71 CB350 Cafe (First motorcycle project...ever!)

[lolitsdaelan]

Seeing as this is my first post, I'll start off by saying "Hello!" to everyone, and also throw out the disclaimer that I'm quite the novice when it comes to motorcycles. I can change plugs, clean carbs, but that's really about it... but I'm a fast learner!

Anyway, I've got a 1971 CB350 that I've had for about 3 years now. I've always loved the way cafe racers look, and decided it's about time I start converting mine. I don't have any great pictures of it, but here's one of it sitting in the garage... (no I don't own the 750 anymore , too much for me to start out with )

I was thinking as my first modification I'd like to replace the handlebars with clip-ons, followed by a seat after that, and some lower profile turn signals. Ultimately, I want to copy this bike...

So with that, is there anything I need to know about installing clip-ons? Can you guys recommend any good brands/types? Are there local businesses that sell them? (trying to support local when possible) From what I've seen on other cafes with clip-ons, it looks like the front fork tubes are stripped down (mine have the large red tubes), I'm assuming I'll have to remove these? If anyone can break down the install process that would be great! Or any info/input is also appreciated

Hope that's not too many questions for my first real post!

[leadkrm]

Yea for clip ons u need to remove the ears for the headlight bucket. And you will need to shorten ur throttle cables and stuff because ur throttle will become extremely hard to twist if the cable is too big and slack gets in the line

[felkman]

Welcome to the group. Great project! Clip ons are pretty easy to install. You can either pull your fork tubes out one at a time in which you will need to remove your wheel and fender or you can remove the top triple tree to install them which may be easier but if you pull the tubes out, it is a good time to replace your fork seals if you need to. I think the cb350 uses 33 mm clip ons, but don't quote me on that. As for a good place to by or brand, it depends on what you are looking for. Do you just want chrome plated or do you want adjustable aluminum clip ons?

I just saw the post before mine, One of these days soon, I am going to do a write up on how to shorten a throttle cable to save you some money on buying a new one.

One other thing, you will need to buy some headlight ears since you will be tossing the original ones out.

[lolitsdaelan]

Yes you're right about the 33mm. I found this site (www.airtech-streamlining.com/miscpages/handlebars.html) which sells them as well as headlight brackets (which I'm assuming replace the ears for the headlight bucket?). Just had a thought, will I need a new headlight as well?

I suppose adjustable would be nice, but I have a feeling that jacks the price up a bit. I can't imagine non-adjustable ones would be that bad, so for the sake of making a decision, I'll say chrome plated / non-adjustable.

[felkman]

You should be able to use your headlight bucket with no problem. I bought adjustable ones for my bike and to be honest, I could have saved some money and just went with chrome as I have them set about the same angle as the chromed steel.

[Deleted]

when you take those red fork cover tubes off, dont throw them away. if theyll fit my 73 350-4 i might be interested in buying them. mine are dented . where are u located?

[lolitsdaelan]

I'm in the broad ripple area. I put the order in yesterday for the clip-ons, so hopefully by the end of next week I'll have everything set to go.

[Deleted]

thanks just let me know

[lolitsdaelan]

So of course I didn't realize that I needed holes machine into the clip-ons for the wiring, so I should be getting those back today.

@oldfart, as I was taking off the old bars, I didn't see how I was supposed to get those off (unless you mean the covers that hold the headlight/turn signals, in which case, mine are also bent)

Question to all cafe owners or just people who know, is there a kit I can buy to move my shifter and brake back? I sat on the bike with the bars just sitting over the fork tube and it's a bit of an odd position, and I can't imagine it would be too comfortable after a while. I think I've seen kits called "rear-sets" that look like they achieve a similar function. Anyone have any experience with something like that? If so, how hard/easy is the install?

[felkman]

Jul 18, 2011 10:26:00 GMT -4 lolitsdaelan said:

Question to all cafe owners or just people who know, is there a kit I can buy to move my shifter and brake back? I sat on the bike with the bars just sitting over the fork tube and it's a bit of an odd position, and I can't imagine it would be too comfortable after a while. I think I've seen kits called "rear-sets" that look like they achieve a similar function. Anyone have any experience with something like that? If so, how hard/easy is the install?

They are called rearsets, you can buy them from many of the online cafe shops or ebay. You can also make them yourself, or use parts from newer "crotch rocket" motorcycles. Many people mount them at the rear passenger peg mount hole but if you are short, you may need to make a mount a little closer to the front. You will also need to run a rod from the rear sets to the shifter and rear brake (may use a cable also). It may take a little work figuring out how to do the rear brake set up. Keep in mind that most rear brake arm on the drum can either be pulled or pushed so you can flip the arm over and still be able to make the rear wheel stop. I am planning on using a late 80s fzr rearset for my cb450.

Make sure you have your exhaust set up done before you start making or setting up your rearsets, and one last thing, rearsets may interfere with your kick start!

www.fastfromthepast.com/servlet/the-Rearset-Parts/Categories

[novafrk]

Hey Guys,

I rebuilt a 73 CB350G a few years ago. Here are a couple of links to parts and racing products for the 350.

www.m3racing.com/index.html

www.ohiocaferacers.com/

The M3 site has a lot of engine parts. The ohio cafe racers site has tons of good info. My only note of caution is to inspect the cam chain tensioning wheel. They are made of rubber and deteriorate very quickly. The rubber gets EVERYWHERE. The information I have on them is they failed a lot even when they were new. M3 has a permanent fix for this condition.

Hope this helps.

Eric

[lolitsdaelan]

Well I managed to get the wires resoldered and started the bike up just fine (soldering outside in the heat yesterday was no fun). Sadly I didn't realize this prior to reconnecting everything, but the shop I took the bars to did not drill the two smaller holes that keep the controls from rotating around the bars. Now I've got a drill at home, would that suffice as far as drilling into the bar goes?

[felkman]

Jul 20, 2011 11:08:03 GMT -4 lolitsdaelan said:

Sadly I didn't realize this prior to reconnecting everything, but the shop I took the bars to did not drill the two smaller holes that keep the controls from rotating around the bars. Now I've got a drill at home, would that suffice as far as drilling into the bar goes?

Those are pretty small holes to drill, I have done that a couple times, the only thing I would suggest is to smack it with a center punch before doing it. If you don't, your drill bit will be all over the place on those round bars. Good luck.

[lolitsdaelan]

Apparently the left handle was drilled long enough that the peg could fit in the same hole as the wires, but the right was right side was not, and I had to drill my own hole. Turned out pretty good, until I realized I didn't put on the brake lever before everything else. I tried to bend the brace to create a slightly larger gap, but ended up snapping the part . Does anyone know of a front brake control that can mount to the bar without having to be slid over? (hope that makes sense)

Here's a picture of the bike so far, along with a tired and sweaty me...
i.imgur.com/2RTPO.jpg

[felkman]

I take it you don't want to pull the wires back out? There are tons that clamp on, like this from a yz125?

Bike looks good!