Looking for cb350/360 project

[Galactica]

I need a project.  I’ve kinda decided on a cb350 or 360. So I’m hoping for a bit of input before I commit.

Has anyone here done one?  How difficult is it to find a fairly complete bike?  Major issues?  Parts availability?  I’m kinda thinking a cb350 with the front disc brake might be the one I’d look for.  My thoughts at this point might be that the bike would go to my grandsons.

Thanks,
Ross

[Steve G.]

  Previous to Mr. Honda’s passing, parts would be literally maximum 7 days away, ALL the parts. Things have changed, expect slightly better than old Suzuki now.
  My thoughts,,,,,,,in considering a project, myself anyways, I try to understand why , for example a certain model of basically the same bike can be worth way more than another base model. It’s usually visual appeal, but rarity can be a reason. With the early to mid 1970’s Honda 350’s, that base model was the biggest seller because of   >:Dprice. They were often flogged to utter death, and left to rot leaning outside a barn, or pushed into a river. More appealing looking machines based entirely on the same bike were, not the CB series, but the CL series, the same bike with high pipes to one side, higher front fender, and in the situation we see today, are worth 309-400% more than a standard CB.
 You
May not care, but it is a reality that early ADV and ‘facsimile’ bikes are super hot ticket these days, and showing up on one virtually anywhere garners huge interest and admiration where the standard cb is ignored. If you are going to end up paying yourself 4-11 cents an hour to do a restoration, why not turn that into a full 1$ an hour by simply an easy cosmetic direction. Build a unicorn, admired by all.
Speaking of unicorn, I took a ‘unicorn’ to Ducati Bike Night’ last Tuesday. My unicorn got crowds of admiration sitting in between two Ducation superbikes worth $56K each. I actually struggled where I should go with a 30 yr old “9” female who I could not shake, so enthralled at my ‘situation’. Literally less than 1/2 my age, grandfather status, asking for a phone number. I’m sure your not looking for such a situation Ross, but having a project with end goal of super cool status is excellent fun!
 BTW, I won’t be at Sunday coffee, I’m spending the night away from where my bikes are parked.

[Steve G.]

https://classic-motorbikes.net/classic-bike-images/honda-classic-motorcycles/honda-cl350-gallery/

[Galactica]

  Previous to Mr. Honda’s passing, parts would be literally maximum 7 days away, ALL the parts. Things have changed, expect slightly better than old Suzuki now.
  My thoughts,,,,,,,in considering a project, myself anyways, I try to understand why , for example a certain model of basically the same bike can be worth way more than another base model. It’s usually visual appeal, but rarity can be a reason. With the early to mid 1970’s Honda 350’s, that base model was the biggest seller because of   >:Dprice. They were often flogged to utter death, and left to rot leaning outside a barn, or pushed into a river. More appealing looking machines based entirely on the same bike were, not the CB series, but the CL series, the same bike with high pipes to one side, higher front fender, and in the situation we see today, are worth 309-400% more than a standard CB.
 You
May not care, but it is a reality that early ADV and ‘facsimile’ bikes are super hot ticket these days, and showing up on one virtually anywhere garners huge interest and admiration where the standard cb is ignored. If you are going to end up paying yourself 4-11 cents an hour to do a restoration, why not turn that into a full 1$ an hour by simply an easy cosmetic direction. Build a unicorn, admired by all.
Speaking of unicorn, I took a ‘unicorn’ to Ducati Bike Night’ last Tuesday. My unicorn got crowds of admiration sitting in between two Ducation superbikes worth $56K each. I actually struggled where I should go with a 30 yr old “9” female who I could not shake, so enthralled at my ‘situation’. Literally less than 1/2 my age, grandfather status, asking for a phone number. I’m sure your not looking for such a situation Ross, but having a project with end goal of super cool status is excellent fun!
 BTW, I won’t be at Sunday coffee, I’m spending the night away from where my bikes are parked.

Kinda “been there done that” with my Z1.   I’ve always liked the cb350 although the scrambler was the “one”.  At this point I’m looking for something to do and at the end have something I like.  $$ are a big concern.  My RRSP has been sh*t kicked and I need to start withdrawing next year or find a job.  I’m not at all concerned about a babe magnet bike. 

