Topic: CB350f restomod

[Erwin83]

Since a very long time (17 years almost), I'm the proud owner of a CB350f, in more or less "original" condition, with a few twists (466 big bore, slightly wider front rim, custom seat upholstery based on an original 350f Giuliari, etc).
With the activities related to keep that CB on the road, I have collected quite a few parts over the years. Amongst others by parting out 2 cb400/4... Over a decade ago, those were literally cheaper than a complete engine gasket kit.
I didn't need all the parts those 2 bikes delivered, so I sold whatever I didn't want to store.
Other parts have been stored in the garage.

This new project is based on the idea to use as much of my pile of parts to build a "new" CB again.
However, my other CB is in "original" condition, so this one will certainly not be.


One thing I didn't have anymore was a frame. I was able to find one in good condition, with original vintage (valid) papers.

What I do have:
- an engine, with some pending repairs
- a swing arm
- a wiring loom of a 400
- a complete rear hub with brake etc
- axles, bolts, nuts, electrical components.
- original rims (1.60x18 and 1.85x18)

What I was missing:
- complete front end
- tank / seat
- exhausts
- coils
- etc. etc.

[Erwin83]

The engine I was talking about, was stored in sub-optimal conditions, under the work bench. I pulled it out because of oil leaks. It hasn't improved since, see images.
I could replace the busted cylinder by heating the block for 20-30 minutes at 150 degrees C. The cylinder was easy enough to tapout. I had a good one laying around.

Pistons will be a new set, 1.0mm oversize from cruzin-image in Japan.

[Erwin83]

Since the beginning of Feb I started with this project, and started with cleaning the frame.
So, we're a few weeks in, and I made some progress.
Frame and swing arm have been cleaned and painted
400/4 wiring loom placed in the frame and reduced the loom by taking out all 'unneeded' wires and brought it back to 350 spec (no clutch-microswitch, relocated ignition switch, one main fuse only, etc. And I've plucked out the blinkers and horn (not needed in Netherlands).

Cleaned the block and painted. Placed in the frame.
Swing arm mounted.

[Erwin83]

Since I was missing a complete front end, I figured it was the ideal opportunity to fit a nice USD fork in the CB.
I posted a topic about this earlier on this forum so long story short, a KTM Duke/RC 125/390 will fit like a glove:

[Erwin83]

Bought more stuff:
- Alloy rims (2.15 rear, 1.85 front)
- 350f tank
- 400f exhaust headers
- 350f headlight housing (incl the switch on the top)
- Tires (Shinko E270, 4.50-18 rear, 4.00-18 front)

Spoked the rear wheel and placed the tyre.
Started with chopping and de-tabbing the frame.
Installed the frame loop.

Starting to see some shape.

[Erwin83]

Current status (25th March), during COVID-19 anti socializing, I have started with the seat.
Made a shape using CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) and transferred that to metal.

And I'm puzzling together a front hub and brakedisc to fit the KTM front axle and brake caliper.
My first gamble was with a Aprilia Pegaso hub, but that did not work out at all without some huge spacers and alternative wheel bearings.
I've now order a suzuki DR 750 hub and brake disc. That may very well work out. Axle is the right size, and the DR has a lot of spacing between spokes and brake disc already.

To be continued.

[carnivorous chicken]

Great start, love these little bikes.

If you've got a 400F headers, you'll need 400F pegs and foot levers or somethign else. The stock 350F ones won't work.

[Erwin83]

Great start, love these little bikes.

If you've got a 400F headers, you'll need 400F pegs and foot levers or somethign else. The stock 350F ones won't work.

I was planning on using a 350 set, which I have complete.
I have a 400 left foot peg and shift linkage though, but not the right footpeg and shorter brake lever (more relevant to the exhaust).
Can a 350f brake lever and footpeg be made to fit?

I had a great deal on the 400 pipes, so may sell them and go for a Delkevic set instead, if they are too hard to make work.
On the other hand, the 400 headers are too sexy...

