Topic: 72 CB350/4

[mgautreau]

Going to go look at a 72 CB350/4 today.  Looks complete, good original seat and still in original paint.  All badges and emblems are there but for some reason the clutch has been removed.  Owner claims to have all the parts to put it back together but I'm wondering why they took it apart in the first place.  Are there any know issues with the 350 that would require removal of the clutch?  What's the general opinion of the 350/4?  There doesn't seem to be a ton of them out there which probably means that they wern't very good bikes when they were new but I've always wanted one for some reason.  The idea of doing a 4 cylinder 350 seems crazy so I gotta have one...lol.

Thanks,

Mike

[PhilipB]

Hi Mike, I am somewhat new to this site but I have owned a 73 350/4 since 1976. I just restored it last summer after it had sat for 25 +or- years. I had to remove the clutch and replace the friction discs. They got hard as a rock and were stuck together. I found this out when I pulled on the clutch lever and the cable broke at the leaver. That cable was one thing I didn't anticipate having to replace. I was able to do the clutch rebuild myself, It's not that hard even for a novice like me.
New replacement discs and other parts can be found on eBay at a reasonable price, you just have to remember that some of your stuff is probubbly in better condition than those for sale on eBay. The hardest part about working on the bike for me was the fear of breaking off a bolt/screw. I did mess-up 2 or 3 screws but my local motorcycle shop had replacements.
There are quite a few of the 350 fours out there but not many in original condition. I had to work very hard to keep mine in as original of format as possible. This little 350/4 is something of a novelty item. You can Google it and find all sorts of articles and stories about them. They are a great little bike for young people and beginners. It doesn't go very fast but it gets there in a hurry. It is a very smooth and comfortable ride. Look around the site and you might find my story I posted after I had just stumbled on this site a couple of months ago. It's a very cool site and lots of good/useful info from guys that just want to help and can appreciate the cool classic in-line four bikes.
PhilipB

[mgautreau]

I like original as well which is why I like this one.  It looks all original except for the exhaust of course.  He's asking $800 but it's been listed for a couple of weeks now so I think he will probably deal on it some.  I'm hoping for $500 if it's as nice and as complete as it looks in the pics.

[wingfree]

I purchased an unmolested 1973 350F last Fall.  It came with, title, and all parts except front disc brake.  It had not been registered since 1993.  A good carb cleaning, points, plugs and oil and it fired up.  Had an oil leak.  I am in the process completing an off frame restoration.  I bought a '72 parts bike,  and I am still in possession of lots of pieces.  Good luck with your impending purchase.  They are a novelty and sometimes you just have to have one.

Leo

[rempy]

Are there any know issues with the 350 that would require removal of the clutch? 

After a couple of years reading this forum I haven't seen any (nor nothing endemic).

What's the general opinion of the 350/4?

'73 CB350F here. There are few stoplights or gas stations that someone doesn't come up
and start talking and asking about it. This is a bike that I expect will only be left when
me or the aluminum has worn through.   

[wdhewson]

Hi:  Do go get the CB350F.  They are a jewel and should be rescued.

I think PhilipB is correct about the incentive to disassemble the clutch.  The multiple plates were probably "frozen" with goo-ed oil.  A nice hot run with fresh oil and lots of shifting would probably have freed things up, but best to take it apart and clean thoroughly.  It is unlikely that the little 350F could have fried it clutch.

I just got my CB350F, which hasn't been motive, since 1982.

[mgautreau]

I did not purchase the 350.......yet.  It was a bit rougher than it looked in the pictures like they almost always are.  It's on the ragged edge of too far gone to save...   Paint cannot be saved as it had rust on the outside of the tank as well as on the inside.  The engine looked like it was coated with tar or something...very dirty.  Tires are shot of course, the front looks like the original...a Bridgestone Speed something or other.  On the plus side it was all complete, the seat was good with no tears, right key for all locks and a title.  It looked like all of the clutch pieces were there including two kick start shafts.  The owner suspects that there may have been an issue with the kick starter that prompted the disassembly but it still looks like they went farther than they had to if that was the problem.  The shift linkage and the detent parts on the end of the shift drum were all taken apart as well.  In the box of spare parts was a second oil pan and an oil pump that is unexplained and a bit unnerving.  I offered him $400 and came up to $500 but he wouldn't go below $675.  He said he'd keep my number and call me if he didn't get any better offers in a couple of weeks.  $500 may be too much but I'd probably do it anyway just because I'd like to have one.

[kghost]

Thier Fun little bikes.

I have one and a 400 too

[dave500]

sounds like you should stick to you original offer,,you might come across another and have a parts bike,they are raced here in their own class.,does the engine turn?

[mgautreau]

The owner indicated that he could put a wrench on the clutch drive gear and turn the motor.  I think I forgot to mention that the starter button was missing also so there wasn't any other way to turn it over.  If the starter button broke and the kick starter was not working that would be reason to take that side apart but again, it looks like they went farther than they had to if that was the case.

Looks like it's over anyway.  The owner dropped his asking price to $700 on Craigslist yesterday and the ad has been removed now so he must have sold it.  C'est la vi I guess, the search continues.

[camelman]

Keep looking.  You'll love it when you get it.  I bought two with a buddy a while back.  Almost totally complete, and got both for $225 each.  I gave away all the chrome parts, side covers and seat, then decided I would take it back to stock... DOH!  So, don't throw anything away ever!

Anyway, it had sat since 1976, but started right up after a carb cleaning.  The clutch should not be an issue.  The cable might be bad, but that is it.  Buy cables off eBay too, not from the dealership.

Too bad you didn't get that one, but good luck finding one.

[wdhewson]

Yes, keep looking for a CB350F. 

You'll find a better one I'm sure.  Patience has rewards.  Don

[fmctm1sw]

The owner indicated that he could put a wrench on the clutch drive gear and turn the motor.  I think I forgot to mention that the starter button was missing also so there wasn't any other way to turn it over.  If the starter button broke and the kick starter was not working that would be reason to take that side apart but again, it looks like they went farther than they had to if that was the case.

Looks like it's over anyway.  The owner dropped his asking price to $700 on Craigslist yesterday and the ad has been removed now so he must have sold it.  C'est la vi I guess, the search continues.

   $700 for the bike you describe?  Both my 350Fs are titled, insured and ridden regularly and I wouldn't expect much more than $1000 for either one.  Not much to look at but they run well.  Definately keep looking...  People think these things are made of gold.

[mgautreau]

I'll keep searching but in the mean time I still have my '75 CB750 to keep me company.  I added a picture to my profile.