Knocking height off a CB350........Can anyone help?

[New2meCB]

First, sorry for posting this topic here, and, one that has been asked before. I ask again however, because no "real" answer has ever been given as far as I have seen. I hope this changes today

I'm still in the process of doing some more stuff to my 71 CB350 and planning ahead as well. To get the desired outcome, I'm going to need to squat the bike down some. The rear is easy but when it comes to the front end, It's more than a little puzzling (at least for me).

I have the upper triple tree that DOES NOT ALLOW the fork tubes to be slipped up through. I then figured I'd just cut the damper a hair or add sapcers etc but once I looked at the schematic of the fork my bike has, I'm at a loss ????

I know some CB's came with a fork which had a damper that was being cut down a bit and re-threaded, but, it would seem mine does not have that damper.

Am I right in thinking (aside from a full front end swap) that my only option is to cut the spring down?

Has anyone here cut that spring down before? I'm not looking for this bike to scape the weeds or anything. I was thinking a snip of about .5 to .75"

The only available schematic I was able to find of my for is here http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350-super-sport-350-k3-usa_model432/partslist/F++0602.html#results

ANY HELP OR ADVICE IS APPRECIATED

Thanks all

Why is their no dedicated suspension forum? Or am I missing it and it's right in front of me?

 

[surffly]

You understand that this will have a negative effect on the handling right?

 

[New2meCB]

You understand that this will have a negative effect on the handling right?

Thanks, but, yeah, I know all about the effects of even the slightest of changes. I used to race mountain bikes and we'd experiment with suspension setups all the time. I am aware it'll change the bike's handling characteristics, but, in this case, I'm not racing whatsoever and if it turns it into a slow, sluggish handler I honestly don't care. It's a commuter/going for a cruise ride.

This bike, for me, in this case, is all about looking the way I want it to. Nothing more.

I do honestly appreciate the warning on this though, surffly. I know there are many who end up surprised by how drastic a change is made by even just changing ride height.

No worries though. I'm alright with it.

I will however reduce the front and rear height by the same amount to at least "minimize" the impact. I know it will still change the handling, mainly due to wheel-base change if done correctly, but.......still want to go for it. My concern however is the spring compression change. Lopping a bit off the spring alone sometimes really faulks things up. I don't want that front end bouncing down the road all over the place because there is a lack of preload or whatever.

Are you aware of anyone who has simply cut the spring.

 

[surffly]

The other negative effect is the loss of ground clearance, not bottoming out over speed bump like in a civic, I man in a turn hard parts start dragging early.

Either way it is what it is. Plenty of bikes out there that are art projects.

Why go through all this cutting and such when a different front end literally bolts on and you are done? Not like any of the needed parts are hard to find or expensive. Seems like you are making work for the sake of work

 

[Tristan]

I'm not sure which year 350 has the adjustable top tree, but I bought one from a member here for my cb350f a few years back. I couldn't find one on ebay, so you'll have to do some research if you really want to go this route. Ask the guys on the 350 twin forum--- hondatwins.net . If you click the link on my signature you'll see the triple tree I'm talking about.

 

[New2meCB]

I'm not sure which year 350 has the adjustable top tree, but I bought one from a member here for my cb350f a few years back. I couldn't find one on ebay, so you'll have to do some research if you really want to go this route. Ask the guys on the 350 twin forum--- hondatwins.net . If you click the link on my signature you'll see the triple tree I'm talking about.

You saying you just swapped out the top tree? If so that would be a good deal. I know where I can get my hands on a CL Top. I wonder if that would fit.....

 

[Tristan]

Exactly! Take some measurements to double check, but I believe all the 350's forks are 33mm diameter. It should just pop on and work without a problem.

 

[Rusnak_322]

CB360 have 33mm forks. You may be able to source a full set of triple clamps and bolt them on. Just to be sure, look at All Ballz ball bearings and see if the parts are the same for 350/360.


I got a triple tree set for a CB360 last year for $35 plus shipping from eBay.


There also was a good right up somewhere about cutting the fork springs. Made it look cheap and easy. Try a little more research before buying parts.

