CL350 Project

[revoluzin]

Hello,

New here and looking for some information I am having some trouble finding. I am going to pick up four CL350s tonight with a friend with the intention of building ourselves a couple cafe bikes. We are both new to this. Does anyone know of any guides that are pretty comprehensive from beginning to end? I know there are plenty of videos and bits of information here and there, but I was hoping to find something very thorough.

Also, it looks like most people tear the bikes down as soon as they get them? Do we even bother to see if they will run or just assume the engines/carbs will need to be rebuilt? The bikes are old and pretty dirty so would it be good practice to plan and clean/rebuild the engines regardless of whether or not they run?

Thanks!

 

[Rimmy]

Your best bet is to get a service manual (whether bought or downloaded) then focus on getting 1-2 running. After that, get them running well. Once you have a living breathing bike, decide what needs to be fixed/repaired/replaced.


As many others on this site will agree, tearing into a pile of project bikes is a great way to be sure you still have a pile of projects in the future. Get them running, enjoy them, THEN decide how you want to modify.

 

[revoluzin]

Thank you for the advice! I will look for the manual.

 

[Rimmy]

Not a problem. The clymer manual is pretty helpful and has all of the factory specs. Also, if you search around here or other forums there's almost assuredly a link to a PDF of the Honda service manual. This forum and hondatwins are a great resource for these bikes.


Make sure you have the bits on the bike you want to run, then bring them back to the factory recommendations. When you're ready to start it up start with the basics. Is there spark? Is fuel getting to where it needs to be? Diagnose from there. And if you can't figure it out search on the forum or ask. There is a ton of knowledge on these forums.

 

[revoluzin]

Clymer book came with them which is cool! I was also able to find the factory manual... One of the 73s does fire and then quits, the guy said he thinks carbs are gummed up. Something is broken off the transmission of the other 73 and then one 72 just has electric issues so I'm thinking we'll swap those engines.

Part of my concern I guess was: even if we get them running well, is it safe to be riding bikes with 45 year old engines? That's down the road, but maybe worth thinking about?

 

[whynot]

hondatwins is a very good site to go to for these bikes.

although here as well, lots of knowledgeable people for these bikes on both sites.

as mentioned follow the manual, and get them running. These are great little bikes, I'm working on a CB/SL350 at the moment.

CB engine and a SL frame.

course mine came to me in bits and pieces, so depending on what you want to do will determine what you do first.

wish i was afforded the opportunity to get one whole. I would have gotten it running and ride it.

as for safely riding it around, just ensure you check all safety features prior to riding.......tires, brakes, bearings, cables and such.

bottom line, enjoy, and post lots of pictures, old farts like me, tend to get bored with just words..........pictures.

And welcome to the forum madness.

 

[Maritime]

A Honda engine if maintained will last forever, if compression is good and they run, change the oil set the valves etc and use them. don't open them up unless something is wrong. Tires if original though, replace them asap LOL. Get the bikes to run, stop, etc then look at what you want to change performance and looks wise. I ride a 79 GL1000 and it has close to 180K miles on the clock, never been opened up unless you count head gasket change a few years back. Still has factory compression after though. Have fun and follow the manuals and you'll do fine.

 

[revoluzin]

Here are the 73s we are planning to use

 

[kickracingmotorcycles]

Wow that is so much nicer than they sometimes are after a few decades. Definitely try to get a running bike first. One that runs well too. That way you Wil know exactly what it needs or does not need. Next plan your goals with the bike. Want to do a Cafe, or a resto mod?

 

[whynot]

Or if you really have your heart set on rebuilding from the ground up, I'll trade you my heap for your bike. ;-)

Wow, those look nice.

 

[revoluzin]

Nope! I think we will keep these haha thank you