Topic: 1974 CB350F - First Restoration

[mark9331]

So this is my first build of any kind.  In addition to this I have been riding less than 1 year.  I have been looking around for a bike that needed some work but I could get for cheap and hopefully get running for relatively cheap.  I am 28 and have about a billion dollars in student loans so bear with me as this will probably take some time.  I have always wanted a motorcycle and last year I pulled the trigger and purchased a 2013 CBR600RR and got the bug.  My GF wants to learn to ride so I have been poking around Craigslist for fixer uppers and/or cheap smaller bikes.  I have been looking for about 6 months and nothing really fit my budget or size (lots of 550s and 750s).  I have been consulting my boss who has ridden and restored motorcycles for years so he has been a big help on this.  I fell upon an ad for a CB350F and honestly have not even heard of them.  I started doing some research and seeing how many people absolutely love them I decided it would be a good project.

I went out and saw the bike yesterday and it was in a little worse condition than I was expecting & from the pictures posted in the ad.  I took my boss to help me look at the bike.  The PO rode the bike for about 10 years as a work commuter bike and in 1990 it started giving him fits.  He put it away with the notion he would bring it back out, tune it up and ride it again.  However it has sat until now.  His wife posted the CL ad because she wanted it out.  I answered and decided to take a short ride out to their place to look at the bike.  Like I said the bike was in rougher condition than I anticipated however the metal overall seems cleanable.  It did turn over however would not start.  The inside of the gas tank is rusted and will need to be cleaned and maybe sealed.  There are no dents on the bike but it is cosmetically ugly as the PO I think took spray paint to the plastic.  There were no visible leaks on the floor from where it has been sitting above their house.  No mice or major cobwebs on the bike as well.  I sent some pics to my GF and she agreed it was a nice bike and she could see potential in it.  So I went ahead and purchased it for $200.  He was at the court house getting the title today however it takes 5 days to make a new one so I took the bike and will go back for the title in a week or so.

As for restoration I know the bike will need to have the gas tank cleaned, new exhaust put on (I am thinking 4 to 1), carbs cleaned, generally serviced with plugs, oil, etc, battery and tires.  I think my short term plan is to get the bike running and put back together so I can teach her how to ride and then when the horrible winters come around to do more of the cosmetics.  I would like to shave some weight to make it a bit more manageable for her and I like the look of the pods vs the air box.  I will have to do some more research to see if there are and quick upgrades I can do while cleaning the bike up and getting it running.  My hope is have it running in a month or two (fingers crossed).



The bike in the storage area



Closer of the left side of the bike



Right side of the bike



Bike outside getting ready to load

[calj737]

Congrats! Download and buy a manual. Focus first on performing the 3,000 mile tune-up. Going through the bike methodically, with baseline information and techniques will tell you more about the condition of the bike overall.

Service the forks and brakes. Lube and adjust the cables too. It's always difficult to delay the impulse to tear it down and make it look "cooler". But as you said, get it running safely and well, then focus on cosmetic/aesthetics in the fall or winter.

You'd be well served to stick with air box for the time being. It will be easier to get it running right, before you change to pods. Not discouraging the change, only recommending the delay until the mechanical condition is known to you. Makes tuning it easier later.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

All good advice from Cal.  Get the bike running and stopping reliably and safely, and handling, before modifying the cosmetics.

A good "couples" activity might be to take the MSF course together.  Have her get a learner's permit first and then take the course.  If she passes the course final test, she get to waive the driving test at the DMV.  Plus the course helps set good habits and it pays for itself in insurance premium discounts.

A CBR600RR for a beginner bike.  Take it easy on that Super Sport.  You can get into a gang of trouble figuring that those brakes will get you out of it.  Get plenty of seat time. 

[mark9331]

Congrats! Download and buy a manual. Focus first on performing the 3,000 mile tune-up. Going through the bike methodically, with baseline information and techniques will tell you more about the condition of the bike overall.

