Topic: Burnt out on CB350F project, what should I do to get the steam back

[vanwazltoff]

I bought my CB350F back in September literally the day after I got into a major accident and rolled my car 3 times on the highway. Somehow I came out of the accident almost scot free, but my Suzuki Samurai was completely totaled, I pull my everything into that project and it showed. I polished a massive turd and almost no one believed in me. I had a strong connection with it that I'm not yet feeling with my 350.

Well I got the CB350F, I never even rode it, took it home tore it down to the frame and started working on it part by part as my budget allowed. I am almost finished and I can make it safely ridable in a week, but for some reason I am not happy with it, not quite sure whats wrong, something needs to change. I feel stuck, should I just finish it and ride it for the first time, or should I start taking it back down to the frame.

Originally I was going for this kind of clean cafe look:



But now I'm really liking the black and patina rat brat look, sort of like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUaljiTGs00&index=51&list=PLN9TMNNxgUWQ-_74NXRQVABaJsacufn5r


I'd have to take the engine back out, re-strip the frame, either paint or powder coat it, but I think I'd be a lot happier with the end result. What have you guys done when you've hit a wall and are not sure what to do?

[calj737]

2 Things: What's it look like now? (Hint, post a picture!) And I never start a project unless I absolutely know where I want to end up. Its fine to disassemble and rebuild components, but the "Style" or "nature" of the project should always be determined ahead of time and within your budget/capabilities.

If its "done", finish it and sell it. Find something you'd rather have/ride/build. Unfinished projects due to lack of vision or reason abound. Do not expect to receive anything remotely close to your investment when you sell it on. so the moral is always build something you want to own and ride because your "custom" style won't get you $ from another buyer.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Get it in safe, reliable and rideable condition. Ride it. Then decide. You may then figure out you like having a motorcycle versus a project.

[70CB750]

2 Things: What's it look like now? (Hint, post a picture!) And I never start a project unless I absolutely know where I want to end up. Its fine to disassemble and rebuild components, but the "Style" or "nature" of the project should always be determined ahead of time and within your budget/capabilities.

Exactly, you start project with pencil and paper, not with a wrench in your hand.

Dating myself here, eh?

[Djfob]

Id say finish it then ride it, your almost there anyways. Then take it down and build again. Might as well enjoy fruits of your labor first. Post a pic of what it looks like now.

[flatlander]

yes get it done and ride it. is it spring yet where you are? you'll need a bike on the road, not a door stopper in the garage.
after feeling it out you can still decide to change it.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Riding the bike will likely refresh your excitement about it.  If you ride it and hate it, then you'll know whether you want to sell it or what you'd want to change about it.  You might also surprise yourself and enjoy riding it.

[riverfever]

When I bought my bike 2 years ago, I thought there was a lot of people that started out by stripping things down to the frame. Obviously, I've gone a different route. Up until I tore into the motor a few weeks ago, the thing has always been ridable (sometimes frustrating and unreliable) and, I know for me, that's been the key. Certainly, I enjoy working on the thing and seeing it evolve but I love riding it. I'm envious of many of the builds I see here but I'm operating on a different budget. The positive is that the vision I've had for the bike since day one has remained the same and it's getting there. For me, I feel like this has been the longest mock up in history but I think within the next year(ish) I'll be at a point where I can take it down to the frame, have it painted along with the tank and covers and then reassemble it and end up with the picture that's been floating around my head for over two years now. So...I say you get it to a point where you can start enjoying it and then...keep at it. Or...come to the realization that it's not what you want and move on before dumping anymore money into it that you won't recoup. 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

When I bought my bike 2 years ago, I thought there was a lot of people that started out by stripping things down to the frame. Obviously, I've gone a different route. Up until I tore into the motor a few weeks ago, the thing has always been ridable (sometimes frustrating and unreliable) and, I know for me, that's been the key. Certainly, I enjoy working on the thing and seeing it evolve but I love riding it. I'm envious of many of the builds I see here but I'm operating on a different budget. The positive is that the vision I've had for the bike since day one has remained the same and it's getting there. For me, I feel like this has been the longest mock up in history but I think within the next year(ish) I'll be at a point where I can take it down to the frame, have it painted along with the tank and covers and then reassemble it and end up with the picture that's been floating around my head for over two years now. So...I say you get it to a point where you can start enjoying it and then...keep at it. Or...come to the realization that it's not what you want and move on before dumping anymore money into it that you won't recoup.

I think you're being a little hard on yourself, Chris.  You have been smart and maintained your priorities on this bike by keeping it rideable and moving along with incremental improvements. You timed an engine rebuild during your snow/ice season so that you could have the bike rideable again after the thaw.  Your bike is clean including the bodywork.  As is, your bike is a looker and can only get better. 

[scottly]

I'd also like to see pics of the bike as it is now.

[riverfever]

I think you're being a little hard on yourself, Chris.  You have been smart and maintained your priorities on this bike by keeping it rideable and moving along with incremental improvements. You timed an engine rebuild during your snow/ice season so that you could have the bike rideable again after the thaw.  Your bike is clean including the bodywork.  As is, your bike is a looker and can only get better.

Not being hard...just know that my pockets/skill sets simply don't run as deep as others. Unfortunately, it means that for many of you all, you have to answer my silly questions. There have been times where I've thrown a tarp over the thing (this last time for at least 3 months after telling her to really think about what she'd done) and walked away out of disgust. But I'm a persistent SOB. Now I got so much crap on the way...I only pray I know where half of it goes.

Apologies for the hijack Van...I'm with Scottly...let's see where things stand.

[vanwazltoff]

I'll get some pics tonight. I've decided to try a few things to see if I like it, I have to do them anyway no  matter what route I go. The reason I tore it apart immediately was because the previous owner cut corners, I didn't want to take chances on his sloppy workmanship. The price was right and I got it in working condition or at least 80-90% working condition. Budget used to be an issue, but it isn't anymore. Originally I wanted to cafe it and I had the vision of it, but that vision changed. I think I'll experiment a bit first and see which direction I want to go.

[seanbarney41]

Stop being a girl and worrying what it looks like and ride the damn thing.

[scottly]

The first vision looked good, at least compared to the second brat-rat version, IMHO. Fake patina and a too-short upholstered skate-board for a seat just don't work for me.

[vanwazltoff]

If you don't cater something towards yourself, its just another motorcycle, car, etc. If it doesn't mean anything to me it'll turn into 'just another.' All of my projects have been an extension of myself, putting the best work I am capable at the time of into it, its sweat equity. When I lost my car in the accident, it was as though it was the death of person. Its hard to describe

[calj737]

When I lost my car in the accident, it was as though it was the death of person. Its hard to describe

You're right, it is hard to understand those feelings towards a Suzuki Samurai  But your point is well made. (And I'm just teasing you about the car/truck/thing). Finish this one up, then grab another to really pour yourself into. Having this bike up and running will definitely help you with the direction and choices for the "heart and soul" project on the following bike.