HELP!! How to lower front end of stock 69' CL350

IvansScramblerCafe

IvansScramblerCafe

Active Member
I am sure there are threads on this subject, but I have yet to find a solution that does not require me to swap out my front end. I've already exhausted my budget and want to lower the front end of my 69 CL350. Not because it looks cool (but it will) but rather that I am vetically challenged at a whoping 5'6 with a short inseam. I already purchased the 11" rear shocks and my build should begin this week. I am reaching out here!!

Thanks in advance.
 
Slide the forks through the trees...cut the forks...make a spacer for the damping rod. A search will tell you this gets covered daily.
 
Ringo said:
Slide the forks through the trees...
Click to expand...

Yep... Easiest way. Just make sure you don't lower it so much that it bottoms out and hits stuff like pipes, cables, etc.
 
Thanks Ringo. Only problem is that I have read alot of conflicting threads on the CL350 front end such as sliding the forks through the tree. I am VERY new to building and am a little clueless when it comes to mods. Typically I have my buddy who is a freaking genius when it comes to metal fabs. All he requires is hand drawn specs and any stock measurements and he can do it.

I know there is a forum on here for videos, but someone with experience should really put videos up answering the common questions such as this one for us "clueless newbies".
 
Well aside from not looking the most stellar, what are you worried about? You've already lowered the rear...so you shouldn't have any problems lowering the front.
 
You have the early front end, you can't slide the fork tubes through the top tree, they butt up against the bottom.
 
@ Ringo - If I lower the rear (which is just replacing the stock shocks) then it won't sit with a level stance. Or am I just talking out of my ass? hahahah


@ DrJ - So what is the solution?
 
Easiest and best solution is to buy a whole front end from a later 350, including the axle.
 
+1

Or look into other front ends that could be a direct swap (and an upgrade). I think the front ends from CB450's work, and even CB360's if you want a disc brake. I could be very wrong about those though......
 
Thanks Big Rich & DrJ.... This may be something I will look into later in the year. I really want to ride it considering I have been waiting almost a year to get it (long story).
 
I have a related question:

I have been told that using taller rear shocks improves the handling of the bike. Does dropping the front end by 1 inch
through the triple trees achieve the same result?
 
racer set up is one inch up in the rear and maybe 1/2 down in the front
But with a 35mm front swap

Lowering the front or the front and the rear will have a negative effect on the handling of the bike.
 
Surffly
So what you are saying is just get 1 inch taller shocks in the rear? Or don't bother unless you do a 35mm fork swap?
I am short like the OP too, I guess I will need a thinner seat pad. ;-)
 
The cb350 is already a small bike so as long as you are 5 foot something i cant really see anyone having a problem riding a stock one or one with and inch taller rear shocks.

The 35mm swap is nice but just the taller shocks will help
Also dont cheap out on the shocks, those $99 remote res shocks are junk.
Spend the extra money on t hagons or something like that. gotta pay to play
 
Surffly

Are there any brand you would recommend? I have heard good/bad about Hagon. I don't
mind spending for good quality... just not crazy expensive like Ohlins. :eek:
 
Ohlins are over priced for the vintage stuff

Never really heard anything bad about hagons.
Progressives are ok
Yss has some nice stuff
Ikon/koni is still around but kinda a pain to get in the states
Works if you have money are racing and want the best
 
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