Topic: CB350 vs. CB360

[brady0706]

Hey all. I am eyeing up a new project and looking to cafe a smaller cc bike. I am not as familiar with the CB350's or CB360's. Can you give me some input on the differences between the two. I am going to look at a 76' CB360T tomorrow with 8K on it and it appears to be in descent shape. Thursday I am going to check out a few CB350's a guy has as well. I believe one is a 1968. Let me know your thoughts on which bike you like better and why. Any known issues with either model. Thanks in advance for your input!

[PxTx]

Here are my thoughts. 

The 68/69 350 are substantially more powerful engines, but have a poor oil pump.  It is a good idea to upgrade them to a later version oil pump. 

The later 350's are very well rounded bike, and I personally like the looks better. 

The 360 are mild and tame in perormance comparison tot he 350's, but they do ffer a slick shifting 6=speed that is nice.  The public's needs changed when the 360's came out.  The 360 has fuel concious gear rations and camshafts.  I also find the 360's a bit tall for a bike that size.

[tbpmusic]

They're completely different engines.
If you mess up anything in the top end on a 360, you'll be wishing you'd got a 350 instead, seriously.

[Bill Vaughan]

I own a 360 and really like the bike, although from everything I heard/read, the 350 is probably the better engine.

The 360 had its design problems, most notably the cam chain tensioner.  Early models also suffered from a rocker arm shaft problem.  Both of these issues were corrected through parts updates, but you need to be sure that the bike you're buying was, in fact, updated.  Many were not.

You'll like the six-speed transmission if you like to shift - a lot.  The top gear is not an overdrive, so you'll find yourself moving your left foot often in routine driving. 

[tbpmusic]

Another design faux-pas on the 360 is the cam itself, laying directly in the head.
Should you toast the cam, you'll likely have to replace the head itself, as there are no replaceable cam "bearings" like the 350 has. Also the already-mentioned cam chain tensioner and other cam chain parts are very scarce now.

Top triple clamp on the steering also has a nasty habit of cracking on these birds, and the part is very hard to find now.

On the bright side, the bogus carb diaphragms are still available, for about $90 a pop (if that's bright).

A good running 350 usually will dust a 360.

[brady0706]

Thanks for the input guys. Most likely I am going to pick up this little '76 CB360T as its in pretty good shape and I think the guy will let it go for less than 400. I plan on completely tearing this down to the frame. Are there any other hard to find parts that I may need to be concerned about while doing a restore? Bearings, bushings, carb parts, fork springs difficult to find?

I may buy a CB350 as well so there will be no shortage of projects ahead!

[Bill Vaughan]

It's been five years since I restored my 360, but you shouldn't have any problem getting routine parts.  Bearings, gaskets, seals, points, carb. kits, etc. are all readily available from Honda and/or aftermarket dealers.  Fork seals and pistons aren't a problem, but I'm not sure about springs.  Mine were within spec.  One suggestion:  go with Honda gaskets where possible.  You have to buy them individually and they're expensive, but most of the aftermarket sets are leakers.

I'll have to check my files, but by '76, I believe most of the bugs were worked out of the 360 engine.  The rocker arm issue was definitely corrected and the updated parts for the cam chain tensioner may have been factory-installed by then.

[crazypj]

Major problem with 360, the oil pump is TOO good and makes it eat cam bearings if revved hard. (strange but true)
 I posted description on one of Honda twins sites (either .net or .com)
PJ

[CB360T]

Thanks for the input guys. Most likely I am going to pick up this little '76 CB360T as its in pretty good shape and I think the guy will let it go for less than 400. I plan on completely tearing this down to the frame. Are there any other hard to find parts that I may need to be concerned about while doing a restore? Bearings, bushings, carb parts, fork springs difficult to find?

I may buy a CB350 as well so there will be no shortage of projects ahead!

Check out: http://wagtail.home.att.net/

[Bill Vaughan]

CB,

I'm not sure which is more impressive - the work you did on the bike, the website or how clean you keep your shop!

[brady0706]

Thanks for the input guys. Most likely I am going to pick up this little '76 CB360T as its in pretty good shape and I think the guy will let it go for less than 400. I plan on completely tearing this down to the frame. Are there any other hard to find parts that I may need to be concerned about while doing a restore? Bearings, bushings, carb parts, fork springs difficult to find?

I may buy a CB350 as well so there will be no shortage of projects ahead!

Check out: http://wagtail.home.att.net/

great info CB. Good luck on your project. Its lookin' good so far!

[BigPadg]

Hey CB360T, man your work and pics/info on your wagtail page is awesome. You have taught me plenty already, and I will keep checking on your progress. Truly great stuff, thanks!!

[cb650]

Looks just like mine.   I never did like the original mufflers.  To big and stuck out to much.
I took them off and made my own minis.  I have had mine over the mts several times without ant problems.  Watch the front half or the fender. Prone to crack and break off. I put 650 shocks on mine and rebuilt the front end. Also some models have shorter turn signal mounts.  I thought they stuck out to much.  I had a cl350 in HS and enjoyed it also. 

[brady0706]

So now I am leaning towards a CB160 or CB 175 I think I am more likely to find a clean titled CB175 than a CB160 for the same price.

This really got my blood pumpin'

Let me know your thoughts.