Topic: CB360T: opinions?

[db22]

An elderly neighbor has a late-'70s CB360T that he talks about selling.  Clear title, garage stored, hasn't run in ten years.  When I asked about price, he wanted me to say what I wanted to pay.  This guy is a car crank from way back, and has lots of experience horse-trading cars.  I am outmatched from the get-go.  On the other hand, he might not want to skin a neighbor too badly.

Anyone have an opinion about this model, and an idea what I should offer?  I'm looking for a usable Honda to ride my 30-mile commute while I do some more serious restoration on my "75 CB550K.  Thanks!

[Pecantree]

Top of my head $500 to $1000
Depends on condition
This is also Texas price.
That said, I enjoy mine as a good city bike.
Furthest I've gone in a day is 100 miles to Kerrville.
I do get a lot of engine vibration thru the foot pegs.
Let's see pictures
Good luck
Steve

[Johnie]

How late CB360? Keep in mind Honda had a cam chain tensioner recall on the 360 depending on the year. You can find more info on that on www.hondatwins.net

[db22]

Pecantree: boy howdy, I been to Kerrville!  Pedernales Falls, Johnson City, and good ol' Austin.  I'm from Dallas, went to school in Nacogdoches, and spent many a hazy weekend in Austin.  That was decades ago. 

Johnie: Yep, I'm reading up on the Honda Twins forum.  Next time I can get into that guy's garage, I'll see if I can get a look at the VIN plate.  I don't think he knows the year for sure.

Thanks!

[Johnie]

Yah, the VIN plate will give you the build month and year of the build. The marks to indicate if the cam chain recall was done will be noted by dots added on the engine ID number area.

[cb650]

Yes by 76 they had the tensioner corrected.     Some earlier had recall work done.   I have rode mine 300 in a day.  Never really have had any issues with it.   There are a couple items they should have kept over the 350 but cant have everything.  Had mine out this past weekend. Enjoy the piss out of it.

[db22]

Got some hands-on time with the old CB360T. . . the VIN plate says 6/74, and there are no punch marks on the engine number to indicate that the recall issues were fixed.  We've all seen tired old motorcycles in the back of a garage, and I guess this is just one more.  So -- any thoughts as to what I should offer for this bike, if at all?  The motor turns, and most important parts seem to be present if corroded.  Owner has clear title.  If it starts fairly easily, I guess it would take me an entire warm season (Apr-Oct) to clean, update, replace and repair to my satisfaction.  That means another season on my CB550 without the major overhaul I would like to do.  I'm leaning toward passing this one up unless I can get it for cheap.

[BeSeeingYou]

Lucky you are here in the midwest where the values are lower.  The owner has to understand that although old this is no great value as a collector bike.  I am no expert on the small Hondas but I believe the cam chain parts are difficult to find if needed.  Still it looks like a good project bike but I say $200 take it or leave it.  You can tell him that by the time you have it in good running order you will have the same into it as going out and buying one in nice condition and you still won't be compensated for the time. It's only going to deteriorate more so best he gets what he can for it now.

[seanbarney41]

I'd walk in there with $200 cash, wouldn't go over $300...keep in mind they are quite common, not in demand in the collector/vintage market, would be tough to get more than $1200 for even a really nice one, but they do make a great learner bike.  they are nice little bikes, the 6 speed tranny is a hoot, yes they vibrate, it's a twin after all

[Stev-o]

If you have a limited budget for bike builds, I suggest spending it on your 550.

[db22]

If you have a limited budget for bike builds, I suggest spending it on your 550.

That's the way I'm leaning.  I want a smaller twin as a commuter, but maybe this isn't the one.  Thanks to all for your opinions and help!

[harisuluv]

I found one almost just like it a little while ago.  I have since got it running and have it listed on CL but it is still a little rough around the edges, had it on for a week and have gotten bites but no real hits.  I had to go through the carbs and they were pretty annoying.  Part of that is because I don't have experience with them and if that diaphragm tears it is ridiculously expensive and hard to find.  Like people have said it is not a sought after model and the person that buys mine is probably going to just ride it as is around town.

[cb650]

If the tears are not too bad you can "patch" them with 3m scotchcoat.   I did a couple on mine years a go and it still refuse's to stop running.