Author Topic: 1974 CB350F Rebuild (AKA - Project: Honky) Completed! (Read 16169 times)

johnny · « **on:** January 03, 2011, 10:56:44 AM »

Greetings Friends!
Long time lurker. Infrequent poster.
Some of you may be familiar with SOHC member Godffery and his "Cafe Overkill" (August 2010 Bike Of The Month winner) project chronicled here:

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2010/08/24/cb550-cafe-overkill-from-jeff-stephens/

Well, Godfrey is at it again with my '74 CB350F - albeit on a bit more modest scale (and budget!)
I've attached a picture of how the bike looked a few years back when I purchased it, sight unseen, on eBay and brought it home from Michigan. I bought it for $700 - which I thought was a decent deal at the time for a complete, titled, running bike. I rode it for the summer but quickly became frustrated by it's numerous quirks and poor performance. I decided quickly it would be a good candidate for an overhaul. I began accumulating parts and finally began disassembling it in the fall. Typical story - my ambition was exceeded by my lack of time and abilities and I enlisted Godffery to take over.
The last picture shows the bike finally coming together. As you can see, it's going to be a completely different bike once completed. I can't wait!
Godffery has documented the build, complete with many more pictures, here:

http://www.vinmoto.org/gallery/v/VinMoto-Garage/album03/Godfferys-Garage-123/Johnny+Bs+CB350F/

HondanutRider · « **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2011, 02:33:43 PM »

Looks like a good project. However, from your "before" picture it doesn't look like the 1974 model, as they only came in Glory Blue Black Metallic color. The year of manufacture should be on the VIN tag. Even if it was an earlier (i.e. 1972 or 1973) model, yours could very well have been registered as 1974 year model, if the dealer was selling it new that as a "left-over".

johnny · « **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2011, 07:23:55 PM »

January 1974 on the VIN tag.

bender01 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2011, 07:39:15 PM »

The front fork boots look Glory Blue Black!??

Slams77 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2011, 07:44:41 PM »

Nice looking bike. what type of bars will you be going with?

johnny · « **Reply #5 on:** January 04, 2011, 06:51:05 AM »

Quote from: bender01 on January 03, 2011, 07:39:15 PM

The front fork boots look Glory Blue Black!??

Could be. The guy in Michigan I purchased it from dealt in alot of old CB's. It wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibility the tank and side covers are from an earlier model.

johnny · « **Reply #6 on:** January 04, 2011, 06:52:59 AM »

Quote from: Slams77 on January 03, 2011, 07:44:41 PM

Nice looking bike. what type of bars will you be going with?

Thanks! As of now, I was going to go with some drag bars. That may change depending on the riding position it gives me. Otherwise, clip-ons and rear sets.

johnny · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2011, 07:35:48 AM »

So far, this is what has been done:
Painted frame, tank, side covers, fenders and a racing fairing (to be installed).
Cleaned and polished fork tubes, engine cases and most chrome / metal bits.
Fixed bent swing arm and replaced rear wheel (which was also bent).
Installed new 4 into 2 exhaust (similar to these):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280557377984&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT
(I wanted to go with the set offered by David Silver but I'll need to save my pennies and make that a project for the future):
http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB350-FOUR/part_42369/
Installed new rear shocks from David Quinn:
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/
Replaced headlight bucket, rear fender, and lower triple tree courtesy of parts found right here from member jmcgill!
Installed aftermarket fork boots and rear tail light.
Dyna S Electronic Ignition from Jerry's:
http://jerryscyclesvintageparts.com/HONDA-CB350F-400F-DYNA-S-Electronic-Ignition-P124631.aspx
Installed drilled front brake rotor.
New fork seals, steering stem bearings, sprocket and air filter kit from Dennis Kirk.
Replaced gaskets. Re-seated valves. Cleaned carbon build-up from pistons, cylinders and exhaust ports. Piston ring #3 was stuck. Re-honed cylinders.
I've attached an image of the gauge face I'll be going with for the single CB550 speedo (to be installed).

bender01 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2011, 07:07:38 PM »

When i purchased my (brown) 74 titled 73 350f it had drag bars! The bars hit the tank on mine! I put superbike bars on it and it was a dream to ride! If my other bikes werent stock I would put superbike bars on them too! My friend put them on a 750f 2 and its very pleasant to ride. No hands going numb with the lower riding position. BTW i suggest superbike bars.

johnny · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2011, 10:13:41 AM »

More progress.
Additional pics at:
http://www.vinmoto.org/gallery/v/VinMoto-Garage/album03/Godfferys-Garage-123/Johnny+Bs+CB350F/

-CB-Jamie- · « **Reply #10 on:** January 06, 2011, 02:14:28 PM »

Thats a lovely looking 350f, looks really well in white. Your doing a great job, keep it up.

Godffery · « **Reply #11 on:** January 14, 2011, 01:18:22 PM »

Quote from: bender01 on January 03, 2011, 07:39:15 PM

The front fork boots look Glory Blue Black!??

Yes, I can confirm that. there was blue paint under rattle can black on the headlight ears and fork covers.

johnny · « **Reply #12 on:** January 14, 2011, 03:11:41 PM »

More progress:

This is the old style City of Chicago motorcycle registration. They have since switched to a new design about the size of a matchbook. Jeff fabricated a bracket and relocated this to the front wheel - to resemble the tax tags on British motorcycles.

Custom fabricated bracket for new exhaust pipes. They attach to the tabs for the passenger foot pegs.

