My '73 CL350!!!! Banzai!!!

[crazypj]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

Rear tyre didn't 'grab' the seat when you hit bumps did it? (looks awful close in pics)
That would slam weight onto front and make things very weird.
Lowering forks when raising rear back to stock height may not be best idea, it steepens steering angle, reduces trail (and self centering action) plus, as mentioned, shortens wheelbase.

 

[rawfish]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

I'm gonna raise the whole bike back to stock height.

 

[Swagger]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

I'm gonna raise the whole bike back to stock height.

Dunno why, it's just a hunch but something tells me that ride height wasn't the culprit on this one.
If you rode this bike around for months and didn't have any adverse (other than bad corner clearance) handling issues then it sounds like some other variable. How are your tires? Were they up to pressure? Up to temp? What about contaminants on the road surface? That one spot of oil with your name on it?
What about the status of your swing arm bushings? I've had bikes try to pitch me off with the wobbles that needed new bushings out back.

It just strikes me as a little quick to jump on the setup if it worked ok prior to launch.

 

[DrJ]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

My bike is lowered and a couple of years ago before I installed a steering damper, I rode over a set of raised, angled railroad tracks. The front end got launched a couple of inches and twisted up in the air. Almost went down and the riders behind me saw the whole thing. The damper has really calmed the front end down.

 

[Jp]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

Oh Man!!! This sucks dude! But glad your doing alright ... heal up and I'm sure you'll get er fixed in no time. Ingat pare!

 

[Jp]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

My bike is lowered and a couple of years ago before I installed a steering damper, I rode over a set of raised, angled railroad tracks. The front end got launched a couple of inches and twisted up in the air. Almost went down and the riders behind me saw the whole thing. The damper has really calmed the front end down.

Hey DrJ, where did u source out that steering damper? that's a good idea ...

 

[rawfish]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

Hey DrJ, where did u source out that steering damper? that's a good idea ...

I was gonna ask the same thing. I still healing, but the bike will be back on the road...

 

[caseyjones]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

I just ordered an NHK from fastfromthepast.com. Dennis, if you want to stop by on Saturday morning, that would work best for me.

Later,
Casey

 

[DrJ]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

The black NHK is the cheapest and easiest one to get. I use a Shindy, available here:

http://www.economycycle.com/servlet/the-451/Shindy-Steering-Damper--fdsh-/Detail

 

[H100]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

glad your ok rawfish.
as stated earlier, the metal bits are easier to fix than the human bits.
good luck with the recovery mate, both you and the bike!

 

[JRK5892]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

you can also check ebay, just look for adjustable damper, alot of times you can get a good score, i paid 12 for the one on my Fighter and it is completely adjustable, then swagger made me the fork clamp, the one on my harley is a storz ceriani damper on my harley. it iss awesome

 

[diesel450]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/5/10 WRECKED!!!!

Hey, its all been said here but I'm REALLY glad you're okay. The thought crosses my mind sometimes that we could lose someone here. Averages and all, SO, i'm glad you found a nice soft spot to land on! Not sure who said it but getting to the root of the problem would be key for me or I'd never really trust the bike again.

Sounds like you have a few sources for parts but I have some generic Honda stuff off bikes of similar size so if you have trouble finding an odd bit hit me up I may have it.

 

[rawfish]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/15/10 The Resurrection!!!!

Got my 360 tank mocked up to fit with a little bit of cutting to the tunnel I'll be using the old tank for parts. The fuel cap, petcock survived the crash so I'll be using those. Got the front forks on and the rear wheel. So, it's pretty much a roller right now.

 

[rawfish]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/15/10 The Resurrection!!!!

Thanks for the parts Casey!

 

[caseyjones]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/15/10 The Resurrection!!!!

I'm just glad you could use any of that stuff!

 

[Jp]

Re: My '73 CL350 Updated 6/15/10 The Resurrection!!!!

Lookin good ... glad to see ur back at it again ... it is therapeutic for us gearheads! 8)

 

[rawfish]

Re: My '73 CL350!!!! To be continued.....

Fortunetly, I've been blessed with another baby on the way. So, my priorities are with the family and home.

 

[rawfish]

Re: My '73 CL350!!!! to be continued...........

It feels good to be back in the garage. So, this is the donor tank. It'll be put to good use. The filler cap, tunnel will be used for the 360 tank. The undamaged half will be used for the tail section.

 

[rawfish]

Re: My '73 CL350!!!! to be continued...........

 

[rawfish]

Re: My '73 CL350!!!! to be continued...........

I'll have alittle bit more fuel with this tank.