1969 Honda Cb350 Rebuild

[peterpicchi]

Hello!

After searching relentlessly on Craigslist for a new motorcycle to work on, I finally found one that I couldn't pass up. Say hello to "Aurora", my 1969 Honda CB350. Overall, she was in pretty good shape, other than some rust in a few spots, some cosmetic issues, and the usual dirt, grime, and normal wear after 40+ years of riding.

I really like the brat style bikes that are out there now and wanted to mix that with a cafe look as well. So, I figured a brat style seat, rear sets, and clip-ons, and stripping the bike down to the absolute necessities. Everything simplified and minimal looking will be the focus of this build. I'm partnering with a local metal smith and bike builder to help me with this project, since my knowledge and skills can only take me so far. I'll post as many pics as possible and share as much as I can.

 

[peterpicchi]

Picked up some new tires for my bike as well, Avon Road Riders AM26 110/90 rear and 100/90 in the front.

 

[XsjadoTwin]

Looks like a great start! I'm on board.

If you ever swap tanks let me know ...Ive been looking for a decent cb359 tank.

 

[peterpicchi]

So, after coming up with a game plan for the build and stripping the bike down to the frame, I came up with a battery box to hide the electronics and battery. Also, all the pinch welds have been grind down to clean up the frame, upper portion boxed in to add reinforcement, and rear tail section shortened up.

 

[XsjadoTwin]

Picked up some new tires for my bike as well, Avon Road Riders AM26 110/90 rear and 100/90 in the front.

​

I ordered the same size tires for my build. If you didn't order wider wheels (2.5") these will be too wide for your stock wheel and pinch the bead causing the contact area to be squeezed and minimized. Believe me I got the run down when in posted my thread about tire sizes... I'm currentlynrunning a 2.75"x18 up front and a 3.5"x18" in the rear. Ive attached a very handy chart that helps when determining the correct tire size for your wheel. I do plan to order a wider wheel in the future so I can run a wider tire, but running THAT wide of a tire on stock wheel IS NOT recomended.

those tires you have are 4 sizes larger than recommended for ideal handling/safety​

 

[peterpicchi]

My local guy that's helping me with the build has killer ideas and is great with fabricating. He came up with an idea for the front fender and couldn't be more pleased with the results. Bobbed the front fender and used the existing braces to streamline and give it a more aggressive look.

Before:

After:

 

[raptormeat]

lookin good so far. make sure you get some grease in that swingarm, looks rusty and id recommend tapered steering stem bearings as well. the DCC brat seat is super slim (read: expensive) but it really makes for a nice minimal bike, and considering youre putting the battery under the seat, you dont need a hump in the back of your seat. check my cb360 build if you want some visuals.

 

[goodgam]

Totally on board for this too, because: 1. I love that bike and tank 2. Please post as many pics as you like, specifically ones with you in them haha 3. That was my exact plan for my cb front fender. I hope mine turns out half that sharp.

 

[peterpicchi]

Totally on board for this too, because: 1. I love that bike and tank 2. Please post as many pics as you like, specifically ones with you in them haha 3. That was my exact plan for my cb front fender. I hope mine turns out half that sharp.

I'll be sure too haha post pics of your fender too!

 

[peterpicchi]

Updates:

Grandfather's brass drum key for steering damper.

 

[raptormeat]

are you building bikes in your parents' house driveway too? 8)

 

[Luugo86]

What type of grinding wheels did you look to get the frame work looking so smooth? Looks good.

Luugo

 

[peterpicchi]

What type of grinding wheels did you look to get the frame work looking so smooth? Looks good.

Luugo

I'll double check.

 

[peterpicchi]

Everything has been powder-coated, buffed, polished, painted, and cataloged for reassembly.

Stock seat mount repositioned.

 

[pukhkan]

Nice work so far! You work fast

 

[ApriliaBill]

Cool cars, building bikes on the central coast of California.... Living the dream much??? Way to go dude, you got this whipped.

 

[peterpicchi]

Update!

All that's left is wiring, firing, and paint.

 

[hossler]

Really slick looking ride! My 69 cb350 build started the exact same way, awesome bike brother

 

[nick0]

Really Good looking bike. I like what you've done here


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[peterpicchi]

Tank should look like headlight bucket eventually.