Topic: Why inline 4? What bike for next build?

[ntm1974]

I've been building a 74 cb350F.  I have been enjoying it thoroughly for the most part.  However, at times, I am saying to myself: This seems like a lot of trouble for 34hp.  Even the 550 isn't very high horse power although I would still like to have one.

What is the benefit of the in-line 4 at such low horsepower?  Why not a parallel twin like the CL360?

What other pre-1980 bikes make good builds.  I was thinking about a Kawasaki kz750 twin or maybe a Honda CL.  Kawasaki seems to have way more availability of parts, anyone else find this?

I am relatively new to motorcycles and have a 03 Honda 919 that is a blast to ride but doesn't have the same character as these cool older bikes.

[ekpent]

The older 1970's Yamaha 650 twins seem to be especially popular right now with the builder crowd. If you see one cheap you should buy it,people are looking for them.

[damagedduck]

i traded a 82 xs 650 yammy for a 76 G-wing & 2 cb550,now i have 4 builds instead of 1,,,jeez i need some mental help====

[HondanutRider]

You are correct about the CB350-F being a low-powered bike in comparison to similar sized twins that were also available in their day.  The appeal of the CB350-F is that it has four cylinders and pipes, making it much smoother than the twins.  Also, the sound from those four pipes is much more exciting.  The design of this SOHC-4 mimics its larger siblings - the 750 and 500/550, and undoubtedly the 750 was the most sought-after and revolutionary design of Honda when it was first introduced.  So, this 350 model shared the appeal.  The 350 is much lighter than the 750 and can be tossed around the corners more rigorously.  That can make its ride exciting and very enjoyable when you hear the four exhausts snarling at the same time.  The twins cost less and went faster, but these other points make the four just that much more attractive to many.

[Gordon]

You are correct about the CB350-F being a low-powered bike in comparison to similar sized twins that were also available in their day.  The appeal of the CB350-F is that it has four cylinders and pipes, making it much smoother than the twins.  Also, the sound from those four pipes is much more exciting.  The design of this SOHC-4 mimics its larger siblings - the 750 and 500/550, and undoubtedly the 750 was the most sought-after and revolutionary design of Honda when it was first introduced.  So, this 350 model shared the appeal.  The 350 is much lighter than the 750 and can be tossed around the corners more rigorously.  That can make its ride exciting and very enjoyable when you hear the four exhausts snarling at the same time.  The twins cost less and went faster, but these other points make the four just that much more attractive to many.

+1

They both have their place, and which one is best for you depends on what you want.  The 350 twin is more torquey, louder, vibrates more and begs to be raced between every intersection.  The 350 four is much smoother, more refined, and while it can be raced around on it really lends itself better to a nice, moderate speed ride, and is more comfortable for long rides.  When a 350 four is in good tune, it literally sounds like a sewing machine at idle, and would happily sit there idling all day if there were a good breeze to keep it cool.  The 350 twin sounds like a riding lawnmower and will threaten to ride off without you if you leave it running too long. 

[ntm1974]

You are correct about the CB350-F being a low-powered bike in comparison to similar sized twins that were also available in their day.  The appeal of the CB350-F is that it has four cylinders and pipes, making it much smoother than the twins.  Also, the sound from those four pipes is much more exciting.  The design of this SOHC-4 mimics its larger siblings - the 750 and 500/550, and undoubtedly the 750 was the most sought-after and revolutionary design of Honda when it was first introduced.  So, this 350 model shared the appeal.  The 350 is much lighter than the 750 and can be tossed around the corners more rigorously.  That can make its ride exciting and very enjoyable when you hear the four exhausts snarling at the same time.  The twins cost less and went faster, but these other points make the four just that much more attractive to many.

+1

They both have their place, and which one is best for you depends on what you want.  The 350 twin is more torquey, louder, vibrates more and begs to be raced between every intersection.  The 350 four is much smoother, more refined, and while it can be raced around on it really lends itself better to a nice, moderate speed ride, and is more comfortable for long rides.  When a 350 four is in good tune, it literally sounds like a sewing machine at idle, and would happily sit there idling all day if there were a good breeze to keep it cool.  The 350 twin sounds like a riding lawnmower and will threaten to ride off without you if you leave it running too long. 

Funny you should mention the smoothness.  When I got my cb350F running, my father in law (in his 70's and a motorcycle lover) commented on how smooth it sounded and how little it shook.  I don't have a very big frame of reference as this is my only early model bike.  It does bring a smile to my face everytime I twist the throttle in spite of its small displacement.

What about a 1978 kawasaki kz750 twin?  There is one near me in "good" condition selling for $1000.00.  I was thinking either that or a 1973 CL360 (I always thought the scramblers were cool but don't know much about them.)