Topic: CB350F triple clamps and forks upgrade

[Mille44]

I just bought my second CB 350. The first was a twin I had in high school and the second I bought (for 3x as much BTW) is a 73' CB350F.

I want to turn it into a cafe racer, with some modern amenities and I would definitely like to do something with the front suspension and brakes.

Heres what I am thinking:

I read a post in 13X WERA Vintage racing forum that using CB750 twin-cam triple clamps and the less- offset clamps will give more trail- and will work wonderfully on a CB350. Then using CB550F2 forks (two brake rotors), the tops of which will be brought up to protrude from the top triple clamp by 1 1/2" to shorten the length to the stock CB350 fork length of 26 1/2", give the CB350 a mean front end.

Has anyone had any experience with upgrading the front end of these bikes?

-Eric

[YogiBear]

If you do need a Dual Cam triple tree, I have one from a CB750K that I will give you a great deal on. Just PM Me. 

[camelman]

Check out 400fourstore.com and ttr400.com.  After you are done drooling, you can e-mail them.

If you want more power, then swap in a 400F engine, or bore out the one you have and send the head to MRIECK for port work.

Camelman

[Mille44]

Check out 400fourstore.com and ttr400.com.  After you are done drooling, you can e-mail them.

If you want more power, then swap in a 400F engine, or bore out the one you have and send the head to MRIECK for port work.

Camelman

PMed. Thanks. We may get this project going after all!

[Mille44]

Check out 400fourstore.com and ttr400.com.  After you are done drooling, you can e-mail them.

If you want more power, then swap in a 400F engine, or bore out the one you have and send the head to MRIECK for port work.

Camelman

Yeah, I know. I already had the billet lower triple clamp bookmarked from 400Four. I just dont think I can justify $400 to my wife as "it was totally nessisary honey"....

[Mille44]

Can anybody verify that there was a CB550 model that had (or can have) two rotors/ calipers? I'm having a hard time finding anything...
I need some help here! 
Thanks.
-Eric

[camelman]

I believe any 550 front hub will work.  There is a way to maintain your speedo too, just search the forums for it.  Before going to a dual disc though, you might want to consider getting a late model rotor (many have the same bolt pattern as the 550 hub), and fabbing a mount for the updated caliper too.  You'll keep your unsprung weight down (better for the ride quality and handling), and have less weight to spin up (better for acceleration).

Camelman

[Mille44]

I believe any 550 front hub will work.  There is a way to maintain your speedo too, just search the forums for it.  Before going to a dual disc though, you might want to consider getting a late model rotor (many have the same bolt pattern as the 550 hub), and fabbing a mount for the updated caliper too.  You'll keep your unsprung weight down (better for the ride quality and handling), and have less weight to spin up (better for acceleration).

Camelman

A'm I right in assuming that the 550 forks are drilled and tapped to add a caliper on the right side? If not how have others done dual rotors on the 550's?

[MaaseyRacer]

I have a custom TTR400 Triple Clamp, CB500T fork legs, and a CB550 front wheel on my 350f at present.  I am thinking about the swapping out the front wheel for something a bit more modern.  The big hang up right now is the front brake.  I have a set CBR 600 F3 brakes from I think 2003, but I may just go to a single supermoto brake.

My CB500T fork legs have Race-Tech Emulators and springs in them, and now that I have done that work I am tempted to replace the Progressive Suspension rear shocks that I bought with some from Works.

Also now that I am seeing all of the GSX-R front end swaps on this forum, I am quite tempted to move in that direction as well.

Keep us posted on what you do.