Topic: Hi - From Ontario Canada

[350F-dbbrian]

Hi

I just joined the site.  I have a 74 350F in my garage that's been sitting for years   I know everyone is going to cringe and and shake heads - it's a shame.

It was my first street bike I bought for $350 with about 12k miles at 16 years old in 78.  But before starting college I needed money and sold it to my sister who used it to commute to her college.  Years later I went to visit her and it was in her garage covered in pigeon poo.  I asked what she was doing with it and she said nothing, so for $100 it was mine again in early 90's.  Funny thing was, she never changed the ownership, so it was still registered in my name!

I cleaned it up and rode it a little, but life happened and now it sits rusting with about 21k miles on it.  The exhaust was replaced with some 4 into 2 jardine pipes, and when I bought it in 78 it had drop bars that I changed.  Otherwise it's original stock.

I am ashamed to say rust is working on all the chrome.  The engine aluminum wasn't pretty when I bought it.

I am curious about the cost to bring it back to life. I have the history with the bike that makes me want to fix it up.  I have seen fixed up bike for not too much - probably less than what I need to put into it???  However, I'm thinking my like needs renewed purpose, and this migh be a good therapy, and I used to work on it and other bikes, motors (like my '72 350 Yamaha MX, B stock outboard racing motor, go karts, Honda cars, etc) but not a total engine rebuild, but I am not scared of that.  I've still got 2 repair manuals.

What do you think?  - let me have it or otherwise.

Brian

[cookindaddy]

Do it!

My 78 CB750K was new to me two years ago but it was the same type of bike I learned to ride on in the 70's. Like you, life happened (new wife didn't want a bike around 30 years ago) and now, much later in life, I am enjoying the "hobby" of making this bike work and look better.

You can keep the cost down by being smart in buying parts. Many of the critical stuff like gaskets and seals are still available from Honda but there are third party suppliers as well. You can often get cosmetic parts that look better than what you have on Ebay or from the guys here.

The big job and the most expensive one is to rebuild your engine, if it needs that, but otherwise you can ride the bike once in a while as you work on different external bits. I don't think you said how or if it runs now?

You have come to a place where there are hundreds of people who are knowledgeable and passionate about these bikes and a great place to get info and encouragement.

Where in Ontario are you? You can add yourself to the member map (see the menu bar above). There seem to be more of us in the area than are on the map. I'm between Erin and Acton.

Welcome! George.

[HondanutRider]

Welcome Brian! 

I also am in Ontario (north-east of Toronto) and have a 1974 CB350F as well.  I got mine several years ago after it had been sitting for 20 years.  The chrome and stuff had a lot of rusting forming, but a lot of elbow grease (with fine steel wool and WD40) makes it much better, even if not perfect.  My major expense was to replace the exhausts and tires. I also had to rebuild the caliper and master cylinder.  It took some patience and detailing to rebuild the carbs - that and some new gaskets and float valves.

The secret is to go slow and disassemble everything that comes off the bike easily.  Once the carbs are cleaned and back, try starting and tuning the motor.  I wouldn't tear into the motor unless it really needs a re-build, and that should be the last stage.

[Tom in Newcastle......Ontario]

Hello 350F-dbbrian...........Take several pics when you are stripping things down,makes it easier to put back together.

I semi-restored a 78 550k.two years ago and I estimate it was $700,with no motor work,good tires (Avons)cables,brakes,seat cover,and several used pieces...working on a 78 400T right now and I figure it will be close but a bit less

I'm in Newcastle ON

[350F-dbbrian]

Hi Guys - thanks for the replies

The bike was running last time at least 10 years ago.  Back then I had a problem with the front disc brake sticking on, and I rebuilt it but it happened again and I never solved it.  I wanted to store the bike in my basement (so I could tinker with it now and then)but the wife wouldn't have it, so the cold damp garage is where it sits, covered, but full of spiders and probably mice at this point.  I need to get my balls back and get this thing going  . 

I like what was said about getting it going and work away on things.  Sounds like the cost would be reasonable that way. 

Here's what I remember:
There used to be a minor head gasket leak.  Should I do that at least?  How would I know if its safe to run the engine without a rebuild?
The tach or speedo is not working (can't remember which) but I couldn't get the the phillips head screw loose (top right engine case) even with an impact wrench, although I was leary of hitting it too hard.
I replaced some of the case screws with hex key fasteners - is this still cool, should I do the rest?
I replaced the swing arm bushing when I first owned it, to try to reduce the sway, but I think it may need redoing.
The seat has a split in it (of course).
I never adjusted the carbs when I put the 4 into 2 Jardines on it, and always felt I wasn't getting all the power out of the motor ( even for a 350.
The tach and speedo faces are not great looking.

I live in Stratford.

Brian

[my78k]

Welcome from Whitby Ont.

As long as it's not locked up or anything I wouldn't bother with a rebuild right away. Personally I would clean and sync the carbs, throw fresh gas in it, due a quick general tune up and see if it fires.

It will need new tires and the speedo/tach issue is likely a busted cable (hopefully). Get it running and play with it and then next winter due the full tear down if you wish. Luckily, since the ownership was never changed you won't need to safety it to get plates reinstated.

Dennis

[Square]

Hey I'm in Whitby welcome

I'm in the same boat as you, bike has been sitting for 6-8years but I'v had the motor inside storaged and everything else in the garage. I'm working on it as I can.

I'm on the same train of throught make it safe and drive!

[my78k]

Square...where you at? I am at Garrard and Manning area.

Dennis

[mattcb350f]

Welcome aboard Brian,

I'm up in Barrie, and have a 74' 350F. The link in the bottom of this post takes you to my restoration project page... It sounds like your bike is in similar shape to the way mine was.

All in all, the total parts cost to do what I did was about $2800 - $3000. That includes the initial investment of the bike at $300, the $400 exhaust, a full engine rebuild,  .....and new head gasket job which I did a few months ago ($150ish).

Completely worth it as far as I'm concerned when you think what kind of mystery bike $3k will buy you in the classifieds. I know this one inside and out 

 Best of luck, Matt