salvaged from the rubbish. The engine of the better of the pair was totally knackered; broken chains inside and evidence of massive abuse. Apparently it had been used for redline burnouts along with power high-speed wheelies and stoppies. With the help of VJMC stalwart Dave Jupp we gradually recovered one bike from all the carnage, finally delivering the 400/4 in camera. Amazingly it’s won a few prizes at shows which only goes to show almost anything is possible with old bikes if you set your mind to it.”