Topic: 1975 Honda CB360

[adamk]

I know this really isn't the place for twins but I figured we were all motorcycle enthusiasts regardless of what we ride.  Besides, there really isn't any good place for twins. 

I bought my first bike, 1975 Honda CB360 for $75.  I found out the camshaft was broken where the points and advancer connects.  I replaced it, timed it, and it started right up.  Rode it around the block a couple times, adjusted the points and it rode even better.  I tried to start it up the next day and nothing.  I would get power to my gauges and it would sound like it wanted to start but nothing.  I took off the alternator cover and gas poured out of it.  I found out that my float was sticking, so I cleaned my carbs, put them back on.  Started it again, and only one cylinder was firing and the RPM's kept skyrocketing.  I changed the oil and found out that there was gas in the oil.  I'm assuming also because of the previous issue with the float.  After that, it was running really good.  I was sitting on my bike, and a buddy adjusted the headlight and I lost power to everything.  There were two fuses that I had to replace.  One of them was blown, the other too but was wrapped in aluminum foil.  I guess to keep the circuit open.  I really don't know where to begin. 

Would it maybe be a bad ground? 
Since the aluminum foil kept the circuit open, do you think it could have burnt a wire?

Any suggestions on where to start? 

[Johnie]

Gee...sorry to hear about the roller-coaster ride you have been on.  You have had your ups and downs with that 360.  Well, if the previous owner (PO) had foil on the circuits, you know he was having electrical issues.  Pretty hard to get any bike to run right until you have that issue taken care of.  I would suggest going over the entire electrical system including all snap connectors even behind the headlight, tailight, blinkers, etc.  Check for corrosion, broken and frayed wires.  Rubbing wires may be grounding out somewhere.  Also check that ground you mentioned.  Honda wires are pretty easy to follow with the color coating.  You may want to get an electrical schematic to help you.  And to answer your question, yes, that foil could have fried something.  Best of luck with it and let us know how you are coming.

[mark]

Sounds like a short... or two or three. why not. misery loves company and all that.

I would start looking for bare wires at the bars and in the headlight bucket and work back from there.

It would probably be worth your while to clean ALL of the wiring connections and apply some dielectric grease to seal the weather out.

I know this really isn't the place for twins but I figured we were all motorcycle enthusiasts regardless of what we ride.  Besides, there really isn't any good place for twins. 

Yup. It's an "Other Bikes" around here.... Since the <ahem> hondatwins.com site is <ahem> still out of order.


Happy trails.

[Hush]

Ah the sweet li'l CB360 I've had 2 and rebuilt them both from abused carcasses, one was an ex police bike (dejavu).
If the fuse popped when you were sitting on the seat, look under the seat for a grounded power wire, the rubbing motion of the seat has the effect of pulling the wires back quite often on these bikes.
Definately find out why the tinfoil fuse was used, it may have been he popped it and was too cheap or lazy to replace it.
On the other hand there could be a more sinister reason like a grounded power wire somewhere in your loom.
Best you find it especially if you are going to fill the crankcase up with petrol occasionally.
Best of luck with your wee bike, post pictures, we love pictures on here.

[martino1972]

*******one was an ex police bike (dejavu). *******

hush,again a cop bike....
is it maybe that deep deep down,it was your childhood dream to become a cop..?

[adamk]

Thanks for the help.  Been much helpful.  My wire did short out under my seat.  I was missing one of the rubber pieces that goto the bottom.  I also found that my electric start was shorting out too so I disconnected that.  Well actually, I tried to re wire it, (solder and all) and now whenever I try to use the kickstart, it don't give me any compression.  It is acting like the key is set to the electric start position. What could it be now? I'll get a pic up soon to give you all an idea on what I'm working with!!!  but no definetly not destined to be a cop...