2 more wheels in the Garage

[extrememarine]

Well, my son is 15 now, and has dropped hints on taking the MSF Basic Ridercourse so he can learn to ride. I set out to find an appropriate 1st bike, something for us to work on, but not a basket case, something that would go down the road, but not a rocket, something different, but easy to work on...

I settle on finding a '70's era CB 350-500 twin or 4 cyl. I found this '74 CB360G on ebay close to home, and lucked out as the winning bidder. I picked it up today and brought it home. We off loaded it and parked it in front of the garage. I went in to my son (playing Halo3) and struck up a conversation about the motorcycle class. It ended up kinda like this, "so once you finish the class, what bike are you going to ride (not the FJR or Harley)?" He's says, "I'll have to safe my allowance.", and I say, "why don't you try this one on for size," and tossed him the key.

Out to the garage, and all smiles!! It needs some work, but it will start 1st or 2nd kick cold, electric start spins it right up as well. I hope to have it road worthy by Christmas, depending on parts and such.

If anyone has any experience / tips / hits / suggestions about these vintage Honda's, they would be much appreciated.

Here's a few pictures, let me know what you think.

-wr

On the way home:

Gas & key on:

2 kicks and it's purring:

 

[DynaSport]

Lucky boy. And the disease sets in.

 

[Fencer]

Wayne, you set a bad example. Letting that boy on a bike with no gear. Shame on you.

J/K

Good job Dad.

 

[sonicspeed]

that is just awesome............errrr do people still say awesome????

 

[extrememarine]

scorpion exo400, Tourmaster Coaster II, Icon Hooligan Gloves on order...

oh, and new chain from cyclegear (oe one broke when we put it on the trailer!).

He just informed me that this is the direction he wants to go with it:

I can see a CB750 in my future...

And thanks, fencer!

Wayne, you set a bad example. Letting that boy on a bike with no gear. Shame on you.

J/K

Good job Dad.

 

[Ari Rankum]

Love those old Honda twins. I still have a 1971 CL175. They have a timeless, and cool, look to them. The paint looks pretty good from here.

Train him up real good on safety. Maybe trade off leading and following on a few rides and teach him some practical knowledge he wouldn't have gotten in the MSF course. The David Hough book, Proficient Motorcycling wouldn't hurt, either.

Good job.

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

What a great starter bike! Mine was a '73 CB-350.

Of course, it was only 2 years old at the time.

 

[kaitsdad]

The 2nd bike I owned was a brand new 73 CL350 - 1 more tooth on the rear, and high pipes. Your son will learn how to set points clearance, and timing. Remember those?

It would wheelie without trying - of course, I'm not sure if that's necessarily a BAD thing .......

Good move. Bet your son thinks he's got a great dad.

And he's right.

Remember - ATGATT.

 

[extrememarine]

Safety is paramount; He'll go to the next MSF BRC that I'm not instructing at; Then he'll attend an IMC (SC intermediate rider course = BRC on your own motorcycle). I went to a Keith Code course this fall, so he'll get some of that too as he gains confidence of the basics (can you put a knee down on a CB360??).

Love those old Honda twins. I still have a 1971 CL175. They have a timeless, and cool, look to them. The paint looks pretty good from here.
Train him up real good on safety. Maybe trade off leading and following on a few rides and teach him some practical knowledge he wouldn't have gotten in the MSF course. The David Hough book, Proficient Motorcycling wouldn't hurt, either.

Good job.

 

[dbvolfan]

That is awesome! Talk about a great Christmas and a lot of future good times!

 

[dcarver]

ExtremeMarine, full applause for you! :yahoo:

You already know the drill so I won't preach about ATGATT, RSF, blah fooking blah..

..and the biggest complement of all, ... I wish I was your kid!

 

[double_entendre]

that is just awesome............errrr do people still say awesome????

Hey, I still say awesome, but question myself. Probably just means we were around in the 80's.

Regardless, congrats to dad & son both. My mother was pretty bent when my dad co-signed for my first bike.

And came unglued when he co-signed for a replacement after I totalled #1.

That should be a great beginner bike. Many safe miles to him.

Did you think about an off-road riding class as well? I'm thinking about taking one of those to boost my on-road skills.

Rancho

 

[FJRMGM]

great choice and looks good too.

My first "real" bike was a '71 SL-350 Honda. Lots of miles on gravel roads in SE Iowa on that one. A couple of my friends had CL-350s and one had a CB-350.

If you don't mind, what did you have to give for that bike?

 

[Geezer]

I never owned one, but the first street legal bike I ever rode was a Honda CB360. Very cool.

If the chain broke then you should take a good look at the sprockets for excessive wear. They'll eat up a new chain pretty quick if they are worn out.

Also, look the tires over for any sign of dry rot and cracks. Old rubber is slippery.

 

[keithaba]

How old is that kid?!?!

He looks like a HOSS!

 

[FZ/FJR Mike]

Your son will probably think this is the best Xmas ever. Congrats to the both of you. My suggestion would be a replacement of all fluids, especially brake. Oh, and a Chilton's repair manual also.

 

[TheAxeman]

Thats awesome! My first bike was a 73 CB350, purple with high bars like an old Schwinn bicycle. I think Prince ended up buying it for one of his videos. That bike was some fun. All of those 70's Japanese bikes keep going up in value so if he takes good care of it he should be able to sell it for the same amount you bought it for in a couple of years and then he can buy that Hyabusa he has his eyes on.

Tell him good luck with it and first and formost.....

[SIZE=18pt]BE CAREFUL![/SIZE]

 

[sonicspeed]

i used use my CB350 for an off road bike :lol:

and yes it does hurt when ya crash( constantly)

 

[mike25]

The kids got good taste!!!!!!!!!