Honda CB 350 tracker inspired build

[fuchs]

Hi all,

My second post here, let me introduce myself a bit. My name is Dem, 30 years old and I’m from Belgium. I used to tool around much with mopeds and when I turned 18 I switched to vintage cars. I still have a few mopeds in my house, the girlfriend doesn’t mind. 8) Since they all have small displacement engines (maximum 70cc) it’s not easy anymore to ride them around because most of my friends ride newer 600-1000cc bikes. So, “let’s go for a ride” isn’t really possible anymore. I wanted a bigger drivable motorcycle, vintage but not that big. I’m not into racing around with newer rocket style bikes.
So yesterday I scored myself a Honda CB 350 with drumbrakes. I’ve thought about many models but eventually the 350 is for me the best choice. I’m completely new in this scene so stupid questions will rise. I really don’t have a clue to start for parts etc, but I will figure that our real soon I guess.

A few parts come to my mind: small headlight, tracker style handlebars, cl exhausts,
so tips were to buy and look would be awesome, (europe based maybe?)

My plan is to build a tracker inspired bike, with CL style exhaust pipes, strip it to the bare minimum, 70’s paintjob, powdercoat the frame and wheels, polish a few small parts and big tires.
Okay, a few pictures of the new “beast”

Dem

 

[rubber-side-down]

welcome the 350 is a great little bike got a 360 myself, just remember there is no such thing as a stupid question just remember to used the "search" FIRST! before asking

 

[spotty]

hiya dem, welcome from australia, good luck with the build, for smaller new parts (lights bars etc) just hit ebay. you may well find pipes and stuff there too, and when all else fails have a look for a full power vmax, you'll find its the answer to most problems....LOL (including wasting your mates on modern sports bikes haahaahaahaahaahaa)

 

[fuchs]

Thx, Tonight I'm gonna post some pictures, the firewall at work doesn't allow it now.
I've already followed some builds to find some inspiration. I'll also post a few pictures of my mopeds.

 

[fuchs]

okay, a few crappy cellphone pictures to get this build started. Last night I've read woody's CL 350 build and I got inspired by some modifications... Since the 350 frame isn't a round tube front in the back like a 450 for example it isn't easy to modify it. My new thoughts is to keep the frame stock. Lower the seat an inch so it sits just on top of the frame so it doesn't floats a bit above the bike...

I'm also in favor to keep the original pan of the seat, retrim it with just a bit of camping stuff, try to make the pan a bit smaller and have it retrimmed in leather.

 

[fuchs]

Hi guys,

the bike finally arrived at my place so the fun time can begin! I also found a CL scrambler exhaust and I did already a little mock up. ahh, I LOVE the look of these exhausts.
(sorry, all crappy cell phone pictures for now)

 

[fuchs]

after the mockup I completely took the bike apart and sorted the parts. Tomorrow I'm gonna start with polishing the aluminium parts. I'm gonna go for a clean look, but not bling bling chrome style.
Next week the frame and small parts are gonna get powdercoated in high gloss black.

 

[fuchs]

While the parts are getting powder coated I'm gonna entertain myself with cleaning every little part. I completely have the look for the bike in my mind, so from this point on it's gonna be pretty straight forward!
This week the most important job is to take the wheels apart, so they also can get the powdercoat treatment.
I just ordered new chrome spokes, so the wheels are gonna get finished in black with chrome spokes, drum brakes polished and some fat 4" tires on them.

The photos so far are a little bit boring, but when the frame is back the enjoyable photos will follow!

I'm gonna clean the carbs with the lemon juice and hot water trick and some parts of the engine are gonna get the black wrinkle paint treatment. I also plan on running pod filters, does anybody have a baseline how much bigger the jets need to be? ???

 

[Tim]

Keep us posted! Glad you're taking the time to do the wheels up right by taking them apart and not masking off your tires and simply spraying them.

 

[Jordan918]

That bug is nice! I have a 68 bug sitting in storage needing an overhaul. Nonetheless, I'm on board for this one.

 

[fuchs]

Thx guys. the bug was also one of the reasons the progress on the CB was slow lately, but that's gonna change!

I took the wheels apart today and started polishing the drum brakes and hubs.
I also took the rear shock absorbers apart, cleaned everything up and changed the springs for springs I got laying around of a CB 400F, they are a little bit bigger and the shocks have a meaner look now.
The chrome tops gonna get powder coated as well, I don't like the complete chrome look.

pictures gonna follow later this evening, thx for watching,

 

[fuchs]

some pictures, hard to capture the polished drum but it's actually pretty nice!!

 

[fuchs]

I couldn't control myself last night and I gave the front fork a quick polish. They came out nice, now I just need to replace the bolts with new shiny stainless steel bolts.
I just ordered some gaiters, so the front fork is almost ready.

This week I'm also going to try to paint my triangles with VHT wrinkle paint black pretty easy with an awesome look IMHO.

Updates later this week!

 

[1fasgsxr]

I am so on board ...my two fav things...motorcycles and VW's... ;D

 

[fuchs]

last night I didn't do too much, I've put new stainless steel bolts on the forks, and patched up the last holes for the powder coating. This night I'm starting to paint some parts with the wrinkle paint, I'm excited!
For all you vw lovers out there, here is a shot of my beetle in better circumstances: launching hard!! 8)

 

[trek97]

Be sure to use some kind of thread sealant or purple locktite when installing stainless hardware into aluminum. SS/alum is the worst combination about galling.

 

[fuchs]

Be sure to use some kind of thread sealant or purple locktite when installing stainless hardware into aluminum. SS/alum is the worst combination about galling.

I didn't know that, thx for the information!

 

[BCBarker]

NICE VW! I had a 66 as my first car. Regret selling it to this day.

 

[fuchs]

NICE VW! I had a 66 as my first car. Regret selling it to this day.

THX! a 66, sweet year!
just polished the rear drum brake a bit. again, crappy cell phone picture but it will do the job.

 

[1fasgsxr]

My fist VW was a sweet 63 California car complete with Cal plates and all....sure miss it... :'(