Hello from Michigan

[piscesdelgrotto]

Hey everyone my name is Nate. I'm pretty new to this, but I'm looking for a place to start. I've always wanted a motorcycle, I've had dirt-bikes in the past, and I've had a '70 CT90 for a few years now but I need something more. I might pick up a 1973 CB350F today, I checked it out yesterday w/ my dad and it seemed to be in great shape overall. The current owner purchased it from the original owner, and the current owner rebuilt the carbs and brakes. New tires, battery, plugs, 6600k original miles, and a few other things I can't remember. The bike ran great. I talked him down to $2200 from what he was asking. Me, my brother and my dad are looking to work on the bike together and cafe it in due time.... any advice out there? pics below. Thanks!

 

[HerrDeacon]

Welcome. Very nice bike, looks to be in amazing shape.

 

[loganrm]

Welcome! Nice bike man! Looks to be well ridden and well taken care of. What are the plans with it?

 

[piscesdelgrotto]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm really happy with it, hoping nobody tries to outbid me on it. As for plans, I don't want to change too much. Definitely swapping out handlebars, seat, maybe more in time but keeping everything original intact.

 

[Rich Ard]

Welcome, from Kalamazoo! Best luck on the bike.

 

[piscesdelgrotto]

Thanks again you guys, and good news... I got the bike! Here she is with my 1970 CT90. Man I love these two!

 

[loganrm]

Keeping this one mostly stock is probably a great idea. You would be amazed at how much better/cleaner it will look if you get rid of the gigantic traffic light they call a tail light.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

WELCOME! You done good!

Keeping this one mostly stock is probably a great idea. You would be amazed at how much better/cleaner it will look if you get rid of the gigantic traffic light they call a tail light.

... and by "get rid of" he means carefully remove it, wrap it in bubble wrap, then pack it in a box and stick it on the shelf.... as you should all the stock parts. Those 350F's are highly sought after by collectors and ones in the shape yours looks to be in get crazy money sometimes. They were only made two years and are an absolute BLAST to ride.
stick to "Bolt -On" mods and don't cut a thing... you will thank yourself later!
Mine was in BAD shape when I got her... unbolted the fenders, changed the trashed exhaust, swapped to clubmans, bum stop seat, and mini turn signals. Sold it and all the stock parts to a guy in Flint. Maybe you'll see her.

 

[piscesdelgrotto]

Absolutely, I want to maintain everything it came with. And who knows, might see ya around! I did have a question to anyone out there who can fill me in: the electric start worked just fine this morning, but I tried kickstarting it for the hell of it, and after a couple tries I noticed a bit of a gas drip underneath the bike. When I tried to start it, I had the fuel, choke & everything the way the owner said to do it, but that happened. Any advice? I'm printing out a few manuals just to have but was looking for extra advice. Thanks!

 

[zkparker]

Try holding the throttle wide open for just a couple of kicks. Maybe that will help open it up.

 

[piscesdelgrotto]

With some help from the previous owner, I got the drip problem worked out. Nothing really wrong at all, I just gotta get used to the bike!

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

That Bike won't start with the kicker if the battery is dead...
If it is cold, Choke on, Twist the throttle a couple times and make sure the kill switch is set to run, should fire up on 1st to 3rd kick. You can also turn the headlight off on that bike to save juice while you're fuckin around.
Hey, I noticed something, in the first group of pics it had the factory 4 into 4 exhaust, and a nice set to boot! But when you got it it had an aftermarket 4 into 2. Did you get the original exhaust... they are a gold mine.
One more thing while I am here, when that lil 350F is running right, she'll do the ton (!) where a a 350 twin would struggle. You done good!

 

[piscesdelgrotto]

Thanks Hoosier Daddy for the advice. The pipes look ok in pictures, but they had all sorts of holes, maybe even rot but I'm not sure. But yeah, I've been told they're worth a LOT

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Bummer, they look nice... I was editing my post above when you replied. so it has changed with a little "props" to you..

 

[piscesdelgrotto]

Good to hear! And thanks, I can't wait to test it

 

[loganrm]

Agreed Hoosier. When I "get rid" of a part, it goes about 5' over to an upright shelf where it hangs out until I or someone else can use it again. I can never bring myself to toss parts off these old bikes.

 

[moetrout]

Welcome from Milan, MI!

I have a 1972 CB350F. It appears we have the same/similar exhaust too. Those bikes were only made for 3 years. I have never been able to get mine to do the ton. Closest ever was maybe 90 mph. When I bought mine is had an oil leak at the drain plug. I found the oil pan was cracked at the plug. I bought one off fleabay and it too had the exact same crack. I finally found a good one, but I have to wonder if that was not some kind of flaw in the cast for the oil pan. Whatever you do.....do not torque down the drain plug too hard as i think that is what most likely caused this.