At the end I want something to give to my grandsons if they’re interested.  The oldest just turned 10.  I reckon a cb350 would be a good starter.  If they drop it and dent the tank, no big deal, not looking to build a 10 point bike. 

Leaning towards a later 350 rather than a 360.

[hardrockminer]

That's an interesting choice Ross.  I've been thinking along the same lines but haven't yet reached the decision to go looking for one.  They were quite common bikes back in the 70's and I assume there are still a lot around, but the ones I've seen for sale are quite expensive in my view.  I will keep you in the back of my mind when I see them offered for sale.  One source you might want to check is Dale, formerly of Powersports.  Last time I checked he had 25 Sport 90's.  He may have a few 350 or 360's in his stable, and I think he's trying unsuccessfully to downsize.

[Runningdog]

I enjoyed doing mine......boxes of rusty parts + ebay + $3000 in replacement parts + $2000 shipping= a pretty nice bike.   I know my accountant will have a case of the dry heaves, but maybe it should go to a new home.....Ross, lets talk.

[rz5mark]

That looks really nice.

[Galactica]

Howard,

That’s a lovely bike.  Just what I want.  CB350 with disc brake.  But I’m wanting a project, not a turnkey bike.  But yes, let’s talk.

[Galactica]

I enjoyed doing mine......boxes of rusty parts + ebay + $3000 in replacement parts + $2000 shipping= a pretty nice bike.   I know my accountant will have a case of the dry heaves, but maybe it should go to a new home.....Ross, lets talk.

Howard,

What condition was that bike when you got it?  How complete?  Looks like there’s a fair amount of aftermarket parts at places like Z1E and Diablo.  The aftermarket stuff if ok in a pinch, but how available are good original parts.  Was there anything that you had particular difficulty in obtaining?

If I get another project bike, it will be just for myself and not my grandsons.  Yesterday my son made it clear, in no uncertain terms, there will be no motorcycles while the boys live at home.  Understandable, given my near death experience. 

[Runningdog]

Parts hunting was somewhat non-focussed, to be honest.   Some aftermarket stuff fit and worked well, while some original stuff was too far gone, once I had it in hand, and required  aftermarket parts to make it usable.  The most spendy item was likely the David Silver pattern exhausts, which are good quality and fit well.   The fork tubes from Germany were very good quality, and arrived quickly  (ten days or so).  I was  always able to find what I needed somewhere, but shipping was a killer......don't get anything from UPS across the border, always charge an extra shipping and import charge.   

Learned from that, and pretty much all parts for the CB750 have been sourced from within Canada......shipping times have been good, generally.   Not sure how the CB350 parts availability compares Canada to US and rest of world.

Still quite a few original parts available with some hunting as they made 617,000 of the darn things, but many complete bikes have been sucked up by the racing series.

[Galactica]

Parts hunting was somewhat non-focussed, to be honest.   Some aftermarket stuff fit and worked well, while some original stuff was too far gone, once I had it in hand, and required  aftermarket parts to make it usable.  The most spendy item was likely the David Silver pattern exhausts, which are good quality and fit well.   The fork tubes from Germany were very good quality, and arrived quickly  (ten days or so).  I was  always able to find what I needed somewhere, but shipping was a killer......don't get anything from UPS across the border, always charge an extra shipping and import charge.   

Learned from that, and pretty much all parts for the CB750 have been sourced from within Canada......shipping times have been good, generally.   Not sure how the CB350 parts availability compares Canada to US and rest of world.

Still quite a few original parts available with some hunting as they made 617,000 of the darn things, but many complete bikes have been sucked up by the racing series.

Shipping is always a b*tch.  I try never to ship by UPS, USPS (snail mail) arrives almost as fast, sometimes you get charged GST and sometimes you don’t.  All suppliers over charge for shipping, lots of extra profit at no extra cost.  If I find a project candidate, this time I’ll not be concerned about 100% correctness (not that any of my Zs were 100% correct).   But some aftermarket stuff is crap.  For instance the Emgo coils WILL fail. 

[Twisted_Twin]

Maybe check with Dale or Scotty for project fodder.

For parts, check with Bent Bike in Langley. The previous owner loved old Hondas and I found plenty of weird little bits for my CX / GL twins in that place.