CB350 twin... Worth it or not?

cafepenguin

cafepenguin

Active Member
So I came across this bike on craigslist. It's a CB350 twin, and obviously it needs some help. Here's the link....

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/mcy/3080381715.html

He is asking $700, but I would not go above $500, or is that too high as well? So I what I would like to know is few things. Does that look like it would be the start to a good project bike for that money? And also, how is the clutch on the 350 twin. I currently have a CB500 four that the clutch is a pain in the ass, which I know is a well known fact, but the 350 seems to have a similar clutch system, so I'm curious if it would be as much of a pain in the ass. Anybody have any experience with it? And the last thing is, what should the cold compression be on this bike? Obviously I won't be able to test it warm...

As always thanks in advance for any advice and help.
 
There's no spec for testing cold compression, but my bike did 150 on each cylinder after my rebuild. This is just a guess, but I think anything above 135 or so should be OK?

That said, leave the bike for someone else. If it's not running it could be nearly anything and unless you have a lot of time, money, or both, there's better deals to be had.
 
Hey Sonreir,

Thanks for the input... Yeah, I've been looking for a project bike, and the CB350 twin is looking like something I would like to take on. Here in CA, these are hard to find with pink slips. And even harder to find at a decent price. So you would say for sure start with something that is currently running then? What would a decent price for a project like this be then?
 
If you plan to undertake all of the work yourself, the engine will be the most challenging portion. I'm not sure about your level of mechanical aptitude or your level of motivation, but a non-runner could be a simple fix, or a need to tear it down to every last nut and bolt. If you're getting good compression, that's more than half the battle though.

Here, in Oregon, there's a large range of prices but a Honda 350 (running with title) can almost always be found for under $1000 after a couple of weeks of looking. That said, they can also go for $2000 or more depending on the buyer (a lot of new folks jumping on this bandwagon so prices are definitely not static). It's a strange market.
 
I'd say not worth it. There is a lot missing there. You will easily have a couple hundred in time and money to get it road worthy. You would be better off picking up a running bike. Too many unknowns with this one.
 
That's a cl and he sold off the pipes i'd say he'd have to knock off at least 100 bucks for the missing pipes. I'd say you can do better for 500 but i don't know your market there. I'd give him 300 because it's titled he will take it.
 
I picked up my '73 CB350G out here in So Cal for $300 in similar condition. It had NO title and was missing basic shit (foot controls, levers, pipes). I wanted a "project" and boy did I get one. The bike's been in pieces for months. I've been scouring across the country for tiny little engine compartments. My un-expert advice is buy a bike that at least runs...even if it runs shitty, you've got a big step up on me. Here's mine when I got it; http://thebullitt.blogspot.com/2012/04/cafe-racer-project-bullitt-cb.html

I'm not buying another non-running motor until I'm retired :)
 
Hey hey guys...

Thanks for all the responses... It sounds like this project may not be worth it... hahaha.. Yeah, i would assume that I could talk him down a bit on the price, but I doubt he would drop to 300. It sounds like he is parting it out though if anyone wants to hit him up for some of those parts you might need.

TheBullitt.... I would be curious to see how your CB turns out when you get her done. Did your motor at least turn over before you started, or was it stuck? I recently came across another basket case of a CB350, that the guy wants 200 for, but it has no paper work. it looks rough and is missing the head light bucket, which I was going to replace anyway, but he does say that the engine turns over... who knows what else might be wrong though...
 
I wouldnt touch anything without a titile. Further i wouldnt recommend a basket case you could be missing the littlest thing that you can't do without and have to pay through the nose for. It's crazy I know.
 
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