Author Topic: Added Another To My Stable. (Read 3741 times)

bill440cars · « **on:** July 20, 2011, 02:03:45 PM »

I couldn't help it. I have a BAD habit of browsing ebay and came across this one while I was looking at parts for a '72 Honda SL350. For those who don't know, the '72 had alot of changes made by Honda, in a last ditch effort to save it and ended up bringing out the XL250 & 350 anyway. It's a little rough looking (dents in gas tank, air cleaners need replaced and the side covers are missing, the tail light is in bad shape and hanging and the clutch lever assembly is the wrong one,the seat is in pretty bad shape, the speedometer and cable are shot, but I have some SL parts and have most everything that is needed, to put it back like it should be. It's got an aftermarket 2 into 1 exhaust that is in good shape but looks totally out of place on this bike. But, it runs. There isn't a title, but he is giving a Bill Of Sale and Arkansas isn't too bad to get titles. I won't mind getting THIS one out and hitting the trails, as it doesn't have the perfect exhaust system, on it AND I DO have some exhaust parts that I think I can do up an adequate system from that. Then, I can do some detailing on the one I have and I have seen some on ebay, that aren't perfect, go for some pretty good bucks (more than I was originally asking for mine. Going after the newest purchase, tomorrow (to Jamestown, Kansas).

I can't post just the pictures, so here is the listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360379220860&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT

MoMo · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2011, 03:25:54 PM »

Bill, that is a great find. the SL was a bit of a sled but the shop I worked for back then sponsored an enduro rider who rode one to the heavyweight class championship so the bike can be competitive. I always liked the stock exhaust(too bad yours is missing), front fender and shouldered rims. I'm sure you'll bring it back and enjoy a bit of dirt bike riding...Larry

bill440cars · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2011, 08:29:32 PM »

Quote from: photolar on July 20, 2011, 03:25:54 PM

Bill, that is a great find. the SL was a bit of a sled but the shop I worked for back then sponsored an enduro rider who rode one to the heavyweight class championship so the bike can be competitive. I always liked the stock exhaust(too bad yours is missing), front fender and shouldered rims. I'm sure you'll bring it back and enjoy a bit of dirt bike riding...Larry

Thank you, I was surprised to get it so easily.

I agree, they WERE heavy, but Honda made some improvements after the K0 and replaced the frame, replaced the CV carbs, dropped the electric starter, replace the fenders with aluminum ones, increased the front wheel size to 21", I think there were other things that were done, but I=can't remember right off. I do have other parts to replace those that are damaged and/ or missing, for the most part. If I can't manage to do something about the exhaust, I am thinking of taking the issue to a muffler shop that I have dealt with and see if they can bend up a set of twin "Scrambler Style" exhaust pipes (1 on each side) and put a set of short megaphones on them. The seat might take some effort too, but I think I have everything else covered. I DO have a pretty nice one, but the exhaust on IT, is mint! and I am almost afraid to do much with it, as a nice exhaust system for these, can bring a Big Chunk Of Money! Here is the one I have now ( I also have a couple of '72 SL Parts bikes) I wanted one that I could comfortably take out and ride the trails or whatever, without worrying about messing something up. I should have never bought the one I am showing you now. It just looked so nice and didn't seem to be that much. Now, I am seeing some wanting 1/2 again and close to twice that I paid for my Nice one.

dhall57 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2011, 02:58:48 AM »

Congratulations Bill, this will be a nice project for you. The pic of the one you already have is sharp. I always liked the SL's from Honda I never had a 350, but I had it's little brother a red 1971 SL 175. Great little bike, just the right size for off road and trail riding. Here's a pic of that bike and me when I was a little younger.
Have fun with your new SL.

dhall

bill440cars · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2011, 05:25:09 AM »

Quote from: dhall57 on July 21, 2011, 02:58:48 AM

Congratulations Bill, this will be a nice project for you. The pic of the one you already have is sharp. I always liked the SL's from Honda I never had a 350, but I had it's little brother a red 1971 SL 175. Great little bike, just the right size for off road and trail riding. Here's a pic of that bike and me when I was a little younger.
Have fun with your new SL.

dhall

Thanks dhall, appreciate the compliments. Yeah, I too, have liked the SLs since Honda brought them out. I've heard lots of good stuff about the 175s too and thought they looked pretty cool. I am so looking forward to one that I can have some fun with.