 

[New2meCB]

CB360 have 33mm forks. You may be able to source a full set of triple clamps and bolt them on. Just to be sure, look at All Ballz ball bearings and see if the parts are the same for 350/360.


I got a triple tree set for a CB360 last year for $35 plus shipping from eBay.


There also was a good right up somewhere about cutting the fork springs. Made it look cheap and easy. Try a little more research before buying parts.

Cheers guys. Appreciate the input. I'll look into that for sure before cutting anything.

You're responses were far more helpful than the verbal "you're-a-douche-for-going-this-route" (basically) I got via PM

LOL

The only article I found about trimming the springs was one where he trimmed it slightly after cutting the damper down a bit. Different fork again so...... I'll look some more.

I know where there is a CB360 as well but can't remember if there was a front end on it. It was in a salvage yard. Guess I'll have to make a trip again

Again, Thanks a bunch for the info.

If anyone else has any suggestions, I'd love to hear it.

Steve A.

 

[surffly]

You can not swap the top triple clamp and be done. The upper part of the tube enters the top clamp on the bike you have and this aids in alining the front end. It would also leave the top bolt on the fork tubes "floating"

just buy the correct front end that you need for this

 

[surffly]

See the top of the forks on these?
Its a smaller diameter then the forks
This is what you have.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-HONDA-CB350-FRONT-FORK-SET-L-R-FRONT-SUSPENSION-CB-350-VINTAGE-69-70-71-/271033300696?hash=item3f1ad7f6d8&item=271033300696&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr


The forks you need are a constant diameter.
I guess you could swap the top triple, although I would check that they are the same specs and not just 33mm.

 

[New2meCB]

You can not swap the top triple clamp and be done. The upper part of the tube enters the top clamp on the bike you have and this aids in alining the front end. It would also leave the top bolt on the fork tubes "floating"

just buy the correct front end that you need for this

Can you recommend a couple frond ends I should consider. If I can get one quick, I may bight.

I KNOW I can get a CL350 front end. Does that differ much in any way?

PS hoping to keep my drums.

 

[Tristan]

So, technically he could just swap out the top tree, except he'd be required to drop below that narrow diameter at the top, right?

 

[lingo]

a cl350 would have a drum brake if that is your concern. If it is a complete front end buy it and and be done

 

[surffly]

Here are the important bits
-forks need a constant diameter. not really for any functional reason, but this is an art project so why have ugly fork tops
-Top triple needs to have a pinch bolt to hold the forks

Latter CB/CL front ends will do the job. Just swap your wheel/brake and controls right over to the "new" front end

I would mention that at this point it would be a great idea to upgrade the front end to the 35mm from a XL350 or CB500/550
These forks all but bolt on and will actually improve the what the bike works as a motorcycle. They also have triples that will allow you to drop the bike in the way you want, and negate any improvement the forks could give. BUT you would need to run the whole front end including the disc from the CB500/550 and completely fab something to work with the XL

 

[New2meCB]

See the top of the forks on these?
Its a smaller diameter then the forks
.........................
The forks you need are a constant diameter.
I guess you could swap the top triple, although I would check that they are the same specs and not just 33mm.

Sorry, took off for work and was unable to reply until now.

I knew what you meant in an earlier post when you said "floating" tubes. I was aware of the tapered part of the tubes that go up and in. In thinking about it now though, I agree, having that extend out past the top triple wouldn't look too appealing. I suppose in a pinch (no pun intended ) if all other specs and diameter were the same, it would do the job but....

I know I can pick up a CL350 front end so I may consider that at some point. Right now, these are thoughts for later stages of the project so....... Just getting some info and educating myself ahead of time.

Still pretty annoyed about one member here PM'ing me a lecture and then responding with a "F#&* YOU" when I called him on it.

Whatever his intention were (I think I know what he was "trying" to say), he failed in his delivery.

One thing is for sure, I don't need that kind of "tude" in person OR on-line. :

I come to this site to gather information and ideas from others who have done similar things and those with experience o' plenty. It's been great and I appreciate that. Thanks for all of the "real" input you guys have contributed.

