Topic: A few not so quick CB350 questions...

[SClay115]

I am curious on a few things, and this is pretty much the only place I have to ask, as the people on here seem to know the most about these sort of things...any help would be great...here goes.

Putting together a 72' CB350 twin, and I need some info on some parts. First, and foremost, I need a throttle control. I need the actual barrel part, under the grip, I'll be using a stock cable, but I have Woodcraft clip ons, so I need to find something to fit that. I'm not sure if the actual tubes are a standard size, probably are. So the question is, can I use any throttle assembly from any bike that shares the cable size of the CB? Or if you know of something that fits, or have found something that works, what is it?

Chain, obviously, I'm going to need a chain. I've heard of people having problems with a 520 O ring chain being too wide for the 750's, anyone know of the 350? Looks like there is plenty of clearance for an O ringer, but I'm not sure. Again, any experiences?

Ignition parts. I want to start fresh on everything for the ignition, new coils/wires/plugs. I am having a heck of a time finding 350 specific coils, is there a different coil I can use? I read an article once where a builder used automotive coils, big, but they did the trick ya know!

I think that's all I have for now. Any help anyone could give would be great, as I'm trying to get everything on it's way parts wise so I can finish this thing, I am itching to ride...

Steve

[csendker]

Steve-

If you don't have a big ad for Z1 Enterprises right on your page, you will soon as the ad-thingy mines posts.  Click on it.  They have stuff for 350 twins --> http://www.z1enterprises.com/catalog.aspx?pid=CB350K4-1972 and come highly recommended (by me at least).  And if they don't have it, e-mail and he might be able to dig it up.  There's always your friendly neighborhood Honda dealer, a surprising amount of stuff is still available.  Look at the FAQ's for a whole list of vendors.

The chain issue is "no o-rings on 550's", I believe.  There's a clearance issue around the front sprocket.  I don't know if there's a similar problem on 350's, but I've read a lot about how with minimal care, a regular chain may be better in the long run than an o-ring.  Regular chains can be serviced, and with service will last a long time.  O-rings may require less maintenance, but if the o-ring fails, it's toast.  You may want to assess your sprockets at the same time as your chain, a worn sprocket will eat up a new chain.

I'm not sure about the throttle grip, but you can look at the parts fiche & compare part numbers to see comaptibility --> http://www.crotchrocket.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1972&fveh=2905

And of course, there's always e-buy too.  Good luck.

Oh yeah, and at least with my CB175 twins - they share a whole bunch of stuff with their kissin' cousin the CL175.  I bet it the same situation between the CB350 & CL 350's.

[crazypj]

almost any tube will fit but you may have to modify the part that holds closing cable( hacksaw works ) The motocross ones may have too large a diameter as they are quick action.
The Chinese dirtbikes sold everywhere would probably be easiest/cheapest alternative for single cable. ( or take a look at Suzuki 250 single 'cruiser')
PJ

[SClay115]

Cool, thanks for the help so far guys. One very strange off topic question, can I use a front tire on the rear? Modern radial, tubeless. I'm trying to figure out why I couldn't, I'm having a chain/tire clearance issue, and really the only way to resolve it is to use a smaller tire..but, they don't make many radials in a sub 130 size....at least for the rear.

Steve

[csendker]

I wouldn't.   I think the tire geometrics are different.  Look around, they're out there.  I'll try to dig up some links I have to some good tire stores.  What size did you need?

[SClay115]

Yeah I was just curious, didn't think it would have been a great idea.

What are some good rim sizes for this thing? I am going to use the stock 350 hub in the rear, but it needs to be relaced, and I figure if I have the opportunity to use a different(read: Better) rim size, I might as well do it now. Same thing for the front too, what do you guys suggest? Tires will be a whole 'nother search, but figured I should get some rim sizes nailed down first.

Steve

[Raul CB750K1]

I have a 530 o-ring chain ready for my CB350 Twin reassembly. Checked the clearance and it seems good enough for me. Check for a picture on this thread

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=1526.15


Regarding the coils, I just rebuilt the old ones and now they are better than new. Check this out

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=17310.0


Regarding the tube, the handlebars are standard width, so I assume the throttle tubes are standard too. Furthermore, you can buy any pair of grips and they always fit, therefore the tube diameter should be the same.