CB350 Kick start only

[laroyster1984]

I am rebuilding my '72 Honda CB350 and want to go with kick start only (no battery at all). I have read through some of the post of people that do this but it gets a little confusing and everyone had different opinions. Anyone that has done this that has any advice would be great. I have already removed my started and chain. Here are my questions?

1. Do I need to update my magneto?

2. Can I remove my points?

3. Does anyone have a wiring diagram? I am running just a head light and tail light.

4. Any other things I am over looking that I need to look into.

Thank you for all you help, hopefully I will get this build done with a little help!

 

[Sonreir]

1.) Probably.
2.) Not unless you're replacing them with an electronic ignition system like Pamco or similar.
3.) No, but it's only a few wires. Headlight and tail light will both need ground wires and power wires. Brake light will also need it's own power wire, which should get power coming from your brake switches.
4.) No battery is hit or miss on a Honda twin. You may want to have a backup plan.

 

[VonYinzer]

Yup to #4 on the previous post. No battery on these bikes is a gamble at best if you're interested in any real world reliability. There are several batteries on the market now that are powerful enough to crank the motor and keep the electrical system happy but are tiny. Easily hidden.

Is there a specific reason you want to remove the electric starter?

 

[laroyster1984]

I was just wanting to run a cleaner look. Get rid of the battery and starter and everything else I do not need. One thing I have read over and over is how getting rid of the battery is hit or miss so maybe I will rethink this. Do you have any recommendations on a battery?

 

[VonYinzer]

With a little creativity you can hide the battery, and honestly the starter is barely noticeable. Plus, having the electric leg is a good thing when tuning or on those chilly mornings.

As far as the battery, the AntiGravity or Ballistic units are nice. They're more expensive than a standard battery but worth it as they're smaller, more powerful (depending on model) and with proper care, last WAAYYYYYY longer.

Before buying one you'll want to sit down and really determine what your needs are though. Search around thw forum a bit. There are a few good write ups on the subject.

 

[datadavid]

Why stop there? Throw away the kickstart as well! There's pounds of deadweight to save you a few tenths on the track! Plus its badass to bump start

 

[laroyster1984]

My driveway is on a hill...

 

[TheCoffeeGuy]

+1 on data david. you can actually power shift too.. out goes the clutch and all that hardware.