Cafe beginner with a 71 CL350 in Kentucky

nograv1

nograv1

New Member
Hey all,

I just picked up a 71 Honda CL350 from a guy in town that got it running (barely...) and lost interest/time. I had been looking for a scrambler style Honda for almost a year and this one finally showed up just miles from my place so I grabbed it.

It should be said, I'm new to the cafe scene and very inexperienced with rebuilds. However, I've got the funds, time, and most importantly, the desire to learn about building up this old bike into something I'm proud of.

First things first, I'm having trouble prioritizing things on this project... Where do I start?? I want to take this thing down to the all the way down so I can blast and paint the frame, but do I go ahead and just start pulling parts off?? I already know to keep everything in some kind of order but was thinking there has to be some sort of plan. Just take it down to the frame and get a clean rolling chassis together before getting into the engine? Anyone have a step by step thread of how to take a CL down to the frame? I have a Clymer manual and have been slightly overwhelmed reading it, hence my question about where to start.

Secondly, the engine. I want to clean up the inside and outside of the engine. Do you guys recommend following the Clymer manual and taking the engine mostly apart (as instructed in the manual) before removing it from the frame? Anyone have a step by step thread on this particular part?

I have only been browsing the DTT site for a few days and I almost overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge here! I have read through various build threads where the poster states at the beginning that they are completely inexperienced with builds and posts a picture of what you'd think was a hopeless heap of a motorcycle. Then towards the end of the thread, they post a picture of a beautiful bike that they are so proud of... I'm hoping my build can have the same result. I promise that if you knowledgeable people help this newbie along, then I'll put in the work and build a bike that we are all proud of!

Finally, a picture of the bike currently:
CL350.jpg


I'm not going for a historically accurate restoration for this bike. It will be custom, one of a kind, and MINE. But with that said, here's a picture of sort of my inspiration for the bike. I LOVE the look of this bike.
Ross.png


Thanks in advance for all the advice and help that I know the members of this site are eager to give. Wish me luck!
 
Welcome to the site man!

The first thing you should do: all the maintenance and motor tune up. Figure out why it's not running 100% and that the brakes / tires / bearings are up to snuff.

There are many different ways to take a bike apart and put one back together. Some people take TONS of pictures, some use labeled zip lock bags, old tackle boxes, etc. Whatever will make it easier for you. I prefer to get the frame stripped and painted first, then make sure the suspension and tires are in running order. After that, you are just adding stuff to the frame and are able to roll it around the shop as needed.

And take a look around here (read: use the "search" function) when it comes to smaller details to a bike. The questions that get asked all the time are "what tires should I use?", "should I have fenders?", "what tanks fit my bike?", etc, etc. But also don't hesitate to ask a question if you can't find the answer.
 
Welcome!

Ass stated your first order of business should be to get it running RIGHT the way you want it before you tear anything down.
Bike looks nice!

That picture you posted looks like a stock bike with some drag bars and some big fat "vintage" bridgestone tires and an ebay cafe seat.
 
I would dip them carbs and get it runnin before I tear it down. Lot easier knowin you have a runnin bike to put back together. I did it and it was much enjoyable knowin it was gonna start and run when I was done.
Up the irons!
 
Before you tear anything down - I have one word of advice - Pictures - Pictures - Pictures.

Take pictures of everything even stuff you think you aren't going to keep on the bike when you're done.

They will be your best friend in the end.
 
Thanks for the advice. I do plan to do the picture thing... seems like a really good tool.

I've yet to tear into it, but I'm working on getting it running right before taking it apart, as suggested above.

Regarding the really fat tire on the front of the "inspiration" bike above... I looked at my forks today and there's definitely no way a tire that fat would fit between the legs. The stock tire has probably less than 2 inches on each side so I'm pretty sure the fatty wouldn't work. Anyone have any idea how I could modify the forks to fit it? I guess somehow make the legs further apart... I don't know. Pondering... haha.

I need all new cables for this thing (brake lines, clutch, throttle, etc). Any tips on places to get those?
 
I live pretty close to you (Burnside-Monticello area), and have a 350 project going on aswell. During the summer give me a Holler' and I'll help out.

Cables- http://www.oldbikebarn.com/1971-Honda-CB350-K-Motorcycle-Parts

If you're wanting to go with the fat rubber, I might consider swapping Fork, swingarm, and brakes with modern bits (if you have the funds)

PS: I'll take the stock pipes off your hands, if you want to go with something else.
 
before you tear it down get it running 100%
get a factory manual


You do know that the "inspiration" bike has a few issues
No front fender means no front fork so increase in fork flex
Those tires are complete 100% crap as motorcycle tires
 
Hi, Welcome to the DTT forum. I am currently working on a 71 CL 350 as my first tear down a build also. Maybe we can kkep in touch and share ideas / resources we find. The bike I have to strat with was sitting in a back yard shed and not running, but was complete and cheap. I have stripped mine down to the frame and have been prepping it for powder coat. I am just about finished with a seat pan and rear hump. And I have the tank cleaned up and ready for paint. Want to get a roller together and then start tackling the motor which will need a lot of work. Cheers, Greg in Florida
 
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