Service the forks and brakes. Lube and adjust the cables too. It's always difficult to delay the impulse to tear it down and make it look "cooler". But as you said, get it running safely and well, then focus on cosmetic/aesthetics in the fall or winter.

You'd be well served to stick with air box for the time being. It will be easier to get it running right, before you change to pods. Not discouraging the change, only recommending the delay until the mechanical condition is known to you. Makes tuning it easier later.

Thanks!  That is the plan.  I want to get it running and stopping (front brake is seized) before I invest too much time and money into making it look the way I want.

My plan is to clean the carbs, petcock, tank, and get a battery, spark plugs etc.  I need to read into the points system to see what needs to be done on that end.  I also need to change oil and filter.  Hopefully then I can try a start up to see if she runs.

[mark9331]

All good advice from Cal.  Get the bike running and stopping reliably and safely, and handling, before modifying the cosmetics.

A good "couples" activity might be to take the MSF course together.  Have her get a learner's permit first and then take the course.  If she passes the course final test, she get to waive the driving test at the DMV.  Plus the course helps set good habits and it pays for itself in insurance premium discounts.

A CBR600RR for a beginner bike.  Take it easy on that Super Sport.  You can get into a gang of trouble figuring that those brakes will get you out of it.  Get plenty of seat time.

I already took the MSF course last year.  She plans on getting her learners permit as soon as she gets a day off work when she can make it to the DOT.  She then plans on taking the MSF course in June since that is the first time she will be able to fit it into her schedule.

That is my plan.  I have been investing more in gas than a ton of upgrades on the bike.  It handles really well and is a little tamer than I though it would be (this is a good thing).  I also have no plans on doing the crazy stuff like wheelies etc.  I would like to think of myself as grown up at the ripe age of 28.... 

[2strokeTrush]

Aahh yes another 350F Build!  Just finished mine a week ago, now tuning out all the little things,  Im 20 and still in college so I feel ya on the loans man.  Bike looks good though, how many miles? For the tank I used vinegar on my 500k and it worked like a charm, cheap and affective! Let it sit for about a week or so and shake her up!  And unless your familiar with tuning old carbs I would stick with the air box and stay away from pods,  If it may help you take a look at my 350f thread! : http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

[mark9331]

Aahh yes another 350F Build!  Just finished mine a week ago, now tuning out all the little things,  Im 20 and still in college so I feel ya on the loans man.  Bike looks good though, how many miles? For the tank I used vinegar on my 500k and it worked like a charm, cheap and affective! Let it sit for about a week or so and shake her up!  And unless your familiar with tuning old carbs I would stick with the air box and stay away from pods,  If it may help you take a look at my 350f thread! : http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

Good advice.  I am brand new to this so I will probably just end up doing that for now.  However, will I have to rejet the carbs anyway due to needing an exhaust?  Would it be easier to rejet once with pods and exhaust?  I already read through your build and you did a great job!  It is nice you had a basement to work from.  I am attempting to use what small garage space I have then to move the bike inside the "landing area" aka a place where the GF keeps all her shoes.... 

[jamesv220820]

Aahh yes another 350F Build!  Just finished mine a week ago, now tuning out all the little things,  Im 20 and still in college so I feel ya on the loans man.  Bike looks good though, how many miles? For the tank I used vinegar on my 500k and it worked like a charm, cheap and affective! Let it sit for about a week or so and shake her up!  And unless your familiar with tuning old carbs I would stick with the air box and stay away from pods,  If it may help you take a look at my 350f thread! : http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

Good advice.  I am brand new to this so I will probably just end up doing that for now.  However, will I have to rejet the carbs anyway due to needing an exhaust?  Would it be easier to rejet once with pods and exhaust?  I already read through your build and you did a great job!  It is nice you had a basement to work from.  I am attempting to use what small garage space I have then to move the bike inside the "landing area" aka a place where the GF keeps all her shoes.... 

hopefully you don't have a bad case of OCD because this bike will destroy you if you do.  lol.  If you are going to do an exhaust on the cheap go with the mac 4-1 and just like the others said go stock airbox.  pods are very cool, to me more of a cosmetic thing,  once you put those side covers on you don't see them.  So they are more of a pain then they are pleasure.  And you have it right get it ridable and teach your girl so if she does dump it she doesn't destroy your thousand dollar pain job, etc.

