Topic: Should I buy these?

[JP]

Yesterday I came across a pair of '75 CB350 twins.  One is seized, the other seems to be a fairly easy project as far as just cleaning up the carbs, front brake is siezed, new battery, maybe some new cables and it will probably run and run pretty good.  Also noteable to mention is that neither of the bikes have any dings in the tanks or any where else, but they are deffinately a pair of old bikes with minimal surface rust in normal places, rust pits on the wheels, and pin holes throughout the exhausts on both.

Now, you see- normally, I wouldn't even consider these bikes.  Just not what I like really.  But the seized bike only has a legitimate 1900 and some odd miles.  Now I know what your saying- "Holy crap, that's low miles!"

That's the same thing I thought when I first rubbed the dust off the odometer, but........
Then I went over to the non seized bike and saw.............00894.

I had an orgazim.

Much like dirty sex, after the initial pleasure was over- I was confused.  I thought to myself- "Self, what is the maximum amount that I could get for a 350 twin even if it was absolutely immaculent?"

So here I am.  The bikes where purchased by a local religious organization in '75 called the Hasan Temple- not sure of it's beliefs or anything.  They where only ridden once a year during the Hasan Temple parades.  They where purchased by I guess the preacher and his wife.  The one with the lower miles was the wifes and she obviously didn't ride it even once a year.

As good as it sounds at first, remember they would need a good bit of attention to make nice...new rims and tires, re-chromed fenders, paint all over, etc, etc.  And this is only on the low mileage one- the other is seized.

Or- how much would the 894 mile jewel be worth the way it sits vs. starting and running.

Thanks in advance,
JP

[kghost]

I'd buy them if the price was right.


They are becoming popular for AHMRA racing.

I dunno if I would restore them to mint unless you could make one out of 2 at minimum cost.

Not a huge collector bike and it would be difficult to get your money out if you spent alot restoring them.

Now if thier cheap....would be a fun little parts getting bike or a cafe...

[andy750]

With such low miles Id ask why they seized in the first place.....

good luck whatever you decide.
cheers
Andy

[martini]

If you can get them for a good price buy em. I have a 350 twin and I love it. Its a great bike and it makes a real good cafe conversion project.

[JP]

Sorry, here's a little more info.

The guy wants $600 for the pair, which to me is absurd.  But I don't think he'll go less than $400.

The siezed one I have no enterest in at all.  They where both in a flood in '94, but the lower mileage one was immediately cleaned out and ran good afterwards and was occasionally used to haul around grandkids.

[cb650]

When did honda go from the 350 to 360?   Did they make both at the same time?   




                         Terry

[chung]

Sounds like a steal @ $600 for both. Pistons aren't too cheap for that bike last I checked.

But I tore one down that I was convince needed a bore. With the head off as I prepaired to flog a piston with a hammer, I decided to kik it one more time. It spun and the bores didn't have any more miles than you are looking at.

Andy, They stick from sitting, even a brand new one. The rings stick to the bore.

CB650, They didn't make both 350 and 360 the same year. 1975 was a trying time for HONDA, the rest of Japan had just caught upto them and passed them in many parts of the market. The 350 is actually only 325cc. Although it will bore much larger it was almost a bit dated. They made a new pretty face with more CCs, a fine 6 speed box. Same for the 500T..... neither was as good a bike in stock condition as the bike it replaced. Although I've heard that a 360 can be remade into a 500cc monster.

[cb650]

I didnt think they made them the same year.  I thought the 360 came out in 74 so was wondering about the "75 350".     I do know the diffs I have a 73 cl 350  and a 76 cb 360.




                           Terry

[Terry in Australia]

Well, my brother had a CB175 in 1972, and my neighbour had a CB350, they were pretty uninspired designs, but good reliable (if rather heavy) beasts, and while I doubt that they are worth any more than the sellers asking price, I think I'd enjoy riding one, if I wasn't a big bastard, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.

[Uncle Ernie]

$600 sounds fair to me.  I think they're fun commuters and can make cool racers.

Doesn't sound as if you appreciate them, so I vote for leaving them for someone who'd love to get them.

[74cb750]

Buy them both, then when you need parts email me.
Actually, the cb350 is the 1st bike I ever rode on sidewalks with
people jumping out of the way....long time ago...

[JP]

The guy said that he thinks they are 1975 models, I don't know much about it, so you guys that are wondering about the years are probably correct in assuming they are earlier models.

I'm in no rush to get them and I am positive that I am the only person on the planet in line to buy them, so I'll probably pick them up a few months from now.

On a side note though, he had a drinkin' buddy there that says he knows a local guy that has a Norton Commando for $800.  I was putting some serious pressure on him and hopefully I'll have a Norton within a few weeks cause that's something I would LOVE to get my hands on.

JP

[bill440cars]

 JP,
       lol with that Norton deal. I wouldn't mind one of those myself. Those 350s could be cool projects but that Norton would definitely be cool. Let us know how things turn out. okay?

                                                         Later on, Bill

[Terry in Australia]

Buy the Norton mate, while the Honda's are always gonna be the more reliable option, the Norton is the bike I'd much rather have, anyday! Cheers, Terry.