Topic: Do I need a 350F - no, do I want a 350, yes

[gregk]

I looked at a 73 350F yesterday and am very tempted.  The bike appears to be all there, including the owner manual and tool kit, even has the original tires. 
The down side is the tank has been painted, without stripes and the owner wants 2000.00
Interestingly, the odometer indicates 75,000 miles which is hard to believe.
Now I definitely don't need another bike as I have 3 SOHC's in the garage now.  I am however thinking that this bike would round out the collection. 
I have skimmed through the articles regarding these bikes and parts seem to be available at reasonable costs but obviously they are underpowered.  Someone said that they would be suited for someone weighing in at less than 150 lbs.  Unfortunately, I am a lot over that mark.  Are there any other items  to check on these bikes?

Greg

[kghost]

Well I have one and weigh in at about 230 lbs.

I find that its a great little round town bike.

I like it so much I just bought a 400 to round out the collection.

If the stock exhaust is there and in good shape its probably worth 2000.

Repainting the tank and getting the decal is no big deal thier available.

[mj_honda]

I have two of them myself. One is more or less a long term project. The other is a 72 and in sweet condition.

I fell in love so I gave in and paid $1200 a year ago. It had new tires, battery, newly rebuilt front brakes and carbs with only 3900 miles. The exhaust isn't original but that is about it. I even have the original registration from when it was purchased in 72 out of California.

$2000 seems a bit high. Does it have the original 4 into 4 exhaust?

[333]

Original tires won't last 7500 miles, much less 75,000.  I would think the same for the exhaust, although maybe.  If the exhaust is there and no rust holes, it's probably worth that.  But high mileage, rusted through exhaust, and bad tires, offer him half of that.

[okie]

Look at what somebody bought, yesterday for under $3000.

eBay item number 320234131034

NEW tires
NEW pipes
Very good paint and stripes
NEW spokes front and rear

Repainted tank says to me, less than $1000.

[Johnie]

I love those smaller bikes.  I restored a 1980 CM400E and a 1981 CM400 Custom.  You are correct, they are great around town and small country roads.  But I paid $50 for my first one and $1500 for my Custom which had 1,331 miles on it.  Both beautiful bikes now.  Make him an offer and see where it takes you.

[gregk]

i realize that the bike is overpriced at $ 2000.00.  I would think that it is worth about 1500.00 to me.  There are a few spare parts with the bike.  It would be easy to restore and add to the stable. 
He also had a 73 Norton Commando that he wants $ 8000.00.  Now I know he is dreaming. 
I suspect that there is something wrong with the odometer as I think that the tires are original. 
I'm going to let him (and me) think about the price and try to justify the purchase in my mind.  i can't wait!

Greg