Newb with 1969 CB350 K0. Project Dr. Cafe Racer

viciouz

New Member
Hi guys, just recently picked up a 1969 CB 350 (K0 I believe) for 1000 in somewhat running condition. It was previously haphazardly converted into a cafe racer before but not shown much love since then.

I bought this bike because I've always thought it was cool to have an Hipster bike. I'll be the first to admit that I'm somewhat hipster, but I wanted a challenge and a project to wrench on (My 1996 BMW M3 was just rear-ended and totaled and no longer have the heart to continue to rebuild another).

Objectives are:
1) learn about motorcycles and all their components in its entirety
2) get my hands dirty
3) have a sweet bike to ride around in and get coffee with.

I understand this forum is a wealth of information and I would love to have input and feedback and HELP along the way.

21199761_10105517450362101_7530606428902603645_o.jpg

21246166_10105517450357111_9133039691140029661_o.jpg

21167771_10105517450352121_8524457714741649125_o.jpg

21167195_10105517450342141_3561214229472180692_o.jpg

21199624_10105517450367091_4414907479215491790_o.jpg


So the game plan is:

1) Strip the bike down to the frame and figure out seating configuration; then powder coat frame
2) Rebuild the engine
3) Replant engine
4) Replace all necessary components (trying to stay minimalist as possible)
5) Figure out font suspension; rebuild forks vs thinking about doing a front end swap with a GSXR likely
6) Figure out rear suspension; likely will replace
7) ... etc
8) ... etc (I'll figure out more of this as I go along the way)

My budget for this build is about 4000 dollars. (I already spent 1K on the bike).
I hope to keep this as a diary/log for all my achievements and MISTAKES I'll make and hopefully it will be helpful to someone in the future.

EDIT: Forgot to Mention I am in San Diego, California. Hoping to connect with some locals eventually.
 
Welcome to DTT. Sucks to read about your BMW.

Glad that "train wreck" found an owner to show it the love it desperately needs. 8)

List of things I would do.

FIRST get it running properly. I dont know WTF is up w the air filters?!?! An engine cant run if it cant get air. ::)

Install a pair of real mufflers.

Add mirrors and decent lighting...rider safety is never a bad idea. ;)

Loose the clubmans. Go with something better suited for the stock foot peg location. (uncomfortable bike is no fun to ride)

If you desire low bars. I recommend Tarozzi (fully adjustable) clip ons. Then relocate the foot pegs. I also like Tarozzi rear sets.

Install a rear fender. Or atleast an inner fender to keep from slinging shit all over the filters/carbs/engine/your own backside. ;D

The only decent thing about that bike is the front fender....keep it.

Youre front and rear suspension upgrades are a great idea. 8) I imagine those rear shocks make it ride like a wagon. :p

And a decent pair of tires suited to your riding style and conditions.
 
Looking forward to this! Welcome! Doesn't look half bad. Want to find an early CB350 twin myself.

For shiggles, flip the clubmans over and see if they're more comfortable that way w/the stock peg location. The grips shouldn't be too hard to pull off and swap. Bar end mirrors maybe? Avon has some nice small displacement bike tires, AM83.
 
vwrabbit said:
Looking forward to this! Welcome! Doesn't look half bad. Want to find an early CB350 twin myself.

For shiggles, flip the clubmans over and see if they're more comfortable that way w/the stock peg location. The grips shouldn't be too hard to pull off and swap. Bar end mirrors maybe? Avon has some nice small displacement bike tires, AM83.

or get rearsets and keep the clubmans.
 
Welcome.......I like it. With a few adjustment of course.

I'm on the lookout for just the roller portion myself.

Have an engine, just no place to put it.

Looking to see what you do with this and maybe copy....jk.

Good luck with it, the Ton is here to help.
 
I'd try rolling the bars forward 15-20deg then re-position the levers etc, the upward angle at the moment looks super uncomfortable

Nice bike though, enjoy.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Back
Top Bottom