MoMo · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2011, 06:16:42 AM »

Bill, that is one nice looking SL you have-it'd bring a pretty penny if you decide to sell

. I agree that the latter models were so much better looking and handling than the original. I remember the rider I mentioned rode I believe a 72 to the championship-name was Alfie Hendricks from NJ. That was a real feat considering all the Huskies, Maicos, etc that he was running against...Larry

coldwave007 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2011, 09:43:42 AM »

Very nice bike! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. My Dad's got a 1972 SL125 and it's just a little ball of fun!

bill440cars · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2011, 10:36:30 AM »

Quote from: photolar on July 21, 2011, 06:16:42 AM

Bill, that is one nice looking SL you have-it'd bring a pretty penny if you decide to sell . I agree that the latter models were so much better looking and handling than the original. I remember the rider I mentioned rode I believe a 72 to the championship-name was Alfie Hendricks from NJ. That was a real feat considering all the Huskies, Maicos, etc that he was running against...Larry

Thanks, I've seen some on ebay that looked pretty good, but with some scratches and such and they are listed between around $2500-$3500, on the average. Right off, my exhaust pipes are alot better shape than those I saw. I haven't SEEN it, but I have heard that the nice exhaust systems can bring around $1000. That's 1 reason that I don't ride this one much and only on the street, when I do ride it. That's no fun, that is why I am looking forward to getting this other one. I won't have to worry about scratches and dents.

Yeah, the 2 strokes can "Murder" one of these bikes. A person could work themselves to death, trying to compete with those 2 strokes.

bill440cars · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2011, 10:42:04 AM »

Quote from: coldwave007 on July 21, 2011, 09:43:42 AM

Very nice bike! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. My Dad's got a 1972 SL125 and it's just a little ball of fun!

Thanks, this one is an occasional rider. But, when I get the other one here and go over it, I intend to have some fun with THAT one. Some years back, I had a '71 SL350 (before Honda put a 21" wheel on the front) and that thing was quite a lot of fun and had all kinds of "pulling power"!

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #9 on:** July 22, 2011, 02:24:18 AM »

Cracking find Bill that looks like one fun bike. I love that 350 motor too having raced a K4 for a few years, they are brilliant fun to work on and sooo easy to maintain. You've scored a right bargain good on ya! ;-)

bill440cars · « **Reply #10 on:** July 22, 2011, 04:48:51 AM »

Hey Simon, good to see you here. hanks for the input. I am looking forward to getting this one and see just what I can do with it. Having had one before, I had a ball with it and feel like this is going to be fun as well.

Take care, Bill

bjatwood · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2011, 11:17:36 AM »

SL's are very cool bikes! I just got done redoing this SL70 for a customer of mine. And, I found a One owner SL350 in Omaha last month that had been sitting in his climate controlled basement for over 20 years! I picked it up and flipped/sold it to a guy in Texas. Wish that SL350 I found was only 285 bucks! Would have made quite a bit more $$ on it.

bill440cars · « **Reply #12 on:** July 26, 2011, 02:58:22 AM »

Quote from: bjatwood on July 24, 2011, 11:17:36 AM

SL's are very cool bikes! I just got done redoing this SL70 for a customer of mine. And, I found a One owner SL350 in Omaha last month that had been sitting in his climate controlled basement for over 20 years! I picked it up and flipped/sold it to a guy in Texas. Wish that SL350 I found was only 285 bucks! Would have made quite a bit more $$ on it.

Say, that's a mighty nice job, that you did on that SL70! I hear ya, on the price of the SL350. That one is pretty nice too. Good to see some of those out and about. That one I got off of ebay, will need some going over, but I have some replacement parts, that will help it out, though I won't be doing a nice restoration on it. Just want to get rid of dents and rust, you know.
Thanks for showing those 2 SLs.

bjatwood · « **Reply #13 on:** July 26, 2011, 06:20:36 AM »

Thanks Bill, I really enjoy working on these old Honda's. Doesn't even seem like work

bill440cars · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2011, 05:37:04 AM »

Quote from: bjatwood on July 26, 2011, 06:20:36 AM

Thanks Bill, I really enjoy working on these old Honda's. Doesn't even seem like work

