Looking at 1969 CB350. Thoughts?

[k-lent]

Hello,

Please let me know if there is a better place to post this.

I am looking to buy my first bike to commute with. I have experience with dirt bikes and am mostly planning on short distance city riding with freeway usage as a last resort.

I'm in love with the old Cb's. I wanted to get any thoughts or advice on using such an old bike as a commuter, and more specifically, how you think this one I found for sale looks and sounds. Here it is:

http://images.craigslist.org/00h0h_1...m6_600x450.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/00T0T_2...te_600x450.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/00000_c...v5_600x450.jpg

Seller is asking for premium price of $3000.

It has had a bit of work and money put into it according to him: carbs, fuel lines, wiring, tank lining/seal, electric ignition are some of the big ones.

A couple of things that jump out at me are the lack of turn signals and gauges, and more so, unknown mileage. Claims that the bike is firing flawlessly and running well.

So my main questions are about the price and condition of the bike. Is there any way to test or get an idea of the engines mileage without gauges?

I appreciate any thoughts, tips, concerns and advice.

Thanks

[T.RexRacing]

IMHO they're asking 'bout $2500 too much and that's being nice about it. BTW the images don't show I get a 404 error.

 

Commuting on a 45 year old bike is kinda asking for it. If you're not a mechanic you will be after a year or so. And that'll be good 'cause you'll be needing a new job from being late all the time. Buy a later model bike for that kind of duty.

[vagabondmatt]

I am a vintage CB lover as well, but have only had the 450 and 550. The last poster is right - these old bikes require constant maintenance, parts, and TLC no matter what - some more than others. My understanding is that the 350s are a bit fussy when it comes to dealing with keeping the carbs tuned, but can be done. If you really are going to do short city street commuting, you should be fine...but do keep in mind the way these older bikes handle will not be like newer bikes...i.e. the way the brakes feel, etc. Keep in mind there are also 4-cylinder versions of the 350 as well. As for the price, your quoted price is typical for larger urban areas for bikes that have been updated or in good running shape...but definitely do your research and don't hesitate to talk them down. I'd shoot for more in the $2200-$2600 range max if I were you, and that's for a good running bike without rust and such.

 

You might also want to post your question here http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?board=10.0 or in other vintage street oriented forums, such as dotheton.com, etc.

I know a lot of folks go for the stripped own cafe look by removing the turn signals and swapping out for sexier gauges, but even though I love that look and love these old bikes, I personally would not want to commute on them regularly without turn signals. You probably would need them to pass DMV inspection anyway.

 

Good luck!

[davek18]

I owned 2 SL 350s back in the day.  I liked them better than the CBs, but similar engines.  They are fun town bikes but don't hold up well in comparison with modern stuff.  The vintage look is cool, but be prepared for more maintainence than modern rides.  They were pretty reliable back then if kept in shape.

 

I agree the price seems high.  If it were certified low mile survivor bike maybe, but not as a rebuilt ride.  Wish your pictures worked, could judge  a little better with a visual.

[billdude]

WOW,SOME NERVE ASKING $2500 MORE THAN MOST CB FANS WOULD ASK . WITHOUT GAGESES, NO TELLING HOW MANY TIMES THE OD CLOCKED AROUND AND AROUND, OR HOW MANY CAM CHAINS ITS GONE THROUGH.     USE A IMPACT DRIVER ON EVERY BOLT, PLAN ON BUYING EASY OUTS AND HEALIE COILS . COOL IS ONLY SO COOL. IT STARTS LOSING ITS COOLNESS ON THE LONG WALKS HOME. I HAVE BEEN TO SOME ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE AUCTIONS, AND SEEN SOME CRAZY STUFF, PEOPLE WITH LOTS OF MONEY AND TIME MIGHT GIVE $3000 JUST TO PARK IT NEXT TO THERE KAWASAKI  500-750 2 STROKE CLASSIC, THAT SHOULD BE PARKED ANYWAY. I THINK YOU COULD DO BETTER FOR LESS, YOU LIKE HONDA , TRY A 305 SCRAMBLER OR EVEN THE 161 BOTH WILL OUT HANDLE THE CB 350. KEEP LOOKING, ITS RAINING NOW ANYWAY .         

[A_dam]

Hello,

Please let me know if there is a better place to post this.

I am looking to buy my first bike to commute with. I have experience with dirt bikes and am mostly planning on short distance city riding with freeway usage as a last resort.

I'm in love with the old Cb's. I wanted to get any thoughts or advice on using such an old bike as a commuter, and more specifically, how you think this one I found for sale looks and sounds. Here it is:

http://images.craigslist.org/00h0h_1...m6_600x450.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/00T0T_2...te_600x450.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/00000_c...v5_600x450.jpg

Seller is asking for premium price of $3000.

It has had a bit of work and money put into it according to him: carbs, fuel lines, wiring, tank lining/seal, electric ignition are some of the big ones.

A couple of things that jump out at me are the lack of turn signals and gauges, and more so, unknown mileage. Claims that the bike is firing flawlessly and running well.

So my main questions are about the price and condition of the bike. Is there any way to test or get an idea of the engines mileage without gauges?

I appreciate any thoughts, tips, concerns and advice.

Thanks

Have to agree with T.Rexracing on this one, if you want a short distance commuter, get a new bike... The reason these bikes make good cafe racer projects is that they weren't good to start off with... Im currently building a 69CB 350, getting parts where i live is a mission and its not cheap... Once ive done it up then it will be a great short distance commuter... 

[T.RexRacing]

Nice bike. Honda parts aren't cheapo anywhere. The only one worse is Triumph. $75 USD for a freekin' clutch lever.

[westgl]

I had a 71' SL350 great bike rode it everywhere engine was fairly worn and needed work at about 80k miles I got my money out of it

I like the looks of the new cb300F Till I sat on one at the dealer they are really small the cb500f is a better size for me im sure power is decent

But I like the single cylinder on the CB300F