CL350 - Kick start only? Or starter, battery, and electronic ignition?

[Zags]

Hey guys, just got my first bike, a 1972 CL 350, and I'm trying to decide what to do in the build. As it sits now, it has the stock stator, coils, and points. But zero wiring. I HAVE the starter, but it's not currently on the bike. Before I get to building on it I need to decide between two plans before I go any further...

1. I could do it kick start only with no battery... It would certainly the easiest and fastest way to get on the road.

2. Or since I'm starting from scratch, I could go ahead and put the starter on, get a lithium battery, and get an electronic ignition while I'm at it. And from what I've heard about the stock charging system, I should go ahead and upgrade the stator as well.

Like I said before, I have zero history with bikes, so I don't really know what I want or need. I'd appreciate some opinions from those with experience. Thanks!

 

[eoep]

Did it run before you removed the wiring or did it not come with any?

 

[skanker071]

I suppose it's really up to you if you want to kick it, or push a button...

Personally, I like to kick it so I completely eliminated the starter from my '71 CB350. I'm currently running no starter with a hidden 4lb AGM battery, stock stator, and a Rick's regulator / rectifier. I tried one of those Ballistic Evo2 batteries and had some problems so I switched to the little 4lb and it's been good ever since.

If you run no battery at all, you'll need some sort of capacitor, but it does not work well with any lights or accessories you may have for road use. I don't recommend it it unless you're strictly at the track I suppose.

As far as electronic ignition, I'm still on points. Points work good for me as long as you keep an eye on them. I would like to swap someday for the sake of a low maintenance system...

 

[Zags]

Did it run before you removed the wiring or did it not come with any?

Didn't come with any wiring. Hasn't been running since 1982. Also came without carbs and gas tank. It's very much a project.

If you run no battery at all, you'll need some sort of capacitor, but it does not work well with any lights or accessories you may have for road use. I don't recommend it it unless you're strictly at the track I suppose.

It's going to see nothing but street use, so lights are a necessity. So really, I should run a battery either way... I guess that part is settled. I like the idea of using the kick start, but that's another problem I'm gonna have to address. The kick lever hits the rearset the previous owner installed. I'm either going to have to find a way to reposition the rearsets, buy/make different rearsets or, something... I'm not sure yet on that.

 

[skanker071]

Yes yes, run a battery.

I got lucky on my CB. I'm running Loaded Gun Universal rearsets and my lever just clears. I have to use more of my heel so my foot won't hit the brake lever, but it works and I got used to it hehe.

It's hard for me to tell exactly what you need to change / modify from your photo. Does it hit anything or is it just really close?