Topic: Worth moding?

[veloracermike]

I've got a 350F and I'm already finding it a bit anemic.  Is it worth investing in a big bore kit and head work?

[Sam Green Racing]

I spent thousands on this bike over the last 40 years, only you will know if It's worth it.

[veloracermike]

I understand that point, but I guess what I'm asking is a 350F worth the investment over say a 400F or 550F.  I'm not married to this particular bike, would say an equal investment in funds into a 400F powerplant reap better results for example?  If I'm not mistaken a 400F would bolt right into my 350F frame. 

[Sam Green Racing]

If your pistons and bores are good, why not just go with porting the head and a different cam, that would wake it up some. Contact Mike Rieck (MRieck) on here for prices, better the motor you know than an unknown 400 lump from Ebay.

Sam.

[veloracermike]

If your pistons and bores are good, why not just go with porting the head and a different cam, that would wake it up some. Contact Mike Rieck (MRieck) on here for prices, better the motor you know than an unknown 400 lump from Ebay.

Sam.

Thanks Sam, I'll hit Mike up and get some quotes.  Appreciate your input.

[Jim F]

Hey Sam
Dosn,t Mike call His CB the Million dollar investment?
Mine is approaching that number fast

Its all a labor of love for this old lady's

good luck

Jim

[Sam Green Racing]

I think it was TRILLION Jimmy

Sam.

[lordmoonpie]

I think it was TRILLION Jimmy

Sam.

Yeah but he's got a way to go to catch the Trillion POUND CB, oh and those are proper trillions too, none of this stop counting half way USA trillion rubbish         

[veloracermike]

I've had a few Porsche's and Alfa Romeo's that would fall under the million $$$ category.  They were worth every penny to me regardless of the bath I took when I sold them.  I'm already at or beyond what I could get for this bike, I never bought it to be an investment piece...it's no Vincent or Indian. 

[Sam Green Racing]

It's nice when a bike don't cost anything, A big thanks to Mike at Bike Fellows of Turku.

[Owned]

Mike:  We've talked in the past about the 400 hybrid I had put together.  Having owned bikes with both engines, I do think that you should go with getting a 400 lump to put in your 350 frame.  Having the extra gear is a nice bonus too.  I've found the 400 to go like stink.  Building an engine with an overbore kit would go like stink +1.

Just my 2 cents.  Oh, my ebay lump cost me $37 prior to rebuild.  And it was a gem inside!

[Stev-o]

Mike - you have a beautiful bike, why don't you consider getting another in addition to the 350?

I was in the same boat a few years ago. Had the 550F and really liked it but didn't feel real comfortable on the highway, wanted a heavier, more powerful bike. That's when I sold the 550 and bought the K4 836. 

Ironically, I then missed the 550, a much lighter and nimble handling bike. Ended up buying another last year and love having the choice of what I want to ride! I tend to stay close to home on the 550.

Would be willing to let you test ride either if you're interested.

[veloracermike]

Mike:  We've talked in the past about the 400 hybrid I had put together.  Having owned bikes with both engines, I do think that you should go with getting a 400 lump to put in your 350 frame.  Having the extra gear is a nice bonus too.  I've found the 400 to go like stink.  Building an engine with an overbore kit would go like stink +1.

Just my 2 cents.  Oh, my ebay lump cost me $37 prior to rebuild.  And it was a gem inside!

I had you in mind when I started this thread.  It's seems that on paper at least a 400 would be the way to go.  37 bucks to start?  Jeez what deal!!!

[veloracermike]

So on Sunday I took the bike out and really opened it up for the first time.  When I get home I find some oil on both sides of the cases just below the jugs.  It looks like it might be coming from the head (?). This only seems to happen on longer upper rpm runs.  So selling the bike is out for now since I wouldn't sell it to anyone else like this   I'm obviously going to have to fix this so I have two options.

First option.  Top end on the 350. This would include a cam and head work. Possibly an overbore, why not I got the top end off anyway right?

Second option. 400.  With this option I'd have to locate a lump still would do a cam and head work. Maybe bottom end as well? 

Thoughts?

Either way who would you recommend for the work?  Is there anyone out there who specializes in the smallbore 4's? 

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Mike