Topic: My first bike & it's a beauty!

[Suke]

Hi all,
I am the new proud owner of a 1973 CB350F Four. This is my first bike, and I just got it last weekend. I've been told to check out this site, and I'm thrilled to see that there is an incredible source of information such as this! I'm new to riding, and not very knowledgeable about bikes yet, but I am looking forward to the journey. I've always loved older bikes, so I'm very excited I finally got one. Here's a pic of my bike. It rides so smooth and I'm having a blast. I'm sure I'll be asking all of you many questions as things come up.  Talk with you soon.

[Bob Wessner]

Very nice looking bike, congratulations! Welcome to the site.

[Gordon]

Wow!

Are those the stock pipes?  If so, you have yourself one valuable machine.  Congrats on the purchase (and a good pick, too)!  The 350 is a great bike for a beginner, and it's not underpowered or too small for an experienced rider either.  Welcome to the group, be safe, and have fun riding.  But whatever you do, don't wreck those pipes! 

[smithrelo]

Very pretty Bike!!

Give us the skinny:  Miles?  History?  How many owners?  Where has your gem  been hiding for past 30 odd years??

Also, be VERY CAREFUL - I am a re-entry rider - didn't sit on a bike for over 29 years...and trafic has increased by a factor of 30 at least!  Stay safe and avoid heavy traffic hours!

Thanks for the photo!!

Linda

[78 k550]

Very nice looking bike.

[cben750f0]

suke.. beautifull bike matie... give us the goss on her...peace... oh and BTW welcome..

[Quail "Owner of the comfortable k8"]

My bike might look that good on 5 more years!  Time=Money  Money=parts  Parts=bike 

[Suke]

Thanks for all the replies! I've been considering getting a bike for the past few years, and then really starting doing some research this year. I was considering an old Triumph, but heard they had a ton of problems. I was then considering a small Honda Rebel since this is my first bike and I only plan on riding on residential roads and to and from the train station. However, I starting hearing about these CBs and fell in love with them right when I saw one! I became addicted to looking on Ebay and was always checking different classifieds. I wasn't planning on getting a bike this year, but saw this one on Ebay and couldn't resist! It is all original and in great working condition, has less than 22,000 miles and still has the original exhaust. I actually got lucky because the seller was a mechanic who specialized on old Japanese bikes. He took a lot of time to explain things to me. I drove to Detroit and back in one day (12 hour drive!) to pick it up because I was so excited I couldn't wait to ship it. Not sure how many owners it had, but it's definitely in good overall condition. Thanks again, and I'll definitely be chatting with all of you, and look forward to learning too.

[SteveD CB500F]

Run an archive search on "350 exhausts" or similar. You will see that the general view of those on this board is that original 350 pipes are as common as rocking horse s'#t, so swap them immediately for an aftermarket setup, wrap them in cotton wool, hang them in your garage (dehumidified of course) and watch them grow in value.

When you retire, you can sell them to fund your pension !!

[dusterdude]

welcome suke

[Gordon]

You will see that the general view of those on this board is that original 350 pipes are as common as rocking horse s'#t, so swap them immediately for an aftermarket setup, wrap them in cotton wool, hang them in your garage (dehumidified of course) and watch them grow in value.

Forget the garage!  Frame them in vacuum sealed plexiglass and hang them in your living room.  In about 20 years, auction them off at Christie's and live the easy life!

[Suke]

Very funny! Would you guys really put on aftermarket exhausts and hold on to these? They are not perfect but still sound as this should and work great. They were repaired where one of the pipes meet the muffler but still look great. There are a few extremely small holes under the bottom pipes but doesn't seem to be a problem. The previous owner said they should last as long as I don't let preciption sit in the pipes. Where do I get other exhausts if I wanted or needed to? Also, I want to keep the paint and spedometer and tachometer as nice as they can possibly be. Do you think I should put a cover on my bike at the train station so the sun doesn't damage the bike, or is that a bit overboard? Are you ever concerned about parking your bike outside? It's always in my garage when I am home but I want to ride it to the train station. Thanks again!

[smithrelo]

Suke-definietly I would get a cover - the sun is what hurts these old bikes, and rain, snow, sleet, etc are definitely not required in the maintenance Manual!  I had to swear on the Owners Manual, that I would not let Bronco Bike get rained on-as previous owner had never had her in the rain, snow, etc.!

I'm sure someone here can recommend a good all-weather cover, but I'd say it would be a VERY good investment.

Linda
PS-where are those PHOTOS!!!

[Bobby]

No offense, but I "ride" my bikes.  This would mandate a necessity to "park" it and, dare I say, leave it unattended.  Occasionaly, that results in dirt and precipitaion alighting upon it.   I realize that we own "vintage" or "Classic" machines, but unless you want to hemetically seal it within a cryogenic sarcophagus, there is going to be some wear and tear.   That being said, if you bought the bike as an investment, then wrap it up and put it away.  If you want to feel the wind in your teeth, then buy some touch-up paint and an assortment of lotions and potions.

As for the pipes, I always yank the stock ones, chuck the airbox and add 4-1 exhaust and velocity stacks of pods.  I do wrap the original exhaust up if it is in decent shape.

[Suke]

Here are some more pics of the bike...and pipes!

[Gordon]

It's possible to ride your bike and keep it in good condition.  If I had to park my bike outside all day at work, I'd buy a decent cover to bring with me.  Luckily my work has a parking garage, though.  It's not the rain that bothers me, it's the prolonged sun exposure that will destroy the seat cover and fade the paint and guages. 

[mcpuffett]

hello and welcome suke hope you enjoy your bike    mick.