Close-up of freshly painted gas tank. With the knee indents, these CB350F tanks were made for a cafe look.

Custom pod air filters.

Speed holes drilled into the front brake rotor.

Engine close-up.

Newly installed rear tail light.

Front profile.

Dyna electronic ignition.

Stock seat attached. This will allow me to alter my riding position to allow for the new lowered handlebars without the addition of rear-sets.

Mounting brackets for gauges fabricated. This is merely a mock-up to ensure they fit properly. The gauges will be cleaned, polished / painted and a new face for the speedometer installed.

A simple mock-up to see how the bike would look with a cafe seat if I decide to fit one in the future.

Syscrush · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2011, 08:18:35 AM »

I love the 350's. Nice work so far.

bgfootball67 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2011, 12:20:17 PM »

You mean Beli (Whitey). Love white on these old bikes, great job!

Gnat · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2011, 05:56:55 PM »

Where did the fairing come from...I might really like to purchase one of those...if you don't mind saying?

Gnat

johnny · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2011, 05:28:03 AM »

Quote from: Gnat on January 17, 2011, 05:56:55 PM

Where did the fairing come from...I might really like to purchase one of those...if you don't mind saying?

Gnat

Don't mind at all. This is a part I accumulated a while ago, prior to the build. But if I recall, it's one of these:

http://www.speedmotoco.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SMC-VIPER

I simply had the lower half painted along with the tank and side covers. I realize this fairing is pretty cheap so I just hope it holds up OK. A word of warning, the mounting brackets included with this fairing are absolutely useless (not to mention ugly).
Jeff mounted it using a set of modified front turn signal stems:

Godffery · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2011, 08:13:13 AM »

I also had too modify the head light opening:
http://www.vinmoto.org/gallery/v/VinMoto-Garage/album03/Godfferys-Garage-123/Johnny+Bs+CB350F/CB350F+077.JPG.html
Also the windshield fitment is kinda sloppy.

There are allot of better options out there in fiberglass:
http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/vintage/prodvintage.html
http://caferacingparts.com/

Gnat · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2011, 09:06:06 AM »

Another question? I bought the same exhaust system as you have. I have 2 questions. One did you have to modify the muffler hangers those don't look like the ones that came with the system and 2 what in the heck are those Brass colored circular shim parts that are included with the set. I don't know what to do with them.

Thanks

Gnat

Godffery · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2011, 09:39:36 AM »

(1) The Muffler hangers provided in the exhaust kit don't even come close fitting; I had to make those hangers from scratch.

(2) The brass circles are Exhaust gaskets, they go in the exhaust port, between the head & new pipes. be sure to remove the old ones first; there usually in there pretty good and require a pick or screwdriver to crack lose from the carbin build-up.

Zaipai · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2011, 07:34:25 PM »

Nice work godffery and Johnny I really like the way this 350 is coming along.

.: Scott :.

FourFun · « **Reply #21 on:** January 18, 2011, 09:40:33 PM »

I was wondering what cafe seat you were using in the mock up? It seems to fit nice and you can still have your grab bar and rear fender. Also where did you get the fork boots and did you put them on your 350f forks or switch? Thanks

johnny · « **Reply #22 on:** January 19, 2011, 12:12:58 AM »

Quote from: Zaipai on January 18, 2011, 07:34:25 PM

Nice work godffery and Johnny I really like the way this 350 is coming along.

.: Scott :.

Thanks! Although, to be fair, I can't take credit for any of the wrenching. Godffery took some ideas I had and ran with it - far exceeding my initial expectations.
Now, if it would only warm up here in Chicago!

Zaipai · « **Reply #23 on:** January 19, 2011, 05:28:02 AM »

Quote from: johnny on January 19, 2011, 12:12:58 AM

Quote from: Zaipai on January 18, 2011, 07:34:25 PM
Nice work godffery and Johnny I really like the way this 350 is coming along.

.: Scott :.

Thanks! Although, to be fair, I can't take credit for any of the wrenching. Godffery took some ideas I had and ran with it - far exceeding my initial expectations.
Now, if it would only warm up here in Chicago!

Bah.. Don't worry about it warming up. I was out in 16 degree weather riding my brothers R6. You just need to be dressed for it.. oh and watch the salt in the road it tends to make your tires slide!
I gave you credit because you had a clear vision and I like what your ideas have produced. Don't sell your self short on that. I gave Godffery credit for his ideas and wrenching skills..
You both produced a really NICE 350.. Can't wait to see the final product...If you are in the city boy will that be a nice thing to drive around, much better then a car or taking a cab or bus..

.: Scott :.

Godffery · « **Reply #24 on:** January 19, 2011, 06:14:16 AM »

Quote from: FourFun on January 18, 2011, 09:40:33 PM

I was wondering what cafe seat you were using in the mock up? It seems to fit nice and you can still have your grab bar and rear fender. Also where did you get the fork boots and did you put them on your 350f forks or switch? Thanks

That mock-up seat is actually a mold from a seat I made for a previous project; I designed it to fit with the stock fender and grab-bar, retaining the turn signal mounts, but it's narrower so the hings and lock would have to be cut off. If your looking for one that would keep those in place, I could modify one to fit the stock mounts.

The fork boots came from a CB550, I also had to use the headlight ears but was able to have a grove machined in the stock 350F fork lowers to except the botton of the boots. If you'd like, I can get a pic of that detail.

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Author Topic: 1974 CB350F Rebuild (AKA - Project: Honky) Completed! (Read 16169 times)

FourFun