1973 Honda CL350 K5

[Jim]

I have a 1973 Honda CL350 K5, it was left in the barn at my parents place by a friend of the family over 10 years ago, and has sat there since. He apparently rescued it from a dumpster or scrap or something and gave it to the family for a project bike. That didn't happen... Until now. I dug it out and cleaned it up as best as I could. I don't know what the initial issue with the bike was, why it was not used more, it only has about 1800 miles on it. There was no title accompanying the bike, but I went through the paper work with the provincial insurance agency and it is now in my name. The bike was stuck in neutral, and the oil had gone bad, I believe with gas in it. I've got the motor out of the frame, and the gearbox taken apart... The shift drums and forks were all seized up with rust and gunk, but the rest of it seems to be ok, the motor will also turn over. We had to cut the shift drums out with a grinder, and I've got a new set off ebay. Now it is a slow process of cleaning everything, and putting it back together. Hopefully it will run. Most of the bike is there, I only need a few small things, new cables, levers, etc, and I also need a set of mufflers and pipes I believe, hopefully I can find some that aren't too pricey because I don't have much money to put into this project right yet. Anyways, here's some pictures, I will try to keep this updated... Though, I will warn ahead of time, progress probably won't be too quick, but we will see how it goes. I'm not overly mechanical and this is the first engine I've ever had apart, though my Dad is able to help me out too.

[Jim]

Ok, got the motor back together, looks like it should all work. Sealed the tank with por 15... Not sure how well I did, I got a bit of a puddle in the front because I didn't manage to drain it all out.

Started tearing the rest of the bike down, for sanding and painting, then once that is done I'll get to the polishing...



Of course, the frame is the main piece to start sanding on, the only thing left on here is the race track for the steering bearings (if that is the correct term?).


Here are the rest of the pieces I need to sand and paint. All attached pieces removed.


Here you can see a bunch of the pieces piled up on the bench, and the bolts for everything stuck into cardboard boxes and labeled.


Carbs, Airbox and hoses and so on, this stuff is not needed for quite a while now.


The forks seem to work good. I need a new grab bar if anyone has a line on one with decent chrome that won't cost a fortune...


And the rest of the pieces... I got a really nice set of handlebars on ebay for a great price... The chrome is great.

[Jim]

Got the frame sanded and primed today.





I also found another bike... I spotted a 73 CB 350 (I like the CB more then the CL) on craigslist, running, no papers, for $200... Well it turns out the running was more like running whenever it was the guy who had it picked it up, and before he left it parked out in his back yard for an unknown amount of time under some wood??? Anyways, I am not an expert on mechanics, but it seems like the motor should be good but it needs some tinkering to get going... The seat, fenders, side covers, tank, wheels, mufflers, and so on are all no good. I ended up paying $50 for it, so we'll see how it goes. If I happen to have a problem with the motor or carbs on the CL, I now have somewhere to look for parts maybe. It may wind up being for parts, or maybe a future project (cafe?).

[Jim]

Today I finally did a bit more work on this... I've been considering picking up a sand blasting cabinet, but nothing was happening on that front, so I was not getting any work done as a result. I decided finally that I might as well just head down to the U-Blast place and get some work done. The guys at Langley U-Blast were good and got me setup nice and quick. The rate I believe was $55/hour with a 15 minute minimum. I took about 45 minutes and spent around $43. I think it really saved me some time. I did the swing-arm, battery box, triple clamps, center stand, tool box, taillight bracket, and some pieces to mount the foot pegs.

[Jim]

Everything is primed now and ready for some black paint... Then it will be time to start putting it back together... Some pieces still need polishing, like the forks, and sides of the engine, but that can be done later.