Topic: Help me get my CB350F ready for this season!

[Jzelnick]

Hi everyone!

First time posting here but I have been lurking for quite some time.  I picked up a well running CB350F last year and rode it approximately two months before having to put it away for the winter.  After a few rides i noticed the headlight would start to dim and it had a hard time electric starting.  Now it is not starting at all.  The carbs were recently redone and the battery was charged all winter.  Here is some text from the ad when I bought it so it gives you some history on the bike.


This is an early numbers bike #777 for 1972. Build date is 4-1972 registered in 1973. I have a clear title for transfer. Runs like it should from the factory. The carburetor's have been professionally cleaned, polished, and rebuilt. Timed perfectly to factory specs. New air filter. Fuel petcock rebuilt. Valves adjusted. No leaks. No smoke. Speedometer showing 14000. Tank is clean. Paint is original. . Wheels look very good. Tires have no dry rot or cracks. Has original owners manual and warrantee book. Oil has been changed, brake fluid also. New air filter. Seat looks nice. New sealed battery


That said,  I'm attaching a video with what happens when I try to start the bike.  Immediately after turning the key it starts to crank so I'm not sure what is happening.  I am mechanically inclined but only worked on cars previously. 

I would love to get out and ride once a week as it is gorgeous outside!

Thanks in advance your help!

Jon

[flybox1]

Check the voltage of your battery at its terminals (bike off)
Report back.

[Jzelnick]

Check the voltage of your battery at its terminals (bike off)
Report back.

Is it possible for this just to be a dead battery?  I'll pick up a voltmeter and check it out tonight.

[flybox1]

Check the voltage of your battery at its terminals (bike off)
Report back.

Is it possible for this just to be a dead battery?  I'll pick up a voltmeter and check it out tonight.

If it was new last riding season, and it wasn't on a trickle charger, yes, it's highly likely.
Once you know it's good, you'll want to check your charcing system (steps are in the FAQ section of the forum) just so you don't get stranded somewhere....

[Jzelnick]

Well it was on a trickle charger and won't even start when plugged into the trickle charger.  I saw the post with the charging system but haven't gone through it yet.  I would assume if its plugged in with a green light (charged) it should be able to start.  Any other suggestions?

[scottly]

Your battery is fine; otherwise the starter wouldn't be spinning the motor like that! The first problem is the starter operating as soon as the ignition switch is switched on. Did you mess with any of the wiring in the headlight bucket or the handlebar switches over the winter? 

[whizzer]

Kill switch 

[Jzelnick]

scottly this is what i figured as well.  i have no clue why the starter started operating as soon as the key is turned.  it did happen after a long ride last fall but before it would start.  i didn't mess with any wires over the winter.  also the killswitch can be in RUN or OFF and nothing seems to change. 

[scottly]

Jon, first thing I would do is check for spark by pulling the #1 spark plug (the one on the left side of the bike when you are sitting on it), and lay it on the head with the metal body touching the head. With the run switch on, turn the key on and crank the motor over. If no spark, disconnect one of the two small wires on the starter solenoid to disable the electric starter so you can trouble-shoot the ignition problem with the key on, and report back here.