I hear that. When I CAN get out to my garage and work on these things, I find myself thinking about my Granddad and my Dad, back in the day that they had the motorcycle shop and I remember alot of the goings on that went on each day.

bjatwood · « **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2011, 07:55:07 AM »

The thing I like best about working on Bikes is, my mind just concentrates on the task at hand not on the Million things I should be doing, honey-doo list, mowing the lawn, taking the dog for a walk yada yada...
Some people Golf, I work on Bikes. It works for me, and keeps my fingernails motorcycle'est perfect! LOL

Killer Canary · « **Reply #16 on:** July 27, 2011, 01:05:22 PM »

Work your magic Bill!

bill440cars · « **Reply #17 on:** July 27, 2011, 01:10:51 PM »

Quote from: bjatwood on July 27, 2011, 07:55:07 AM

The thing I like best about working on Bikes is, my mind just concentrates on the task at hand not on the Million things I should be doing, honey-doo list, mowing the lawn, taking the dog for a walk yada yada...
Some people Golf, I work on Bikes. It works for me, and keeps my fingernails motorcycle'est perfect! LOL

Oh Yes, I hear to loud and clear. At a time like that, nothing else matters.

Quote from: Killer Canary on July 27, 2011, 01:05:22 PM

Work your magic Bill!

I'm hoping to do just that.

Killer Canary · « **Reply #18 on:** July 27, 2011, 03:20:44 PM »

The wife and I just started restoring a '76 CB125 so that she can come riding. There's a definite family resemblance between it and yours.

bill440cars · « **Reply #19 on:** July 27, 2011, 05:16:05 PM »

Quote from: Killer Canary on July 27, 2011, 03:20:44 PM

The wife and I just started restoring a '76 CB125 so that she can come riding. There's a definite family resemblance between it and yours.

Sound cool AND I'll be looking forward to Seeing and hearing about THAT one.

Killer Canary · « **Reply #20 on:** July 29, 2011, 08:01:25 AM »

When will we have enough of this?

bill440cars · « **Reply #21 on:** July 29, 2011, 11:59:01 AM »

Quote from: Killer Canary on July 29, 2011, 08:01:25 AM

When will we have enough of this?

Ummmm. Never? LOL

kirkn · « **Reply #22 on:** July 29, 2011, 12:37:00 PM »

Quote from: bill440cars on July 27, 2011, 01:10:51 PM

Quote from: Killer Canary on July 27, 2011, 01:05:22 PM
Work your magic Bill!

I'm hoping to do just that.

What does that mean - set it out back under a tarp and hope to get to it in 5 ~ 6 years??

Oh, come on, you know I'm jes' pullin' yer leg....

Kirk

bill440cars · « **Reply #23 on:** July 29, 2011, 02:06:02 PM »

Quote from: kirkn on July 29, 2011, 12:37:00 PM

Quote from: bill440cars on July 27, 2011, 01:10:51 PM

Quote from: Killer Canary on July 27, 2011, 01:05:22 PM
Work your magic Bill!

I'm hoping to do just that.

What does that mean - set it out back under a tarp and hope to get to it in 5 ~ 6 years??

Oh, come on, you know I'm jes' pullin' yer leg....

Kirk

Hey Kirk, leave it to you, to put some life in things.

bill440cars · « **Reply #24 on:** August 05, 2011, 09:42:58 PM »

Could someone, "Work Their Magic" and post the pictures from the SL350 listing?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360379220860&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT

I STILL don't know how to do that, if I can't click on it and get the "view the image" thing. I sure would appreciate it. BTW, does ANYONE have a clue as to who made the exhaust that is on it? I have never seen one like this (of course, THAT doesn't mean anything

LOL )

Right off, I know that it needs:

a gas tank I have one
air cleaner side covers (air cleaners too, I imagine) I have a pair
tail light I have one
chain (maybe sprockets) Might have, will but 1, if not
seat (recovered & pan straightened, at the very least) I Might have a better one, maybe
front tire (at least, maybe rear too) Might have one
carbs cleaned I can handle that
Speedometer & cable I have those
Paint Can do
has some pitting on the chrome Have to see how it look & see what I have
needs wire soldered back on the horn button Can do (might have a better one though
Looks like the front fender is tilted slightly, with the front of it sticking up some No Problem

Anyone else notice anything, that might need attention?

