Topic: New CB350f owner in Eastern NC

[Haji]

Ok, I have been hunting for an older bike for the past 6 years or so. I ride a BMW k1200rs and think it's a great bike but I have wanted something I used to sit around and lust after when I was a kid.

I started looking at CB750's (  I 've had a poster of the engine in my office for years) but decided I wanted something smaller that my wife might be more comfortable riding herself.   I also wanted to find something really cheap so as to make it more of a hunt and story to tell.

After searching the local Craiglist for years I finally found a CB350f advertised about 2 hours away from me. It was located in a little area on the coast of NC that we call "Down East"  Folks there still have a british accent.  I called the fellow who had it and he answered all the questions right so I sent him $250 and picked it up last weekend.

It supposedly runs but I haven't attached a fuel source yet to verify but it try's to cough to life when kicked.

I've ordered a manual and will start doing maintenance once I get that.  I think I will Cafe it (is that kosher on this site?) I'm starting to look for a few things.

Top triple tree
Petcock
possibly a tank if I find one better than what I have
side panels
replacement shocks
air filter

I would welcome any advice, pointers or links that any of you folks think would help!

[Prospect]

Welcome Haji

Please post a picture when you get a chance. $250 seems like a good price even if it's not running.  I've been restoring my cb350f for the last 3 years. 

With regards to the triple tree.  If you have one that has a crack in it, it's difficult but not impossible to find a replacement.  Previous owners (PO) forget to put in the D washer and over tighten causing a crack and they are somewhat scarce on ebay.  All the other stuff is easy to find. 

What was the last time it was started?  If it's been more than 6 months I'd start with changing the oil before attempting to start it.  There is a link on this site to the manuals for the 350f if you don't want to wait.  It's a good one from Honda. 

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=17788.0

[tortelvis]

Welcome forn an old CB350F owner in WNC!

[wardenerd]

Haji there are a few sohc guys in eastern north carolina and two here in Fayetteville.  Good luck

[toytuff]

Welcome!

I have one myself. Great little motorcycles.

tt

[Haji]

You asked for it, here it is. I think $250 was good as well.  Yep before I start it I'm going to change the oil 

[Robbnc]

Welcome from another 350f owner in NC  !   

$250  was a steal.

[fmctm1sw]

Welcome.  I like my 350Fs, good bikes.  Depending on how long it sat, expect any or all the following:  Frozen master cylinder, frozen brake caliper piston, dead battery, carbs gummed up, as mentioned, missing those little washers between the top clamp (once overtightended they can crack the top clamp).  It's imperitive the fuel system is clean.  How does the inside of the tank look?  You have your work cut out for you but the things I see aren't overly difficult to do (fenders, body parts, etc) if you can find them.  Folks have shaved down their own washers for the top clamp, look under the tips and tricks section.  Is that a knobby tire?   

[jstfkndi]

Wow!! You got a steal! That is one clean bike for the money. I paid almost double and had much cleaning to do on mine.

[wardenerd]

A guy at a local steel company had a 350f for sale for $450.  Bike was complete gas drained and brake fluid drained.  Real dusty but great paint .  Engine turned over with kick stand one flaw on tank a 1inch square on the front lower edge no rust except chain and sprocket.  Good to very good chrome..  been sitting in a garage since 1983.  It was a 73 model and I did not pull he trigger immediately on sight and lost the damn thing.  I am still kicking myself.  Still looking for a 350 if you spot one.  I go thru craigslist and ebay twice a day.

[PeteyWash]

That's a really good bike for $250.  I got mine about a month ago down here in Florida and spent a lot more than that, but with some work you'll have yours running.  I'm actually from upstate SC and want to make a trip from Miami back up so bad....... anyways good luck with your great find.