Cheers.

 

[Big R]

New2me - I know exactly who you are talking about. Check out some of his posts and you'll see just how much of a-hole he really is. He sends pm's because if he posts publicly, it proves to EVERYBODY the kind of person he is. If you go under your own profile, there is an "ignore" feature. Just type his screen name in there and you'll never hear from him again.

Good luck with your scoot man! If you wanted a CB front end with a disc brake, I could probably help you out.

 

[surffly]

He might be brash but that doesnt make him wrong.

 

[Big R]

The 350's were never race bikes. They were mass produced at low cost to be commuter bikes. So what if somebody wants to make it a..........."commuter" bike again. Surprise, surprise.

How about instead of being so quick to judge somebody's bike as an art project or whatever, we offer just help instead? Yes, it was stated that altering suspension affects geometry which affects handling, blah blah blah. The OP stated that they were well aware of what will happen and backed it up with real world experience. Period. Just accept the fact that some people are NOT going to pretend to be MotoGP racers on a 325cc stamped steel frame and offer some assistance instead of berating them.

And for the record, I can just about guarantee that Drivel gave some bad information. It sure as hell has happened before.......

 

[New2meCB]

He might be brash but that doesnt make him wrong.

It doesn't help but, it's not the "brashness" that gets me, surffly. You were tactful in your approach. And that was great but believe me, there are no worries there. I can take that if someone feels they need to be harsh. Just don't be a super delicate flower when I retort. Tell me to "F#$% off" and then take your ball and go home. What really got me was the assumption that I am some chump who is COMPLETELY unaware and the assumption that I am doing this project strictly to impress other folks.

THAT is what pisses me off.

No one here (as far as I know) has ever even met me, knows a single freaking thing about me, what I do, have done in the past etc. yet here's is a guy typing all this shit and lecturing me about how I should shut my project down and "go get a tattoo or workout if I want to impress people". THAT is what pisses me off.

I've never been one to give a shyte what people think. Never. I do what I do (in whatever that is) to please me. It wouldn't matter if I built up the most beautiful race-worthy cafe or the coolest, dirtiest of brat bikes. Someone, somewhere, won't like it. And that is absolutely fine by me. No one has to. I don't care.

This bike, is for me. It will serve as a commuter. Sure, it's "rideable" as is right now (and believe me I have been riding it - daily) but I want to make it mine. NOT my buddy's, neighbour's, cousin's whatever. MINE.

I'm no artist, that I WILL tell you. I've never rebuilt my own moto before (especially on a tight budget) so this bike will either turn out fantastic for cheap, or will fail miserably at no one's fault but my own. Part of the reason for selecting a 350 as my first project was due to low cost and parts availability. Is that the thinking of a person who is 100% clueless?

Also, I asked about the cutting of the spring alone in the original post because I don't like the idea. It doesn't sit well with me. I have manipulated suspensions before through the use of spacers, different spring lengths (different spring rate though to compensate), swapping dampers etc. but never simply cutting a spring and leaving it at that. We've all seen the effects of that on budget high-school rides *boing* *boing* *boing*. Cutting springs alone sounds all too wonky but, had someone here tried it before or something different with this fork that I hadn't thought of, it would have been stellar. That's what I was looking for.

THAT is why I posted originally about the topic. Because simply cutting that spring didn't feel right. Was hoping for the "magic pill" fix or the "Hell yeah, works great!" from a few people to ease my uncertainty about it.

I appreciate the heads up I've gotten from a couple of people. I think that's great. I truly appreciate any and ALL input even if one doesn't agree with my plans. I just don't like assumptions. They piss me off the more I think about them. I am not too proud to learn from others either. If I were, I wouldn't post here.

Anyway, enough with that rant. I'm done with that. Forums don't usually get me going, after all, it's only the internet. I was surprised in a community like this one I got pelted so soon after my arrival.

p.s. For the record, it was not a poster named Drivel. Don't want any more assumptions made or start anything more.

Cheers
And thanks again.

If anyone has any experience with lowering this fork, please feel free to respond. It's looking like a front end swap is this only option for now that I'll be happy with.