Topic: A blast from my past 72 CL350

[Peterbylt]

First let me give a little history on the Bike.
Back in 1976 I bought this same CL350 from the original owner when I lived in Massachusetts and used it on and off up until 1990 when I moved to Florida.
I sold the bike to a friend of mine who put it in his back yard and covered it in plastic. A month ago he called me up and said they were landscaping his backyard in the spring and wanted to get rid of the motorcycle so I can have it back if I want to come get it.
He took a few pictures and said the engine kicks over with compression with the kickstarter.
It’s still sitting right exactly where I shut it off 17 years ago in June of 1990.
I think I am going to do this. The best price I can find is $305 to ship it from just south of Boston to Tampa.
The elements have not been to kind to it and there are some scratches and dings that I put in it as a crazy teenager driving an on/off road motorcycle But I think it will make a great restore project.
The opportunity to get back a piece of my own history is enticing. Believe it or not the title is still in my name.









Peter

[SteveD CB500F]

Go for it Peter - you'll regret it forever if you don't.

A mate just bought-back an XS850 from the guy he sold it to 20 years ago. 67k miles now and paid him £500 - which is exactly the price originally!

You can't really put a price on nostalgia, especially if it holds specific memories for you.

[Jay B]

Go for it. $305 isn't bad if you get the bike for free. My 350f was in much worse shape than that when I started on it 2 years ago. Given the personal history, it will make a great project.

[S-Dog]

With that much history.... It would be a no brainer to me.... And if you end up not wanting it.. I can pick it up!!!!  I live right near there.

[RRRToolSolutions]

Peter, I've spent a lot of time and resources searching and buying every bike model from my early years. I have never had the chance to get one of the originals back. If you enjoyed yours in 1976 like I did - get that bike brought home and enjoy the journey bringing it back to it's original glory.

I'd do it today!

Regards,
Gordon

[kirkn]

Most of us would just like to get an EXAMPLE of the bike(s) we used to own, but to get the ACTUAL bike we used to own, well, if it were me, I'd do it for sure, even if I had to rent a van/pickup/trailer and drive up and get it!

What could it cost?  One long weekend of intense driving?  Man, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

That's such a cool opportunity:  the title still in your name? from 31 years ago?  No brainer.   

Good luck, and keep us informed!

BTW - that bike is still in pretty darned good shape for sitting outside for 17 years.  Looks just like a lot of surface rust.  Maybe a bit of more heavy pitting here & there.  No show-stoppers that I can see at all.

Kirk

[Raul CB750K1]

Wait a moment! You mean that your friend bought the bike from you, covered in plastic, didn't touch it for 17 years and now he gives it to you for free?

That's possibly the most stupid purchase in the history of mankind.   


Go for it! I have gone the other way round, chasing the former owners of my bikes to ask them for history, and promising them that if I ever sell the bike thjey will be the first to deal with. All of them have been happy to see a piece of their motorcycle history still alive and running.

[nickjtc]

Go for it! And keep us informed of your progress. It will be interesting hear how your search for any parts that are needed  progresses.

Don't forget the pics!!

[mikedialect]

I've got a ton of engine parts, I can get you an undented tank and I would be willing to help with anything you need!


you've got to get it! The trip could even be good bonding time with a son,father,brother,buddy!


it's win win all around!

[kirkn]

Hmm.... well, Google maps sez it's about 1400 miles from Tampa to Boston.  21 hours or so.

So, 2800 miles round trip, give or take.  Maybe a little bit MORE than one long weekend.  'Course, with a spare driver or two, you COULD drive straight thru, there and back!  2800 miles/15mpg x $3.50 per gallon = $650.  Plus food & tolls.

I'd STILL do it...     

[Peterbylt]

Well, there is no doubt about the fact that it needs to be done. (Even my wife thinks I need to go get this motorcycle) I just need to figure out the logistics.
One Idea brought up to me today by one of my friends who is an avid Skier (believe it or not there are lots of avid skiers in Tampa just looking for a good excuse to go play in the snow) is to take a road trip up to Massachusetts with him as copilot and while we are there picking up the motorcycle go to Vermont and Ski Killington for a day. My two favorite things in one action packed long weekend, Skiing and old motorcycles. This idea sounds like a winner.
This will make two of my long time Motorcycles that I will own. My 75 550f I have owned continuously since 1980 and the 350 that I had from 1976 thru 1990 so the 550 and the 350 know each other well. My brother says he will give us a place to sleep while in Massachusetts. The plan is take enough of the bike apart to fit it in the back of my S10 Blazer for the trip back to Florida.
S-DOG You can't have it, it’s mine. But we will be passing thru Rhode Island on I95 and maybe we could hook up. Do you ski? I promise not to blink so I won't miss Rhode Island.
Kirkn Your right, what did I expect posting something like this on a board like this? Just what I got, Positive reinforcement....

Peter   

[S-Dog]

I dont ski... but I can help you take apart the bike if you need help...

[754]

Give him 350 for gas..

 and meet him 1/2 way, spend a night remeniscing..

Win..win.. for everyone..