Author Topic: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?  (Read 1917 times)

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Offline sammermpc

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Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« on: May 27, 2014, 11:02:44 AM »
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 :D).







1972 CB500, 1979 CB750F SS (dohc), 1982 Yamaha Maxim XS400

Offline sammermpc

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2014, 11:46:17 AM »
Oh man, it's not even SOHC. Show's how little I know  :-[
1972 CB500, 1979 CB750F SS (dohc), 1982 Yamaha Maxim XS400

Offline Jayelwin

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2014, 01:29:58 PM »
My wife has a '73 that bike and loves it. I restored it before my 750. Half of everything. Easier.

Offline Rodger

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2014, 03:13:53 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: May 27, 2014, 03:18:01 PM by Rodger »
69 Honda CB350, 71 Honda CB350K, 72 Honda CB350K Café,
75 Honda CB400F Blue, 75 Honda CB400F Red 73 Honda CL175 and 76 Honda CJ360

Offline SohRon

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2014, 04:48:24 PM »
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!  ;D
« Last Edit: May 27, 2014, 04:50:19 PM by SohRon »
"He slipped back down the alley with some roly-poly little bat-faced girl..."

Assembling my '74 CB550: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=86697.0
Assembly of the Right-hand Switch (a rebuilder's guide):  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80532.0
Installing stock 4X4 exhaust: CB500-CB550 K: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=82323.0
CB550 Assembly Manual: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.0.html

fendersrule

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2014, 04:51:31 PM »
I'd recommend throwing on crash bars to protect it. It WILL be dropped a few times.

Offline Johnie

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2014, 05:03:18 PM »
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?
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline jamesbekman

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #7 on: May 28, 2014, 09:13:52 AM »
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.

Offline dusterdude

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #8 on: May 28, 2014, 01:14:19 PM »
Damn good bikes


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Offline grcamna2

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #9 on: May 28, 2014, 07:55:15 PM »
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.
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline sammermpc

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #10 on: June 01, 2014, 07:13:42 PM »
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!
1972 CB500, 1979 CB750F SS (dohc), 1982 Yamaha Maxim XS400

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #11 on: June 01, 2014, 07:56:03 PM »
I hope he comes down on the price for you,if you want it
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline Johnie

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #12 on: June 02, 2014, 05:30:36 AM »
You can always make an offer and then walk. Let him call you with a counter offer...
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline ekpent

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #13 on: June 02, 2014, 06:06:35 AM »
Would nave been a nicer bike if he had the original gold sidecovers as they really set the bike off better than crap black.

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #14 on: June 02, 2014, 06:07:23 PM »
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.
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #15 on: June 02, 2014, 08:40:37 PM »
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  :o  :)  "I'm digging those 'good' vibrations.... ::)   No,especially a CB450-500 twin.
The fours got'em beat w/ being nice and smooth  ;)
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

oldbob

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #16 on: June 03, 2014, 08:05:47 AM »
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

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #17 on: June 05, 2014, 09:20:45 PM »
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 ?
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline sammermpc

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #18 on: June 14, 2014, 08:53:55 AM »
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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1972 CB500, 1979 CB750F SS (dohc), 1982 Yamaha Maxim XS400

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #19 on: June 14, 2014, 11:20:05 AM »
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
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #20 on: June 14, 2014, 11:25:58 AM »
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 !  8)
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline Johnie

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #21 on: June 14, 2014, 09:12:20 PM »
I know...I want to enjoy it a while for sure.
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline faux fiddy

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Re: Buying a 1972 CB350K twin?
« Reply #22 on: June 20, 2014, 10:35:26 PM »
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.
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