71 Honda CB350: Enthusiast turned builder!

I basically plan to modernize everything, just strip it down, re-paint, put some new components on, re-build the engine, bring some of the wiring to the 21st century. I'm still debating a lot of things. Like if I want to do a custom tank, convert gauges to digital, get new carbs, or new wheels.

Does anyone have experience converting mechanical speedo/tach cable/wiring to newer digital gauges?
My wheels are trued up, and fine, so I don't think I will buy new ones right now, I may paint them though.
The carbs are cracked all over, but everything is working fine on them, might replace if they go bad.
Also, I don't know if I want to do a lower fairing yet.

This is what my dream, is.....

We will see if, and when I get there ;)
 
Thanks, deviant, I finally got the engine out today, and will start working on that next week. I'm taking a break for a week due to my work schedule. Engine looks pretty clean from the bottom, only some sediment at the oil filter; but I know the top-end will be a mess.





 
When you say, "carbs are cracked all over" .... show us the pics. Are you talking about the rubber boots or the aluminum carb bodies?
 
I don't know if you can see from this picture, but the outside of the carbs are cracking (very slightly). I'm unsure if the cracks are superficial in the metal or worse. I'll re-inspect them once I take them apart, probably nothing to worry about.
 
I don't think beauty was ever in the eye of the beholder.....So make the bike of your mind and you will enjoy it. Unless a bike is rare I see no need in keeping it stock...and CB's were far from rare, however, good looking vintage bikes customized well can be. Just look at the bikes on BikeEXIF and you will see my point. I am not sure you always need the right tool...sure it makes it easier...but if you only use it once they can start to kill your budget. I have made due with ok tools for a long time...some I needed better and bought, while others I am glad I suffered and did not buy. If you have a mechanical mind and enjoy seeing how things work and are handy then I think all of the stuff you plan is doable.....hell I think half of this site is full of people who liked to take shit apart as kids just to see what was inside!
 
Hey guys & gals, sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have been very busy with work. I'll give you a little update on the build progress.
I'm mainly working on the engine right now, and polishing little parts here and there. I took the top end apart of the engine and started cleaning everything. I replaced the clutch plates, and all oil seals around the engine. Cylinders have been honed and look beautiful. Only question I have is should I replace the piston rings, if I'm keeping the stock pistons in. The inside of the engine is beautiful, only 12k miles. Pistons seem to be to spec, within the workable range.

Next steps are to seal up the engine, polish, and paint it. I'm doing an all black crinkle engine color, with polished covers.
Enjoy the pics....
 
I made a DIY Valve Remover, out of a block of wood. Better than paying $40.00

The pistons were pretty gunked with carbon, but in good shape.






Pistons have since been cleaned, but the valves don't want to come clean.
 
The valves don't want to clean up well, plus they have a lot of pitting. Probably going to replace.







Cylinders have been honed, and face surfaces off all parts resurfaced for proper mating.


 
Definitely replace the rings after honing.

Not sure why you even tore the engine down with such low mileage.

Those valves look fine in the pictures. I would give them a very light lapping and reinstall. You can use a wire wheel to clean them up.
 
Go to YouTube and watch some videos of the proper way to lap valves.

Go to a NAPA auto part and buy a valve lapper. It's basically a stick with a suction cup on the end. Real cheap. Worth it even if you never need it again.

Be careful of the valve to seat contact area. If you lap too much, the contact area will be too wide. That will make your valve job be short lived.
 
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thanks
 
Polished up the valve surfaces, painted the engine, and it's now partially assembled.
Next step is to finish polishing the covers, and tappet caps, and torque everything down.






 
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