Mind you, I'm not going to do a full restore on this, just fix it up a bit and make sure everything is fully functional while I'm at it. Will possibly be looking to do a different exhaust on it and raise it higher on the bike, to keep it from getting banged up and such, you know?

bjatwood · « **Reply #25 on:** August 06, 2011, 06:36:04 AM »

Here ya go Bill. Nice buy

tbpmusic · « **Reply #26 on:** August 06, 2011, 10:46:21 AM »

Quote from: bill440cars on July 20, 2011, 08:29:32 PM

I agree, they WERE heavy, but Honda made some improvements after the K0 and replaced the frame, replaced the CV carbs, dropped the electric starter, replace the fenders with aluminum ones, increased the front wheel size to 21", I think there were other things that were done, but I=can't remember right off.

Crankshaft is shorter on the alternator side (no starter clutch), will not interchange - that engine cover is probably different too. Upper crankcase is different.
I have a perfect K1/K2 crank in the shop. Ball bearings on both outside crank bearings - this may have happened on earlier 350's, not sure, 450's are my real expertise.
Transmission was changed (different numbers of teeth on gears).
Kick starter is totally different - K1's and K2's engage the crank directly, can be kicked over with clutch lever pulled in.
Different cam (if I remember correctly).
Forks changed at K2, I think.
K0's are basically a regular ol' 350, for the most part.

bill440cars · « **Reply #27 on:** August 07, 2011, 11:15:46 AM »

Quote from: bjatwood on August 06, 2011, 06:36:04 AM

Here ya go Bill. Nice buy

Hey thanks, I appreciate that. I just don't know how to do that.

bill440cars · « **Reply #28 on:** August 07, 2011, 11:22:32 AM »

Quote from: tbpmusic on August 06, 2011, 10:46:21 AM

Quote from: bill440cars on July 20, 2011, 08:29:32 PM

I agree, they WERE heavy, but Honda made some improvements after the K0 and replaced the frame, replaced the CV carbs, dropped the electric starter, replace the fenders with aluminum ones, increased the front wheel size to 21", I think there were other things that were done, but I=can't remember right off.

Crankshaft is shorter on the alternator side (no starter clutch), will not interchange - that engine cover is probably different too. Upper crankcase is different.
I have a perfect K1/K2 crank in the shop. Ball bearings on both outside crank bearings - this may have happened on earlier 350's, not sure, 450's are my real expertise.
Transmission was changed (different numbers of teeth on gears).
Kick starter is totally different - K1's and K2's engage the crank directly, can be kicked over with clutch lever pulled in.
Different cam (if I remember correctly).
Forks changed at K2, I think.
K0's are basically a regular ol' 350, for the most part.

Thanks Bill, Always appreciate YOUR input too. Some of what you said, I knew, although I knew they didn't have the electric starter, I didn't think about the crank being different. I think you are right about the cam as well. Yes, there were alot of changes after the K0. You DID bring out some things that I either didn't know about OR had forgotten. At any rate, it IS good to know as much about differences in year models, when you are looking for parts. I think it is odd how each model of the SL350 (K0, K1 & K2 had a seemingly 2 yr run of each. Have to check serial numbers, if you don't have a title, to verify just what you DO have (actually, it IS a good idea to check the actual serial numbers any way, I imagine.

tbpmusic · « **Reply #29 on:** August 07, 2011, 12:24:39 PM »

Bill -

The only reason I can "remember" it is because I'm doing a total rebuild on a customer's SL K0 right now.......
Here's something I had totally forgotten about - though the K0 carbs are just plain ol' 350 carbs, they're black anodized........... I just thought these were incredibly filthy at first!!!

bill440cars · « **Reply #30 on:** August 07, 2011, 03:10:12 PM »

Quote from: tbpmusic on August 07, 2011, 12:24:39 PM

Bill -

The only reason I can "remember" it is because I'm doing a total rebuild on a customer's SL K0 right now.......
Here's something I had totally forgotten about - though the K0 carbs are just plain ol' 350 carbs, they're black anodized........... I just thought these were incredibly filthy at first!!!

Hey Bill, I had thought about that either, I think I knew it, at one time, because when the SL350 1st came out, I wanted one so bad, but I was in the Air Force and had no money, except what I was spending on my '66 CB72 Hawk.

