72 CB350 from Southern Ontario

[wibblee]

Hey Everyone,

I picked up this non-running cb350 last October in a fit of delusion about my available amount of time, money and skill. (I don't have enough of any.)

I've been lurking since then, planning my attack. I think I'll do a build thread, if only to document the misadventures of a non-mechanical cheapskate in the hopes that no other newb ever repeats them.

As it stands now, I think I've run into some electrical issues. And as much as I know nothing about engines, I really know *nothing* about electrical. When I push the starter, I get absolutely nothing. (The idiot light is on, and dims slightly when the button is pushed.) If I try to kickstart, it "whuff, whuffs" during the kick, but nothing after.

This place is awesome with information. I can't believe how much help is in here and hoping that with some of that help, I'll be able to get this thing on the road by June!

Thanks for reading,
John

 

[HerrDeacon]

Welcome to the site John and congrats on the bike. Do you have a manual for the bike yet? If not, you'll definitely need it and you can download one here: http://www.hondatwins.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=13538

 

[Ease]

You'll find the time and all the skill you need is here on the forum.

Keep coming on here and getting inspired/brainwashed and it'll eventually be a motorcycle you love

 

[wibblee]

Thanks guys. I was able to pick up a copy of both the Clymer's and the Honda shop manuals. I find them to be a good starting point, but they assume everything is perfect and OEM. Here, people know what happens after 40 years and things like the Radioshack rectifier are pure genius.

The inspiration is at every post/build. I can't believe some of the things people can accomplish. I'm really looking forward to loving this bike!

 

[livingdead]

I dont wanna sound stupid on this one... But did you take off the carbs? I was looking at the picture and there is no carbs.

 

[wibblee]

I think about half of the non-running bikes I've seen are missing the carbs. Maybe it's the first part that shows the neglect? Maybe it's the easiest part to part out? I dunno.

But mine didn't come with carbs. PO said he lost them in a move. Along with the title. I probably should have seen the warning signs.

I've since put on a pair of VM30's with pod filters.

 

[livingdead]

Yah most lazy people take them off to clean them and then never do and lose them and then sell the bike.

Did you get it running yet?

 

[wibblee]

Not running yet. I was able to cross the solenoid to get the starter going, so I have a new one on order. Should be here by Saturday. I'm pretty sure that's not the only problem though, or else it should kickstart, shouldn't it? I don't think I'm getting any spark. I'm hoping I'll be able to troubleshoot further down the line once the solenoid gets here.

I've got an eye on a parts bike that I might pick up Saturday too. Fingers crossed for a more intact wiring harness that I can monkey with or compare to.