[mark9331]

Yesterday I started taking apart the bike.  I took the seat, battery, gas tank, and carbs off.  I have gas in the tank so I need to find something to drain the gas in.  I also need to look at what carb rebuild kit and petcock also.

Day 1 tear down

[mark9331]

hopefully you don't have a bad case of OCD because this bike will destroy you if you do.  lol.  If you are going to do an exhaust on the cheap go with the mac 4-1 and just like the others said go stock airbox.  pods are very cool, to me more of a cosmetic thing,  once you put those side covers on you don't see them.  So they are more of a pain then they are pleasure.  And you have it right get it ridable and teach your girl so if she does dump it she doesn't destroy your thousand dollar pain job, etc.

I depends on the day for my OCD.  I really want to do a nice restore and spend a little more money to get her looking new again, however with a zero experience rider I think that 1/2 a season or more before tackling that job is a good idea.  I was looking at the Mac 4-1 and they look pretty good.  Do I need to rejet the carbs if I just do the exhaust and not the pods?

[harisuluv]

Most of the time you don't need to rejet for something like a Mac 4-1.  Pods as you alluded to, are a different story.

Don't get the "cruzinimage" carb kits (he sells on ebay).

You may not need a kit, depending on the condition of your brass.  Try to reuse the oem needles, I have had to "fix" quite a few carbs with kit needles replacing the OEM ones, which probably had no wear, and even in any used state are superior to the aftermarket stuff.

[mark9331]

Today I pulled apart the carbs.  Everything seemed relatively clean.  I did however break a plastic fitting that I think I will just have to replace.... Hopefully I can find one.  Had a hard time taking the carbs and breaking them apart.  I also had a ridiculous time getting the pin out of the float set.  I used a watch removal kit and some pliers but I think i completely messed the pin up.  Any suggestions for the other 3?  I need to buy some carb cleaner and I think these will look pretty good after they are re assembled.  still need to figure out what rebuild kit to get.  Does Honda still sell the OEM gaskets and seals?

A look at the float sets.



The float chamber.



With the float set off.



A look inside.



Broken plastic connector from the first to the second.  I think it will be a pain in the butt to get out but hopefully a replaceable piece!

[mark9331]

Most of the time you don't need to rejet for something like a Mac 4-1.  Pods as you alluded to, are a different story.

Don't get the "cruzinimage" carb kits (he sells on ebay).

You may not need a kit, depending on the condition of your brass.  Try to reuse the oem needles, I have had to "fix" quite a few carbs with kit needles replacing the OEM ones, which probably had no wear, and even in any used state are superior to the aftermarket stuff.

Good to know.  I still haven't been able to get to them yet however hopefully tonight or tomorrow I will have the first one completely disassembled!

[harisuluv]

I would be really careful with the next three.  You need to take them apart properly or else you run the risk of ruining pieces that you are removing.  Like the emulsion tubes which you will have to take out too.  Just tapping them out can damage them if not done correctly and your bike won't run right. 

Your problems seem more like varnish than corrosion, so heat is your best friend.  Heat gun, or hair dryer.  Use the proper sized tools.  Don't force anything.  For the broken tube, just screw in a dry wall screw into it and then pull it out, easy.

I have spares of those if you need one, I also custom machine aluminum replacements, I have a listing somewhere in the for sale section.

DON'T FORCE ANYTHING.

Honda still does make OEM gasket kits, but keep in mind they are NOT rebuild kits, they are only top and bottom gaskets and orings, that's it.  If you are careful you may be able to get away with just gaskets.

