Topic: CB350F Cliche Cafe Build

[Guitarmangraham]

Hi! A year ago, I bought a '74 350F and finally began work on it in December. I decided to start this thread to document progress.

[Guitarmangraham]

Here's what I started with:
I knew I wanted a cafe racer (very cliche these days, hence the title) but wasn't looking for a Honda until this came up from $1,000.
Also- Here's a walk around video of it.

1974 Honda CB350F idle and rev with aftermarket pipe

It ran rich and looked rough.
I had no previous experience working with vintage motorcycles or the tools needed, but I luckily got an internship at my local motorcycle shop.
Since December I have done a lot of work, but there is still a ways to go.
I am open minded and ready for any input/advice/opinions all that stuff.
My overall goal for this first time project is to learn and enjoy the process.

[Guitarmangraham]

I started things out by detailing, polishing, painting, and rebuilding the top end of my engine.
I was very determined to make it look good.
My polishing method-
400 grit
Red Scothbrite
Black Scotchbrite
White Scotchbrite
Green compound on bench buffer

[Guitarmangraham]

More pictures!
How come I can only put up two or so pictures per post without downgrading the quality?

[Guitarmangraham]

...more pics

[Guitarmangraham]

This is how the polishing and painting turned out-
I left the head most alone besides checking for valve leaks and a thorough cleaning.
Replaced the rings.
No performance mods, considering it was my first four stroke engine rebuild, and I want to engine to be as reliable as possible.
I am considering upgrading the ignition in some fashion- I have the $$ to, but what should I go with and why?

[Guitarmangraham]

Here are a few pictures of the wheels I completely rebuilt.
All powder coating and polishing and lacing truing, etc was done by me.
I decided to polish the insides and paint the outsides to accent the theme of the polished spokes against the black powder coat.
By the way, I replaced bearings with all balls and used David Silver Spares spokes.

[luceja]

I know you've heard my opinion, but the hondaman ignition reduces point wear, so you can put many miles on the bike without worrying about point gap adjustment. New coils would be preventative maintenance, but you could consider that a 'if it's not broke, don't fix it'. As far as dyna advantages, maybe you get more consistent advance? Not sure what the benefit over a hondaman setup would be, performance wise. I believe the dyna setup is a heavier draw on the bike's already anemic charging system, which is a downside, if true.

[Guitarmangraham]

Here is a simple mock up of seat and tank:
Roc City Bonneville fiberglass seat
Custom Glass from the Past vintage triumph style tank

Notes on goals for build:

Suspension-
-Hagon rear shocks
-New front fork seals
-Progressive front springs?

Frame mods-
-Rear loop
-Battery/electrics pan
-Rear set brackets
-Mounting seat
-Detab

Electronics-
-Rewire completely
-Turn key starter
-New Reg/Rec
-HID system
-Clean up controls
-Upgraded ignition system
-Upgraded coils

I plan to have the exhaust done by Poor Bastard Cycle Works. They make some amazing custom full systems.

[Guitarmangraham]

I like the Hondaman because it reduces point wear and adjustment, but the electronic ignition totally does away with the points, simplifying the system. I also think if I decide to sell it in the future, the electronic ignition is more appealing, seeing as it is a mainstream upgrade. And while I was worried about the same weak charging system already on the Cb350f and 400f the man at Pamco assured me that is was a myth and would not draw too much on the charging system. I also like just leaving it alone, like you said, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
BTW I was about to tell you how its amazing that you live in Portland and ride a Hawk... But then I had an aha moment.

[Bankerdanny]

There is a limit to the file size of pictures. Modern camera and phones at max resolution easily exceed the 1MB max file size.

I find that 1200x800 gets you a good size both in terms of the screen and the file and you can post 5-6 at a time.

I use free IRFAN viewer to adjust the file size.

[luceja]

I like the Hondaman because it reduces point wear and adjustment, but the electronic ignition totally does away with the points, simplifying the system. I also think if I decide to sell it in the future, the electronic ignition is more appealing, seeing as it is a mainstream upgrade. And while I was worried about the same weak charging system already on the Cb350f and 400f the man at Pamco assured me that is was a myth and would not draw too much on the charging system. I also like just leaving it alone, like you said, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
BTW I was about to tell you how its amazing that you live in Portland and ride a Hawk... But then I had an aha moment.

I think you've already made up your mind But for the sake of discussion, there's lots said here: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0;nowap .  Also, don't plan on adding resale value by adding parts. You might spend a couple hundred on an ignition setup, but it might only add 50$ in value to the bike. A bike or car project is rarely worth more than the sum of it's expenses.

Regarding the hawk, I was reading my old 550F build thread and I read myself saying that I would 'never sell the hawk' or something like that. Be good to that bike! (Also, did I give you the tools with the racks? I can't remember?)

[Guitarmangraham]

Thank you for the info on the pictures!
As far as the ignition goes, I was stuck on the Hondaman until I found out the electronic ignition was only $119! Only about $50 more.

[Guitarmangraham]

Picture update!
Went into the shop with my real camera and took some pictures.
First off, I took some improved pictures of my engine after I dusted it off a little.
I also took pictures of my goodies- Hagon rear shocks, tarrozi clip ons and rear sets.
What do y'all think of the headlight I picked up? I don't know if it will look too small on the bike, but it looks pretty cool by itself. It also has the hole for a speedo- super cool.

[Guitarmangraham]

More pics...

[Guitarmangraham]

Onto the frame mods!

The fabricator man has added a steel rear loop to fit the seat, a pan for electronics, and a cross-member for support. I think he just finished up work on the seat mounting method- will have update on that.

All tabs in 'the triangle' have been removed to clean up frame.

[Guitarmangraham]

Here's another little set of pictures-
Redone fork with new seal and new ATF fluid (thought it was interesting to use ATF)
(other fork is waiting to be shaved)
Also here's a little bit of polish work on my front master cylinder.

[Bankerdanny]

I seem to recall that makers started going with ATF vs oil because there wasn't fork specific oil back then and ATF is more resistant to frothing.

[kghost]

You can post bigger/better photos by stashing somewhere first.

A popular choice is photobucket.

Then you direct link them in your post with the little picture icon.

Looks like great work on your 350.

[Guitarmangraham]

FINALLY- Here's an update with more to come. I was able to shave the little fender mounting tabs off the front fork then have a welder weld in the little divets that were left. Lots of polishing then ensued. Forks are finally rebuilt completely with new seals. I also cleaned up the lower triple before I powder coat it gloss black.
A new top triple clamp is in the mail- one of them fancy aluminum cnc ones. How valuable are the original top triple clamps in unmolested condition?
Carbs! Powder coated and almost completely together. Just need more stainless steel hardware to attach the bowls.

[scfire]

Looking good. Are you selling anything you have removed? Tank,  seat,  seatlock,  fenders?

[Guitarmangraham]

Yes! I am selling all of those except the tank, which I already sold.

[Guitarmangraham]

Here's a quick mock up- by the way the last picture of the most recent batch was showing my riding clearance- next to nothing. I thought I ordered stock height shocks... Guess I have to order ones a few inches longer.