Topic: 1972 Honda CB350 vs. 1975 CB500T

[abbeynormal]

I have the option of buying either of these two bikes. I would want to ride them on the street and highway, but I've heard the 350 might not be powerful enough to do so.

I'm 5 10 and 240 pounds so I would want something powerful enough to speed up on the highway.

The 350 has no problems. The 500T has a bad Front Master Brake Cylinder and nobody has the part, but thats the only thing wrong. Is the 350 easier to find parts for, it's kinda a glorified moped for someone of my size on it, or am I wrong? I know the 500T is considered a lemon, but I thought I would ask anyway since the engine is better and it has a nice toaster tank for that cafe appeal.

I'm new to bikes, any help please?

[Shenanigans]

They tank is the only good thing about the 500T... 

The 350 Twin has such a strong reputation and parts are plentiful. A lot of people race them in vintage classes and some of those are marking decent power with some hop ups.
If you are going to do a lot of extended freeway riding you might want to consider trying to find another bike.

[abbeynormal]

Could the master brake cylinder on the 500t be replaced with one from a 450?

I'm not really into purchasing either for racing, I just like vintage bikes. But I certainly don't want one to crap out on me somewhere. I'm fine if the 500t is slower to accelerate, but is it going to be completely unreliable?

[Shenanigans]

The master cylinder are the same part number (at least for a 73 450 and a 76 500T, seeing how you have not said the year model)

If it was well taken care of it should be alright, what year, how many miles, any pictures?

I still suggest looking for a different model bike like a 500/550 four. They have suitable power, less know problems and are easier/cheaper to maintain...

[tbpmusic]

Neither of those bikes will bring you much joy for extended highway driving.
The 350 is just not enough motor, the 500T is a step down from the original 450.
I love my 450 above all bikes, but it will buzz you to death on the highway, even geared up like I have it.
Though I've gone coast to coast a number of times on 450's, I was young then, and tough. I couldn't deal with it now.

Find yourself a nice Gold Wing somewhere - in motion they handle much better than you'd expect, and can sustain comfortable highway speeds indefinitely, with tremendous rider comfort. And they're plenty fast, don't believe anyone who tells you differently.
I rue the day I sold my 81 Naked Wing, I must have been insane (actually I was broke, had no choice).

But to answer your question, the 450/500T parts do interchange, in this case.......

[cb350twin]

A CB 350 Twin you usually running a grand rpm per 10 mph so 70 mph = 7000 rpm which is sorta up there.

[Green550F]

The 350 is a great round-town bike! But from experience I'd recomend finding a 550 Four. Much better on the highway. The one in my avatar has been fitted with a windjammer fairing and a touring seat. Took it on a 4 day 1400 mile trip last year and it was great!

[schwebel]

I own both bikes you mentioned (actually a 450twin and a CL350 but close enough). Neither are long distance highway bikes. If you are making occaisional jaunts you will be fne. I would go down a tooth on a 350's rear sprocket though. It will keep the RPM's more comfortable. Parts for the 350's are a dime a dozen, it was one of the most produced bikes in history. You can find anything on fleabay or at any local motorcycle swap meets there always seems to be some 350 parts lying around. They are simple to maintain and tune. The 450/500T is a lot rarer. Although they are not super rare, you will have a harder time finding parts. The 450/500T has little more power but like said before it does have a lot of vibration at speed, but every twin I've ever ridden has a lot of vibration compared to a 4. I am 5'9" and 200lbs and get around fine on both bikes. But I would also suggest looking for a 500/550-4. You will be happier with the larger size of the bike, added smoothness and power.