CB Series Engines

M

motormayhem

Active Member
Hey guys,
I recently picked up a CB360 that I've been working on getting running and road worthy. So far from what i've read it the 360 series is a cheaper version of the 350 at least with respect to being rebuildable and what not. I know there are pros and cons to every motor but I wanted to find a write-up or get peoples opinions on the different CB/CL engines pros/cons. I'm thinking I'll probably keep the 360 for a little while and have some fun with it but then move to something else of the same era. What are the weak spots/problems/parts availability with the 350 and 450 motors? I'm kind of a big fan of the CL series and would probably try to find one of those down the road.
 
For the most part, CB and CL motors were the same. Biggest difference in the two models were the exhaust and suspension / wheels.

Think the 360 is cheaper to build? I wouldn't have guessed. I believe I read somewhere that for every one good 360 head there is, there are 10 more that have been oil starved.

Everybody and their brother had a 350 at one point and time. Parts are abundant, and there are even new parts currently being produced. The 350 is also being raced all the time, so there is that much more knowledge base around for it.

As far as the 450 / 500 twins....... look around for yourself for engine parts (especially a CL style exhaust). There's just not nearly as many decent quality / inexpensive parts available for them.
 
The 350 was produced from 67-73. Over 300k of them were sold in the US alone over that six year run. The 360 was only made for two years and in much lower numbers. The 350 is a dead nuts reliable engine with a large aftermarket and massive parts supply. The 360 was a somewhat failed attempt at an upgrade to the 350. The 350 is an all around better motor than the 360 but with work and some cash the 360s inherent issues can be overcome. Or you can just buy a 350 and save yourself some headaches.

As far as the CL models, Rich is right. The motors are basically identical. The differences between the CB and CL lies in the trim. Pipes, handlebars, front wheel, fuel tank, etc. CL specific stuff (especially exhaust) can run you a pretty penny. The CLs were produced in much smaller numbers and many were used offroad and beaten up.

As far as the 450/500s go, they're (in my opinion) the prettiest engine Honda made in the 60s-70s. That said, they didn't make as many of them as other models. The parts supply for these motors is decreasing quickly which means prices are sky rocketing. Add to that the fact that the 450/500 motor is, lets say... "interesting" in design makes it less desirable if ease of mantinence or cost are issues.

Basically, if you want a nice reliable bike that looks great, is relatively easy to maintain and won't cost you a lot of time and money the 350 is the way to go.
 
Don't shortchange the CB360, they were made for 3 years.....74,75, 76 Model years, made in 73,74, and 75...Plus the CJ360 was made 1976-77 and is mostly the same (i gear less, no electric start on the later ones)

The 1976 has slightly different Rake on the front fork, and had a few improvements over the 2 earlier years.

But I agree with VonYinzer that the 350 is just more common and has a lot more aftermarket parts. CB350's are/were raced, so the aftermarket part market was a lot deeper than the CB360. Best example is the cam chain tensioner. There are improved versions of the original available as well as slightly different (slider type) designs for the CB350. There is no after market or OEM tensioners available right now, for the CB360....
 
Thanks for the info. Between the 450 and the 360 which one is a better option to build? There is a pretty good deal on a 450 here and I am debating weather I should keep the 360 (doesn't have the recalled cam tensioner) or sell it for a few bucks more than I bought it for now that it runs and pickup the '70 450 to build. Not looking to built it into a racer or anything, just something relatively small (its my first bike) and not going to break all the time (I fine with any level or work, just don't want to always be taking the motor out). Also is there anything on the 450's that are known problems like the 360 head oiling or cam tensioner issues?
 
Look up parts (engine parts, gas tanks, etc.) for a 360, then do the same for a 450. That will show you all you need to know.
 
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