My first bike, CL360.

[sphynx88]

I can't leave anything alone. If it has parts, I love taking it apart and spending way too much time and money getting it back together.

My background of wrench turning began with cars, specifically my 1978 Pontiac Trans Am and my Father's 49 Chevy 3600. I know some members on DTT and Caferacer.net have a bitter test when it comes to folks like me who are into vintage and cafe bikes because it's cool at the moment, but what can I say? These bikes have character unlike anything out there.

Onto the bike. I looked for several weeks before finding the right bike. The previous owner found it rotting and spent quite a bit getting it back in running (and quite beautiful) condition. I don't want to do anything to this bike that I can't revert back to original. Tastes change and so do owners.

My inspiration comes from a bike garage out of Portland called The Tarantulas:

And my own mock up with a personal touch:

Parts are ordered and I am itching to get working this winter. Currently working on replacing the clutch cable since mine was frayed and lubing it didn't help to much.

Last one for the day:

 

[rattpunk]

Welcome aboard dude. I don't think you'll get too much hate on here. Mostly, long as you don't get defensive, listen to sound advice and just do your thing folks here are pretty decent. Sweet looking bike too. It's kinda funny, I always loved taking shit apart and putting it back together, got oil in my veins after I found a 63 Bug that was half-way to the drag strip. Made wrenching a part of owning. Then years later got a bike, started doing the same thing. Taking shit off putting other stuff back on, etc... then broke something. I didn't even know there was a cafe thing happening until after I found this site while looking up how to fix it. 8)


Newcomers are more than welcome, I think. At least that's how it seems to me.

 

[Sonreir]

Welcome aboard. You mentioned the Tarantulas. Are you from the Portland area?

 

[sphynx88]

Just to the north in the Seattle area. Found the Tarantula's online and I love their work.

Thanks for the welcome guys!

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

I am partial to the CB/CL 360 myself.

Check the engine serial number. There is a dash after the model # and there should be 2 dots, one above the dash, one below, signifying the recall on the cam chain tensioner and rocker shafts were done.

the rocker shaft recall was not as problematic as the tensioner. the old style tensioner could come off it's retainer and jam the engine, which can create awkwards moments when riding.

Otherwise, it looks clean. If it runs as well as it looks, you are a pretty lucky guy.

Good luck...lots of info here.

The other site that you may find of interest is www.Hondatwins.net. A lot of honda twin owners on this site also habituate the other. Both of these sites offer a lot of information.

 

[sphynx88]

Thanks for the info. It runs great (aside from the aforementioned clutch cable which I am waiting for)! The motor was replaced with a CB360 motor, any idea on if the same dots apply?

 

[Sonreir]

They certainly do. I think the dots apply to all the 360 models except the CJ.

 

[SONICJK]

Good lookin bike!
Gotta ask though what is it about that tarantulas bike that you like?
Looks stock with a spray bombed exhaust and some clip ons

 

[broncoboy79]

Good lookin bike!
Gotta ask though what is it about that tarantulas bike that you like?
Looks stock with a spray bombed exhaust and some clip ons

Ive always wondered the same thing. Looks like they took a stock bike apart, painted everything black, and put it back together.

 

[sphynx88]

Ive always wondered the same thing. Looks like they took a stock bike apart, painted everything black, and put it back together.

It does, and I think that is why I like it. The styling of the bike I LOVE. When I started looking for a bike I was committed to the cafe look but I feel in love with the natural look of this bike. The tartntula's bike, I feel really catered to it's natural style while giving it an updated look.

Over time it will evolve from one image to the next.

 

[muskywhisperr]

Nice ride!

 

[f22hb]

Really nice bike to start with, are you planning on going with the same tires as on your inspiration?

 

[trek97]

nice and super clean looking. I have the firestones...I havent had any trouble but I wont recommend them to anyone. Planning to replace them this winter.

 

[sphynx88]

Updates!

Been doing a bit of work, mostly aesthetic but I've been having fun.

What's new:

New indicators
Clubmans
Painted rear fender and headlight housing
New sparkplugs
Some rust repair and light painting
Cleaning a lot!
New Battery
Cleaned connections to electrical connections
Cleaned fuel tank and petcock
New fuel lines
Finally got my rider's endorsement!

Next project, I'd love to tackle the seat and make it look nice and new again.

Thanks for looking!

 

[f22hb]

With the clubmans, how does it feel with your feet on the passenger pegs while riding? I imagine the stock peg location would be awkward looking.

 

[axeugene27]

I love it man nothing like some clean original paint.

 

[sphynx88]

With the clubmans, how does it feel with your feet on the passenger pegs while riding? I imagine the stock peg location would be awkward looking.

Ha you bet. I am currently looking at new options for the pegs and will get something over the winter. In the meantime I sit back pretty far on the seat and I am fairly comfortable which is more than I can ask. I am still thinking about getting a set of drag bars as well.

 

[f22hb]

Nice, I kinda figured. Only thing keeping me from clubmans/clipons is getting a good rearset setup figured out. I like seeing progress though, nice job.

 

[Sonreir]

I ran clubmans and stock foot controls on my 360 for a while. Not too bad when you're only 5'9", but I wouldn't recommend long journeys.

 

[sphynx88]

Well, here is where we stand.

After the handlebar swap from hell, I couldn't get the bike started. Pulled the spark plug out to check for spark and it checked out fine. Except then the spark plug wouldn't thread back in. I spent about 100 bucks trying to rethread the whole but in the end it turns out I needed a new head.

I was inches away from pulling the motor out completely and powdercoating the frame but decided I'd rather start small and maybe save that project for next year.

Needless to say, a couple weeks later the bike is up and running. Rode about 40 miles last Saturday and can't wait for spring.

Bought a seat off a member here and through it on.

So what is next? Cleaning up the frame rails (minimal rust and repaint) as well as the center stand and polishing up some chrome. Can't wait!