Topic: CB350 Twin, safe?

[karateisland]

I'm looking at this Honda 350 tomorrow:

http://maine.craigslist.org/mcy/3849767744.html

The guy says it was inspected last week, the oil was changed, the electrical system works, and it's registered in Maine.

The only thing he mentioned is that he thinks the front tire might need to be balanced. At certain speeds, he says, it has a little bit of a wobble. Is this something that can easily be taken care of? I don't know if this is one of those lies people tell like "the carbs just need to be cleaned."

The other thing, if my dad and I pick it up tomorrow, someone is going to drive it about and hour and a half home. I want to make sure it's safe.

Any opinions?

[Bankerdanny]

Read this really good article from Mike Nixon's Motorcycleproject.com regarding vibrations and shaking from the front end: http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/shucking.html

But the short answer is some headshake or vibration should not be a major safety issue, but it can be very tiring on long rides.

[azuredesign]

Headshake can be from a lot of things. Anything from tweaked inner fork tubes to cupped tires. If the rest of the bike is cool, and the price is right, I would not be deterred, but would try to figure out why before purchasing.

Hope it works out!

[brooze72]

I think your use of the term "wobble" may be causing confusion.  You stated the PO thoght it was wheel balance.  Wheel balance causes a "hop" & the bars will vibrate.  It can go away by increasing or decreasing speed.  A wobble, or speed wobble, has been well described in the posts above (especially the link by BankerDanny, thanks man!).  If the bike does indeed have a wobble & not a hop, keep your speeds down untill it is fixed.

[karateisland]

Thanks! This is all really good advice--unfortunately, since I already have my cb350f, I've been told in no uncertain terms that there won't be any more garage space available. No more bikes for me. (For now...)