[HondanutRider]

DON'T FORCE ANYTHING.

DON'T FORCE ANYTHING.

DON'T FORCE ANYTHING.

As suggested, use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the gum first.  You don't want to break those mounting posts for the floats, for instance.  Also, some lacquer thinner does a better job than carb cleaner from what I've found.  You also don't usually have to take the individual bodies off the rack to restore them...that way you don't break those connecting tubes.

[mark9331]

I would be really careful with the next three.  You need to take them apart properly or else you run the risk of ruining pieces that you are removing.  Like the emulsion tubes which you will have to take out too.  Just tapping them out can damage them if not done correctly and your bike won't run right. 

Your problems seem more like varnish than corrosion, so heat is your best friend.  Heat gun, or hair dryer.  Use the proper sized tools.  Don't force anything.  For the broken tube, just screw in a dry wall screw into it and then pull it out, easy.

I have spares of those if you need one, I also custom machine aluminum replacements, I have a listing somewhere in the for sale section.

DON'T FORCE ANYTHING.

Honda still does make OEM gasket kits, but keep in mind they are NOT rebuild kits, they are only top and bottom gaskets and orings, that's it.  If you are careful you may be able to get away with just gaskets.

All 4 parts are separated with only the one instance.  I will need to find a replacement piece however I can't even find what it is called.  If you do find you have a spare let me know as I know I need one!   The o rings look good so far so I am hoping to only have to replace the top gasket and will have to figure out where to buy that separately.  The one website 4into1 has them but they are sold out....

As suggested, use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the gum first.  You don't want to break those mounting posts for the floats, for instance.  Also, some lacquer thinner does a better job than carb cleaner from what I've found.  You also don't usually have to take the individual bodies off the rack to restore them...that way you don't break those connecting tubes.

I do not have a heat gun but I think the GF has a hair dryer somewhere so tonight I am going to try to tackle carb 1 with the heat and lacquer thinner!  First I have to disassemble the rest of the carb to make sure that everything looks good!

[2strokeTrush]

sorry about buying the last off 4into1, that was me   Careful with disassembly as stated already, take a crazy amount of pictures,  I didn't rebuild my 350f carbs, ( I had Harisuluv do them ) but I did on my 500F and heat and thinner is your friend.  Check the plugs and plug wires as well, little things really help out trust me!  I don't have a ton of extra parts left, but if you need anything leme know!  Oh and buy some dielectric grease for the Male and Female electric connectors.  It really helps keep out water and conduct!

[mark9331]

Started cleaning the first carb today about 80% I would estimate complete.  The lacquer thinner and I bought some cheap carb cleaner from Walmart seemed to work pretty well.  the o ring on the jet needs to be replaced as it was basically gone when I took it apart.  I am not sure how much tear down I need to do if so if you have any thoughts let me know.  I am not sure how to get the emulsion tube out and I am afraid of breaking it so thoughts on that would be helpful!

Tear down so far:



Float chamber cleaned up:



Another view of the carb cleaned up:

[2strokeTrush]

If thats what your butterfly valve looks like, the inside of the body most likely has more build up.  Those need to be soaked my friend. 

[harisuluv]

i think you're talking about some of the plastic bushings.  best way to avoid any misunderstandings is post or pm me a picture. 

[mark9331]

Ordered my first batch of parts today!  Even though 2stroke ordered the last gaskets I emailed 4into1 and Rufus said he had some in stock!

sorry about buying the last off 4into1, that was me   Careful with disassembly as stated already, take a crazy amount of pictures,  I didn't rebuild my 350f carbs, ( I had Harisuluv do them ) but I did on my 500F and heat and thinner is your friend.  Check the plugs and plug wires as well, little things really help out trust me!  I don't have a ton of extra parts left, but if you need anything leme know!  Oh and buy some dielectric grease for the Male and Female electric connectors.  It really helps keep out water and conduct!

