to buy or not to buy -- CB360

[lukasz_t6]

I found a cb360 for sale. It has been sitting outside for two years.
Sometimes it runs on one cylinder only. According the the seller, he suspects electrical work or carburator.


It was advertised as a cb350, but then I looked up google images of both bikes and its a cb360 instead.

Bike needs Quebec inspection. He is asking 400$ for it.


This is my first post, but I've been viewing the forums a bit before. Do you think I should buy it or wait for something else? I'm looking for a project, and I am mechanically inclined, but i never have and i fear working on carburators


Here are some pics:



http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/9942/moto001i.jpg
http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/1935/moto002o.jpg
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/6250/moto003.jpg
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/4897/moto004q.jpg

 

[Tim]

The 360 is a very popular model around here - you'll get tons of people giving you advice and answering any questions, so it's a good choice in that regard.

$400 seems a little high for a 360cc bike that's been outside, but if it actually runs and things light up properly (headlight, signals etc.) then grab it!

The rims look ok - replacing them can get expensive and a lot of work. A lot of the rust on the chrome bits will come off with some #0000 steel wool and WD40 or rust remover. He's already painted the chrome fenders black, so that's that.

Do the brakes work at all (front most importantly as they're hydraulic)? Front forks are straight?

What is involved with a Quebec inspection? Do you mean to get it plated and on the road it needs a safety inspection first?

All in all it's a nice base for a project, especially if you like smaller bikes (like tons of us do). Insurance should be cheap (relatively speaking).

But don't rush into it - there's always another one around the corner, and this isn't a steal of a deal. It's nice, and will clean up pretty easily, but don't lose sleep if someone else buys it before you do.

 

[lukasz_t6]

Thanks a lot for the advice. As a matter of fact, I'm in europe now and was going to leave a deposit on it just based on pictures and what the seller said.

I think I'll have to pass then.




Great forum here, I'll probably find something soon enough to join in.


QC inspection involves a safety/mechanical inspection when a vehicle hasn't been plated for the road for 1+ years.

 

[frogman]

If it was me I'd take 350$ cash and start around 150$ with the guy. Sometimes running on one cylinder means its not running and not worth it to me. It needs some work and some cleaning but looks like mostly cosmetic depending on how stuck the front brake is like Tim said. The seat is wonky because ppl pull up on the wrong side trying to get it on the center stand. It has a few things that are not stock for what that is worth, the tail light, the mufflers and of course the paint.

You have no picture of the inside of the tank. If it was sitting outside without cover for 2 years there's a really good chance the entire thing is pretty rusty and the fuel system is crudded up, hence the running on one cylinder. Carbs are not hard, they just have to be spotless internally or they will have issues.

If it was me and I had close access I would jump on it, be another good project. Then I like them and I know their quirks some what.

 

[lukasz_t6]

UPDATE:


The bike ran 2 years ago on one cylinder.
Right now, it turns over on the kickstart but doesnt start (electrical suspected by owner)

Lights work when battery is plugged to the charger.
Electric starter is unplugged because it wasn't working before

Bike is hard to moved, so the caliper might be seized



I think with brakes and starter issue this is a pass. Cannot pass inspection without an electric start if thats how it came stock back in the day.


opinions?

 

[frogman]

Again, if it was here I would jump on it. Does it have to pass inspection to be sold? Is there a time limit on how long something has to go before it must be inspected?

Everything you have said is fixable, even the starter. It's not uncommon for the starter relay or the starter itself to go bad, both can be replaced for a little money and some wrench time. Most calipers just need to be taken apart and cleaned and put back together. Maybe needs new brake lines. Electrical is simple there's maybe 20 wires on the entire thing and 3 fuses. The Carbs are simple to work on enough, they just have to be CLEAN to work.

IF you are looking for a runner, then I would just let this one go. IF you are looking for a project then this is a good one to jump on. It's not a special machine by any means, and it is not original so you can make it yours without feeling like you are tearing up history. They are a blast (EASY) to work on, and a blast to ride, there are plenty of parts out there and there are a ton of us that have them to share knowledge.

 

[dirtbag]

I both fucking hate and fucking love my 360.

 

[lukasz_t6]

So I'll try to get it. It's tough doing a long distance deal though as I'm presently in europe.
Hopefully it'll be mine... I already read 53 pages of 50$ mods and many build threads, time for my own.

I both fucking hate and fucking love my 360.

I can imagine I'll be doing a lot more hating at the beginning.