Topic: 1971 CL350 sayin hello

[Red Sea Pedestrian]

Hey guys, new member saying hello from Philly. This site was recommended by members of svrider.com, which is where I spend a lot of time due to me owning a SV650S.

Recently however, I picked up another great bike. Long story short, I got my hands on a 1971 Honda CL350. And I got it pretty much for free. I would really like to get this thing up and running. However I'm starting at ground zero for a couple of reasons:

1. Its been sitting in storage for years, but before that it sat outside in the elements, uncovered for years. So its not in "great" shape

2. I've never worked on bikes by myself. Gonna use this as a learning tool.

I realize i'm in over my head but to me thats kinda the fun part. I know this is a loooong term project and I will go through a lot of pain. But I'm really excited about it.

Here are a couple of pics when I picked it up with the gf:



First thing first.

How's the search function on this forum (its horrible on svrider), cause I know people hate it when you ask a question thats been discussed a million times.
Thanks in advance for any help.

[PxTx]

Welcome.  I'm in Huntingdon Valley which should be kinda local.  I've gome some parts hanging around so hit me up if you need to bouce and idea off somone or need help.

[Red Sea Pedestrian]

Welcome.  I'm in Huntingdon Valley which should be kinda local.  I've gome some parts hanging around so hit me up if you need to bouce and idea off somone or need help.

thanks man. I'm still in the early stages. Threw some oil into the cylinders just to get he engine to budge. Now comes the compression test and the leak down test. I really hope i don't need the latter. crossing fingers. After that I gotta figure out what to do about the carbs. I know i don't have the experience to rebuild them. And getting new ones is obviously out unless there is something from another model that is completely compatible with this one. I figure I'll have to find a pro and just pay to have the carbs rebuilt.

[Grumpol]

G`day mate
Dont worry about the carbs, i have always hated the things but if you have all the info you need, pay attention to the details and keep things clean then you can save yourself a fortune and have the "i did it myself" badge to show off

[Red Sea Pedestrian]

G`day mate
Dont worry about the carbs, i have always hated the things but if you have all the info you need, pay attention to the details and keep things clean then you can save yourself a fortune and have the "i did it myself" badge to show off

yeah trying to do as much as i can myself. I ride with a bunch of very knowledgeable guys and they all said that i shouldn't do the carbs myself. They claim it takes years to know how to get them just right and I should just take it to a pro. But i would like to eventually learn how to do it right

[Grumpol]

You said it was a long term project, theres plenty to do before you need to do the carbs, so ask lots of questions, take plenty of notes and you may just surprise yourself.
Lots of folks are like i was, terrified of carbs, but with research and patience its surprising what you can do yourself. You dont need to learn all about all types of carbs merely the carbs on this bike, that makes the job a lot easier.
Good luck on your build mate

[PxTx]

You can do the carbs.  Your carbs will probably only need to be cleaned and have some small parts replaced, like the needle and seats.  Yes carbs can get tricky.  The ones on your CL only get complicated when you seperate the two carbs from the rack.  From my experience, you can do everything you need to without complicating the job.

[SteveD CB500F]

We have two search functions on here; the original forum search (top right) and the add-on Google custom search.

Strangely, both give different results for the same search!

I prefer the original site search. It's not perfect, but at least you know where you are with it.

Anyway, ask away about your 350. We have an "Other Bikes" board and quite a few members with twins (bikes that is...)

[Red Sea Pedestrian]

mini-update:
did the compression test

Results:

1st attempt (just some WD40 in each cylinder): Right Cylinder 130psi, Left Cylinder: 100psi

Put a little motor oil in each cylinder and did it again(my leg hurts): Right Cylinder 170psi, Left Cylinder: 160psi

As advised I'm gonna proceed with trying to get this thing running and hope that i can do the compression test again later and adjust the engine. Pics to follow tomorrow of some stuff.

Thoughts welcome.

[seaweb11]

Good luck with the project. They are a fun bike. I restored a 72 for the wife a couple winters back.
Here is a link to the build thread. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=4489.0

again.......have fun