Topic: First Bike! First Honda. 73 CB 350F. How some newbie questions.

[Alibels]

Hi there!

I am a brand new rider and lucked out finding a extremely well cared for 1973 CB 350 Four!

I've been riding for a few months now and have some questions.

Firstly, I often ride with another person on the back and I feel like, while the bike moves well, it accelerates and shifts differently than when it's just me. Should I be concerned about riding a small bike with this extra weight for extended periods of time? 

Secondly, not always but on occasion, when starting out from a standstill I hear a crunching sound when I feather out the clutch. I am wondering if perhaps I'm not giving enough throttle, or I have to be really careful about feathering the clutch? Or perhaps it's a sign of something else?

Thirdly, and this is a set of real novice questions, when should I be shifting gears? I have driven manual cars for years and always listen to the engine to know when to shift. However, i know on a motorcycle you can, and probably should, shift at a much higher rpm. This has totally thrown off my ability to listen and know when to shift. What is the right rpm range to shift? Is 6k to 7k to high? And on this topic, what is the right rpm to cruise at once I get going?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Also, here is photo of the bike. 5k Miles on it and all original parts.

[piefairy]

I wouldn't worry about the extra weight, the bike will accelerate differently with the added "spare".

As for the shift "crunch" I know early CB750's are known for a noisy clutch, may extend to you bike as well.

Powerband on your bike should be up in the 5-8k range which is where you should typically cruise at to my knowledge.

Good article on your bike
https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_cb360g.htm

[kslrr]

When I'm just taking a leisurely cruise, I'll shift between 4k and 7k.  When I'm hitting the twisties with the occasional straight away, between 9k and 11k.

[Bodi]

Crunching noise is not normal. Can't really guess what it is without more info.
Shift point - don't shift too low. The engine is made for high RPMs (compared to cruisers at least). You will get a feel for it, but I would not usually shift below 6000. At redline if I'm in a hurry.
Cruising... just avoid lugging  - that means opening the throttle makes little or no change in acceleration, just noise. You don't have much torque, your horsepower is made from RPMs. I would never cruise below 4000 except in first going very slowly.

[American Locomotive]

Shift points are whatever feels right given your desired acceleration. Sometimes I shift at 2500 RPM on my 750 if I'm just putzing around. Other times I shift at 9000 if I'm in a hurry. Mild acceleration maybe 5,000 RPM. Keep in mind my 750 has a lot more low end power, so don't draw comparisons from my shift points to yours.

My point is that there is no "correct" shift point. It's all dependent on what you're trying to do.

[Alibels]

Thanks to each! It's great to get input from people with actual experience. I've been doing my best to 'feel' what is right and I am glad to know I am on the right track.

The crunch gear noise going into 1st does concern me but it seems to happen when I'm starting from and incline or with the extra weight. Perhaps it's just about learning how much throttle is needed to give a smooth clutch out.

[carnivorous chicken]

Here's the article on the 350F -- for some reason piefairy linked to the 360G:
https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_cb350f%2073.htm

Learning to ride with a passenger just takes a little time and finesse and getting used to not taking off as quickly.

As others have noted -- keep the revs up. I rode my 350F in Phoenix at 70-75mph on the freeway and at about 7500-8000 rpm, well below the red line.

And, also as others have noted -- the clunking noise isn't normal on these bikes as it is for a 750. That is something you should check out.

[Bodi]

Crunching noise heard and felt with higher acceleration in 1st gear is usually chain slip. Check the sprockets aren't worn out and that the chain tension is not super loose.