[carnivorous chicken]

Using one 400 and 350 will mean your feeet are in different positions -- the 400f pegs are set back about 5-6 inches. But more imporantly, it's the RHS pegs that matter -- it's the header and collector that interfere with the 350F stock pegs. I don't think you'd be able to make it work -- if you look at the shape of the 400F brake lever, they wrap under and around the collector so they are much wider than the 350f lever.

[Erwin83]

Yes, I'm aware of the difference in foot position. The 400 is effectively a rear set for a 350.

Ok, let's see what happens when I put everything together. Either source a 400 peg and brake,  needle in a haystack i think, or go for a real upgrade rearset.
Or ditch the 400 pipes and go for something else, suitable formthe 350.

Thanks for pointing this out!

[carnivorous chicken]

And, btw, I dig the 400F header too - thing of pure beauty.

I hoarded a few sets of these but they are gone except for one. They pop up as sets for about $120-150, but they also do pop up individually for cheaper. David Silver makes a brake lever repop for about $40, I think, so all you'd need is the peg. I might have one without rubber laying around...

There's a mislabelled RHS peg for $69 in good shape, and a correctly labelled RHS peg not in great shape for $34, free shipping, on fleabay right now.

[Erwin83]

Thanks man. I’ll dive into this a little bit later in my project.
First focus is the front wheel (Suzuki DR hub and disc seem to be a straight bolt-on, so that’s good news), and the engine, for which the parts have just arrived from Japan (cruzinimage pistons).

Intention is to keep this topic up to date following weeks.

[Erwin83]

Positive news on the front wheel.
It looks like I can get the DR hub and disc to fit the KTM fork, axle and caliper.
It's going to be tight though, so I might need to shave the caliper a little to create comfortable clearance.
The wheel is now off to the spokesperson (pun intended). I decided to have the wheel built instead of doing it myself (lile I did with the rear), since I need the front wheel to be 4mm offset.


Next... update on paint. I picked colors, a quite sunny shade to be precise. And white because I had a white detail in my mind.
I'll add a pinstripe and 2K clearcoat in high gloss to finish the tank.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Nice-looking paint!

[Erwin83]

Thanks. Getting (even) better at the moment.

[Erwin83]

Now curing. Looks to be pretty sweet with a thick wet look...

[Erwin83]

 
Very happy with this result.
Also finished the seat mounts, so I can start thinking about painting the seat cowl and upholstery.

[Dominiek]

Where dix you find the alloy rims?

[Erwin83]

Where dix you find the alloy rims?

https://zeitmaschinen-shop.de/

Nice and cheap, not the greatest quality though. East Europe made.

I did the rear spokes myself, and the front is being spoked right now by Pebro-wheels.
Front wheel is a mix of parts:
- KTM axle
- 18" rim
- Suzuki hub
- Rim needs 4 mm offset to be in the middle with the brake disc mounted without a spacer.
- Spokes made to fit.

I didn't think I'd be able to do the spokes myself on the front...

[Erwin83]

Color done on the seat cowl, just 2K transparent finish to go.

[750K5]

Very cool project.  I look forward to seeing more!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Was that rattle can paint?  If so, are you doing a wetsand and buff?

[Erwin83]

Was that rattle can paint?  If so, are you doing a wetsand and buff?

Yes, rattle cans. 1K colour and 2K clear coat.
Yes, I might do a wetsand and buff down the line. The 2K clear coat should.be very well suitable for that. If I see the bike in the sun and feel it needs one I can decide. I'm not that experienced with paint correction, so if I feel I might just make things worse, I'll skip it, as I'm already very happy with the result as is.

[Erwin83]

Getting some shape in the bike.
I'll have a seat made and am waiting for the front wheel to arrive.

For me, that means time to get started on the engine top-end.

[Dominiek]

Always nice if the color goes under the seat from front to back...
Wich handlebars are you planning to use?