Free 1972 CB 350

Well, I am new to this part of the forum. I got a free 1972 Honda CB350 over the holidays. I know what you're thinking, "Free? Just how bad is it?"

Well I have attached a picture to get you started.

Just a little history. This bike was given to a good friend of mine in college (Auburn) but was fozen up. The engine wouldn't turn, no way no how. So, we figured, what's the worst that could happen if we tear into this thing. After having to easy-out/drill out every crankcase screw, we got it apart. Sure enough, no movement in the cylinders. A whole can of PB Blaster, one week of soaking, and tapping with a wood block, we got it freed up.

We had to buy all new bolts to get it back together. Miraculously, we only broke one bolt in the whole process. We got it put back together. I cleaned the carbs, put new plugs in it, installed a battery and HOLY CRAP, it ran. It didn't smoke at all. It did leak like you wouldn't believe though.

My friend bought a new gasket set and I took the bike home to install it and do some other minor work to it. Stopped the leaking but the idle still wasn't right. I suspect that might have had something to with the fact that the mufflers are all but gone. I hear you gotta have whole mufflers for these things or there is no hope.

Got it back to Auburn. My friend ended up getting an '87 Honda Rebel 450 (which I now own too) so the 350 went in the shop where it would remain for the next 10 years.

When I went to get it a couple of weeks ago, it still had the 1997 gas in it. Boy it stunk. Fortunately the petcock valve has been shut the whole time so I think the carbs aren't gonna be too bad.

I picked up a new battery tonight. My new ignition switch came in today (he lost the key a while back) so I should be able to see how it's gonna do tomorrow or the next day. I have to get rid of that old gas and check a few other things before I try to fire it up.

I will post back after it starts.

Later

Chris

It looks like a good place to start from and the price was right. Good luck with your project.

Looks like a good bike to Cafe if you ask me. That's what I'm going to do with a 1974 CB200T I have in the garage. I'll have two cafe bikes then. That one and my Hodaka Ace!

They make tons of parts for your bike.

Got the carbs apart today. The left one wasn't bad. The right one is pictured below. Yes, that is some kind of white substance. Not sure what it was in that the petcock valve has been closed. I got it all cleaned up and all the passages blown out so we'll see what happens.

Speaking of petcock, I just ordered a new one. I got the tank off and poured out the 10 year old gas. It was horrendous. Along with the gas came a grit type substance. The cross over hose that connects the two sides of the tank underneath was completely clogged with a gummy type substance. I finally got that freed up and discovered the petcock was one giant clog!!!!! It is toast. I soaked it in carb cleaner for a while. No good. I should have a new one in a couple of days. I put almost boiling water in the tank with a heavy degreaser and a small chain. I sloshed it around for several minutes to loosen up some of the gum inside. What I poured out was awful. The chain and degreaser is doing a nice job at cleaning it up. I'll work on that some more tomorrow, then rinse it out a few times with gas to get the water out. I'll be running inline fuel filters for a while!!

I got the battery charged up and installed. I installed the new ignition switch after swapping the connector. I mistakenly ordered one with a square connector when mine takes a round one. I used the starter and the engine turned right over.

I'll post back as progress continues.

Looks like your on the right track. I haven't started on my CB yet as I have a lot of stuff in the garage I have to clear out first and need to do more winterizing. Then I'll work on it a little at a time while I'm working to finish up the Ace.

I'm sure I'll run into the same stuff you are. That's why I want to get some more shop equipment such as an air compressor and a 20 gal parts cleaning tank. I just bought a pressure sand blaster and HAD a 80 gal compressor from Sears ordered,but they canceled the order because the holiday rush put them way behind on getting a lot of stuff out. That really bummed me out!

I got passed the most difficult hurdle yesterday...

I got a tag and title for this bike !!!!! Believe me, in Florida, that is NO small accomplishment.

:clap

Discovered a simple way to pressurize a tank. Pour in very hot water, seal tank, shake vigorously.

This led to my discovery of small pin holes in the bottom of the tank. I have attached pictures. I included a pencil for a size reference. I should be able to weld these holes up. They are small and the metal around them is pretty solid.

The new petcock valve should be arriving any day now so I'm getting closer to firing it up.

Wow. I'm jealous. Mine sat in bad conditions apparently for 10 years. I had to rebuild the carbs and soak the hell out of them. A lot of rust spots, but she'll work till I outgrow her in a few years. There is almost an unlimited supply of parts for our bikes though, and that's always a good thing.
You can always replace the tank if necessary....
I think the worse thing on your bike is the seat. Not bad for a free bike! I still haven't gotten the title or anything. I got it from a guy who bought it as a parts bike, no title necessary. He sold it to me as a parts bike, but she's in decent shape. Who's going to be looking for a '70 CB350 that's sat in a shed for 10 years anyway?
In my house, there's me (newbie wrench and not even ridden a bike yet), my boyfriend (built his first bike about 20 years ago), and a dirt track racer. Between all of us, you'd think we'd have some decent equipment. Unfortunately, we have no garage, and our parts washer has been converted to a microwave stand... That is why I drive 45 minutes to go work on my bike in a well-equipped garage.

Got the tank patched up last night. I pressure tested it and found no leaks :clap

I'm still waiting on the new petcock to come in so I won't be doing much else to get her running until it does arrive.

My goal this coming weekend and holiday is to get the front wheel off and get the brake working. It will stop the bike but sticks a bit. I know I have to take it apart, clean everything up, and lubricate appropriately to free this thing up.

I'm gonna start working to clean up the chrome on the bike. I got the side covers off, cleaned, waxed, and buffed. They turned out pretty nice. I know I have to paint the tank. It was chipped up and the degreaser I used to clean it out did a number on the finish. The trouble is gonna be to find a matching paint. I may have to paint the side covers, healight bracket, and tank all together to match. We'll see.

The list of items I need to replace:
hand grips
kickstart lever
tank rear hold down rubber
battery hold down strap
tires
mirrors
tail light lens
seat

As I go, I may find more but this is what I know has to be replaced.

Sonja,
If you have trouble with getting a title, try broadwaytitle.com
I didn't need to use them but have been told they are a good organization and can get you what you need.

Looks like a good find. I've been looking for a older bike my self.