I figured I might as well order some of the parts I know/think I need to save on shipping.  The most expensive part was the gas cap latch!  Couldn't believe it!  When I purchased the bike I knew it was broken however I figured you could get the assembly for cheap.  Guess I was wrong.  I also ordered plugs, oil filter, petcock rebuild kit, master cylinder gasket (not sure if I will need entire kit) and a new air filter....  This should get me well on the way to starting her up!

Looking for advice on a seat.... The seat pan is terribly rusted (not sure why) and I am not sure if it is salvageable.  I will post a pic when I can (buried due to storms and having all the vehicles inside).  I looked for a replacement seat pan and they are hard to come by or simply crazy expensive for a almost similar condition one that I have.  I know a pic would help but should I attempt to save mine, look for a stock replacement, or is there any nice affordable aftermarket ones that would seat 2 people?

[jamesv220820]

Ordered my first batch of parts today!  Even though 2stroke ordered the last gaskets I emailed 4into1 and Rufus said he had some in stock!

sorry about buying the last off 4into1, that was me   Careful with disassembly as stated already, take a crazy amount of pictures,  I didn't rebuild my 350f carbs, ( I had Harisuluv do them ) but I did on my 500F and heat and thinner is your friend.  Check the plugs and plug wires as well, little things really help out trust me!  I don't have a ton of extra parts left, but if you need anything leme know!  Oh and buy some dielectric grease for the Male and Female electric connectors.  It really helps keep out water and conduct!

I figured I might as well order some of the parts I know/think I need to save on shipping.  The most expensive part was the gas cap latch!  Couldn't believe it!  When I purchased the bike I knew it was broken however I figured you could get the assembly for cheap.  Guess I was wrong.  I also ordered plugs, oil filter, petcock rebuild kit, master cylinder gasket (not sure if I will need entire kit) and a new air filter....  This should get me well on the way to starting her up!

Looking for advice on a seat.... The seat pan is terribly rusted (not sure why) and I am not sure if it is salvageable.  I will post a pic when I can (buried due to storms and having all the vehicles inside).  I looked for a replacement seat pan and they are hard to come by or simply crazy expensive for a almost similar condition one that I have.  I know a pic would help but should I attempt to save mine, look for a stock replacement, or is there any nice affordable aftermarket ones that would seat 2 people?

can't say I have ever seen a direct reproduction seat pan for a cb350f.  Your best bet is to look at ebay I did a quick search and found a torn seat with a decent seat pan for 95 bucks but there are a few out there

-james

[2strokeTrush]

When it comes to small random parts like the gas latch or anything, let me know what your looking for, I live 20 minutes from the best vintage salvage yard on the East Coast, and would be more then happy to dig one up and ship it to you,  Like i need another excuse to go down there anyway.  Also Not sure if you know about them, But " Dime City Cycles " has a great selection of parts to. Just a heads up if ya hadn't seen them

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

When it comes to small random parts like the gas latch or anything, let me know what your looking for, I live 20 minutes from the best vintage salvage yard on the East Coast, and would be more then happy to dig one up and ship it to you,  Like i need another excuse to go down there anyway.  Also Not sure if you know about them, But " Dime City Cycles " has a great selection of parts to. Just a heads up if ya hadn't seen them

Yeah, you definitely got the hook up with that place.  You might want to start your own used part supply business!

[mark9331]

can't say I have ever seen a direct reproduction seat pan for a cb350f.  Your best bet is to look at ebay I did a quick search and found a torn seat with a decent seat pan for 95 bucks but there are a few out there

-james

James I just went back on ebay and found a reconditioned seat that looked to be in pretty good condition that ends in 5 days.  I emailed the guy and he pulled it offline so I was able to pick up the seat pan for $57 shipped so I figured that was an okay deal.  I will still have to look at mine and see if it is worth saving or just junk it!  I know I will need to upholster it as mine is torn anyways.  I might just go local and see if I can get someone to do it professionally as I have ZERO understanding on how to do it and no sewing machine.