MoMo · « **Reply #31 on:** August 07, 2011, 03:19:52 PM »

Quote from: bill440cars on August 07, 2011, 03:10:12 PM

Quote from: tbpmusic on August 07, 2011, 12:24:39 PM
Bill -

The only reason I can "remember" it is because I'm doing a total rebuild on a customer's SL K0 right now.......
Here's something I had totally forgotten about - though the K0 carbs are just plain ol' 350 carbs, they're black anodized........... I just thought these were incredibly filthy at first!!!

Hey Bill, I had thought about that either, I think I knew it, at one time, because when the SL350 1st came out, I wanted one so bad, but I was in the Air Force and had no money, except what I was spending on my '66 CB72 Hawk.

If you were in the Air Force back then you sure didn't have any money. I remember making at most 200 a month when I got out. Spent most of it on my first Honda-a CB350..Larry

bill440cars · « **Reply #32 on:** August 07, 2011, 05:44:52 PM »

Quote from: photolar on August 07, 2011, 03:19:52 PM

Quote from: bill440cars on August 07, 2011, 03:10:12 PM
Quote from: tbpmusic on August 07, 2011, 12:24:39 PM
Bill -

The only reason I can "remember" it is because I'm doing a total rebuild on a customer's SL K0 right now.......
Here's something I had totally forgotten about - though the K0 carbs are just plain ol' 350 carbs, they're black anodized........... I just thought these were incredibly filthy at first!!!

Hey Bill, I had thought about that either, I think I knew it, at one time, because when the SL350 1st came out, I wanted one so bad, but I was in the Air Force and had no money, except what I was spending on my '66 CB72 Hawk.

If you were in the Air Force back then you sure didn't have any money. I remember making at most 200 a month when I got out. Spent most of it on my first Honda-a CB350..Larry

LOL, I hear that! and I paid $250 for my Hawk, in 1969 ( was wearing 2-stripes then)

AND, I was buying parts for it AND stereo equipment (not the huge high dollar stuff, but fairly decent stuff). I saw the NEW Honda CB750 Four and the NEW Kawasaki 500 Mach III come out and all I could do was drool over them.

ALSO, on the wheel side: I was stationed at Hamilton AFB in California as my last base and I saw the '69 road runner w/ the 440 6pack, '69 Charger Daytona, '70 AAR Cuda, '70Superbird and Challenger T/A and I couldn't touch ANY of those and kept right on drooling.

I DID manage a '66 Charger and a '69 road runner that were 1 owner cars, when I got them. Those were the days.

bill440cars · « **Reply #33 on:** August 08, 2011, 07:56:50 AM »

Well, it was a pretty good hassle, but I got this one home.

From these pictures, you can see what the defects (or, at least, most of them) are, that I have listed.

MoMo · « **Reply #34 on:** August 08, 2011, 01:29:22 PM »

Bill, even though that looks "beat up" there are some great parts on it. I'm sure you'll make a fun rider out of it...Larry

bill440cars · « **Reply #35 on:** August 08, 2011, 06:55:42 PM »

Quote from: photolar on August 08, 2011, 01:29:22 PM

Bill, even though that looks "beat up" there are some great parts on it. I'm sure you'll make a fun rider out of it...Larry

Yeah, I knew it had to be worth what I paid for it, as it DOES have plenty of good parts and it runs too! I sure feel like I can have some fun with this one, thanks.

I had realized, that the front fender is bent some and the mount is bent some as well, so figured I'd try to straighten it out. Then, when I pulled the fender and mount, I saw that the mount is cracked in 2 places, Not bad, but cracked all the same. I checked and I have another pair of fenders that are in good shape and the front mount too, that also is in good shape. I've also got a set of locks and ignition switch with a key, that are in good shape and so, I'll swap those out and be able to lock the seat down and lock the forks. I do have the K2 side covers, like I thought, but I realized that one is cracked (the left, I think). I DO have a seat, that is in pretty good shape too. I think, that I am going to paint it, but, not in the traditional SL way. I'm thinking about coming up with a paint scheme, that will go along with my '07 Charger R/T. Not exactly sure about that exhaust system. But, I won't make a final decision on the exhaust, until I get this thing ready for the road and then see how it sounds AND how it runs with it. I'd prefer an exhaust that was built more for off road (up high and out of the way).

News:

Author Topic: Added Another To My Stable. (Read 3741 times)