Topic: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?

[sammermpc]

Hello,

I'm looking at picking up a CB350K for my girlfriend -- I found a really nice looking one for $1800, candy gold, gorgeous -- price a little steep for me, but looks to be in good condition and I've got my hands full with my projects, so looking for a decent runner for her.

Any words of wisdom on the twins vs. the fours? My CB500 was my first bike -- and I've been learning a lot working on it, and I'm not sure it's wise to get too far outside of my comfort zone.

How does resale value hold up? She might always hate riding (doubt it ).

[sammermpc]

Oh man, it's not even SOHC. Show's how little I know 

[Jayelwin]

My wife has a '73 that bike and loves it. I restored it before my 750. Half of everything. Easier.

[Rodger]

They're pretty good little bikes.  As long as you not going 70 MPH on the highway.  It good for back roads and the like.  It can go 55-60 MPH  all day and not sound like a buzz saw.  Lots of parts available, resale should be good IMO.  With all these people chopping, bobbing and café these up I see the stocks bike getting rarer which should rise the prices.  Who wants to buy some bike that hacked up and so personalize no one will ever want to buy it.

[SohRon]

Great little bike! I had a '69 CL that I rode completely across the country (in my youth) on the interstate at speeds of 70-80 miles an hour - in fact it was my only means of transport at the time and I took it everywhere, so don't let its capabilities stress you! I loved my 350; great handling, very responsive and quick. If it's in good shape, the price seems fair. Get it and have fun! 

[fendersrule]

I'd recommend throwing on crash bars to protect it. It WILL be dropped a few times.

[Johnie]

I just picked up a titled 72 CB350 with 6,500 miles on it. Wanted one when I was in high school but could not afford it so bought a CL175 instead. Saw this local and the guy started at $2,000 which was way to high. I walked away and 2 weeks later he called and came down quite a bit. Ended up getting it for half that price. It had not been run in about 3 years. Like any Honda...just do the basics and she will fire up. That looks like a nice one you have your eyes on. What are the miles and is there a title?

[jamesbekman]

I got one for $500!  Replaced a fuel bowl, pressed in a fuel spigot that was loose on one carb, replaced two gaskets....  Its great.  No mufflers on it either, sounds gnarly...  They are fun.

[dusterdude]

Damn good bikes


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[grcamna2]

sammermpc,
What did the owner tell you about the history of the bike & work he did to it ?
Nice looking K3,I have a K4 that's the same color but my headlight bucket is black(K4);they're very dependable when maintained properly.

[sammermpc]

Owner sent me a few pics, closer up, and it's a bit more dinged up than I'd like for the price, which already seems pretty steep (more than I paid for my '72 CB500). I'll keep my eyes peeled for some better deals -- seems like it'd be a great bike though. Thanks!

[grcamna2]

I hope he comes down on the price for you,if you want it

[Johnie]

You can always make an offer and then walk. Let him call you with a counter offer...

[ekpent]

Would nave been a nicer bike if he had the original gold sidecovers as they really set the bike off better than crap black.

[seanbarney41]

sammermpc,
What did the owner tell you about the history of the bike & work he did to it ?
Nice looking K3,I have a K4 that's the same color but my headlight bucket is black(K4);they're very dependable when maintained properly.

there is definately something about them, but having owned 4 of them over the years, I am gonna have to strongly disagree with "dependable"...terrible ignition system, worse charging system, oiling?...at least it all stays inside the engine, and their vibration influenced parts chucking ways are second only to Harley Davidson.  I just dumped my last parts bike on a friend for $75 and hope not to be tempted by the little cuties ever again.

[grcamna2]

SeanB,
The twins do need lots of synching & fine tuning to make'em have a minimum of vibration,it's tough to keep your hands and feet from tingling when running between 5-6000 rpm's      "I'm digging those 'good' vibrations....    No,especially a CB450-500 twin.
The fours got'em beat w/ being nice and smooth 

[oldbob]

I'd recommend throwing on crash bars to protect it. It WILL be dropped a few times.

Back in the day (1972 - 1973), I had crash bars on my '72 CB350K. They attached to the frame just under the gas tank, and to the front motor mount. The one time I dumped it, the crash bars broke off the part of the crankcase that bolts to that motor mount. I was able to get it heli-arced, but it could have ended very badly.

Bob

[grcamna2]

Owner sent me a few pics, closer up, and it's a bit more dinged up than I'd like for the price, which already seems pretty steep (more than I paid for my '72 CB500). I'll keep my eyes peeled for some better deals -- seems like it'd be a great bike though. Thanks!

What ever happened sammer ?

[sammermpc]

Ah, I ended up going back and forth a few times with the guy and decided to wait. What I'd really like to do is get a 350f. Don't know why.


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[Stev-o]

Ah, I ended up going back and forth a few times with the guy and decided to wait. What I'd really like to do is get a 350f. Don't know why.

Get a 550 and dont look back

http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/mcy/4517315581.html

[grcamna2]

I just picked up a titled 72 CB350 with 6,500 miles on it. Wanted one when I was in high school but could not afford it so bought a CL175 instead. Saw this local and the guy started at $2,000 which was way to high. I walked away and 2 weeks later he called and came down quite a bit. Ended up getting it for half that price. It had not been run in about 3 years. Like any Honda...just do the basics and she will fire up. That looks like a nice one you have your eyes on. What are the miles and is there a title?

Johnie  Don't sell that bike,it's a keeper ! 

[Johnie]

I know...I want to enjoy it a while for sure.

[faux fiddy]

Ah, I ended up going back and forth a few times with the guy and decided to wait. What I'd really like to do is get a 350f. Don't know why.


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Honda came out with this one first, of course. They sold a bazzillion of them. Then they introduced the 360 which was their 'updated' version with a six speed and instead of a crank where both cylinders are at tdc at the same time on different stroke the 360 had one up at a time.

The result was that the 360 didn't perform as well as far as fuel economy, and I think it was a bit slower. When the 350 came along, and added weight not only to the bike but the price tag, too.

The people that had them and raced them stuck to keeping them and all in all it was a longer larger production  run and more parts are out there. The people who raced them (and who still do) stick to them compared to the other honda 350's.  Get a deal on it and take care of it, and it should appreciate and likely to be dependable and easy to work on when it isn't dependable.