Another Johnny come lately, CB350

[Blackbomber]

Well not exactly. I've been into old Hondas since my first "real" motorcycle (compared to mopeds and dirtbikes), a green CL200, back in 1993. I won't go through the entire list of 19 bikes I've owned in my 37 years. My screen name comes from my favorite of them all, a 1965 CB450. It was daily transportation for quite a while, and I would never hesitate to take it anywhere. I'd have it forever, except that it was stolen about 8 years ago. Anyway, at about that time, I got itching to do something in the Cafe style. Keep in mind, at that time, there wasn't this "cafe anything" mentality, no TV or mainstream magazines or really even internet sites for this. I had plans for a '67 Scrambler I already owned. After months of back and forth, I decided that I didn't want to ruin a good bike (even I realize this is bastardazation), so I won a $50.00 CB350 on eBay from a guy who found it in a field. I have photos somewhere that I hope to find to scan in this basket case. Engine seized, but all there. Surprisingly, it was not too difficult to tear down. Lots of PB blaster and patience. I think I only ruined one bolt. I cut my teeth on an angle grinder, and shaved all the pressed steel lips, and welded the seams. I also shaved the centerstand mounts (was using two into one that eliminated the stand), and neck lock. I did some really cool work to the top fork clamp. I shaved the bungs for the handlebar risers, plugged them with billet, and fully polished it. I had some Dunstall replica clip ons I was going to use. Some other cool things, then life happened, and I lost interest. Fast forward to this week, when I decided to get back on it. I found your forum through an image search I did for ideas, and here I am. I'm in the process of a home purchase, and will be getting married in September, so I'll likely not do anything until winter. But I figured I'd hang out here a bit for inspiration, so thought I should introduce myself.

 

[legendary_rider]

Welcome Blackbomber. Can't wait to see the pics. Also, my condolences on your forth coming marriage.

 

[Blackbomber]

Thanks for the welcome. I don't know what it was years back with me and photos. I had a digital camera during this period, and would archive my images to disk. But all I have of the 350 is a few prints I made. Two of the bike as acquired, and one mock up shot, which is the photo in my avatar. Sadly, I have zero photos of my black bomber. And I actually RODE that bike for quite a while. I do have some of me getting silly on my old CB160 back in '99 or '00. Those are prints, and I bet when I find those, I'll find the 350 shots. I took a look this morning, and came up empty. As far as the marriage, I have no reservations about that. But the wedding planning is horrid (and I'm just approving stuff, not really doing any work). And the house hunting? We've looked at about 60 places so far. This afternoon, we are putting in our offer on a place, the fourth one.

Anyway, here is a larger image of the mock up shot:

 

[legendary_rider]

I see you're using the Ducati seat. I bought that too. still white though.

 

[Blackbomber]

Yeah, about that seat... I thought it looked a bit large on the frame, especially compared to the tank. Plus I also got the notion to go for more of a '60's vs '70's look. And most of all, I needed some money, and thought I'd never pick this project back up. So I sold the seat.

Of course I have picked back up on it (although for how long remains to be seen). Last night, I spent some time getting a 350F tank to look right on the twin frame. After grinding the spine off the backbone, and massaging the tunnel with a ball peen, I think I'm looking pretty decent. Need to get the motor in there to really know, and finalize the mounting points, though.

 

[legendary_rider]

I decided not to go with that seat either. Building my own out of sheetmetal so I can powder coat it same color as the tank. Also the ducati seat doesn't look right unless the bike is built as a vintage track racer wih fairings etc. in my opinion.

I like your tank. looks sweet ass.

 

[Blackbomber]

Funny thing is that last night (after getting that "F" tank on there) I was wishing I still had the Duc seat to see how it looked. I bet it would work better with this tank.

Unless something comes up that has me changing my mind, I'll be making my own seat as well. Either a traditional English style bum stop (fully upholstered), or something more ('60's Triumph) stock looking, but a little shorter, to show off the rear fender.

The tank looks better than I thought. It was bought on a whim (eBay), but turned out to be a good thing, since it really kickstarted the return to this project.

 

[legendary_rider]

Well I've got 2 builds after this one that doesn't include the ducati seat so if you want to buy this one let me know. I was gonna do up a race bike this winter and use it but I can always get another and not even sure if this is the particular one I'll end up using.