1972 Honda CL350 Scrambler Motorcycle Restoration: First Ride

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Let’s get the first ride in the books on the 1972 CL350 Scrambler. This motorcycle restoration project to about 14 months.
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/ bvmatson
/ bvmatson
This video series features the complete restoration of a 1972 CL350 Honda Scrambler motorcycle. The videos should help anyone whether working on a cafe racer build or a full-on original restoration. I'm definitely not an expert so please refer to your manuals for proper disassembly and assembly instructions. Please leave comments if you have any questions. I'll be happy to help answer questions if I can confidently provide solutions. Again, I'm not a professional. This is my 2nd Honda motorcycle restoration and I'm learning every single day. I'd love to hear your tips if you have better ways to do things. I hope you find the series useful and entertaining. I strive to show as much detail as possible so that the videos can be used as not only a how-to resource but also a reference for the placement and original set up of parts and systems.
If you don't have one already please get a manual for your specific project. There are many available online for download for free. Common Motor Collective, from which I source many of my replacement parts, has a fantastic resource on their website: bit.ly/CBManuals You can also join groups on Facebook and get involved in the community.
Keep on wrenching, Friends! b
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Your support is extremely appreciated. THANK YOU!

[@davidaldrich3488]

congrats Brian.......have archived the videos for the future........Now on to the bike in a box......looking forward to that series as well......Take care, be safe

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, David. I appreciate the support throughout. Looking forward to the next project too.

[@davidcorner1174]

Well done Brian. I've watched every single episode from start to finish on this project of yours and you have a lovely bike to show for it. I've made every mistake and experienced the same frustration through lack of knowledge over the years but like you I have persevered and learnt new skills, I'm not a mechanic, just some lad who couldn't resist taking his bikes apart. Most of which I did manage to put back together. My Honda XR125 L4 is stripped back to the frame and ready for rust removal and spraying....Here we go again!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, David. Watching the entire series is a feat! Lol. Good luck with your restoration. I think I may be another CL in the works. Patience and a good manual go a long way.

[@gizmo1252000]

she,s a beauty brian ,nice job ,so nice to see these bikes being kept alive . they just dont make them like they used to :)

[@KeepOnWrenching]

I dunno what it is but I just love these things. Thanks for the support along the way. More to come.

[@bjdrummond1318]

Thank you so much for the great videos, I am currently restoring that same bike my grandfather bought it new and I just inherited it!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Yes! That’s awesome. So glad the vids will help you out. Get that beauty back on the road!

[@MRgrimlock84]

Just picked up a running 1970 CL350 and I'm getting her shaped up to ride again. She's a mix mash of parts from 68-73 but she runs great. Thanks for the videos, Patrick

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Love those 70 bikes. Luckily pretty much everything is interchangeable.

[@brad7861]

Like a BOSS! Stomped the landing! Beautiful restoration dude! You rock!!!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, Brad. Looking forward to rolling these bikes out together later this dinner.

[@brad7861]

@@KeepOnWrenching Later this Dinner Friday. Tango Echo Lima por favor. Burrito Bun.

[@Tony-bv7gz]

First rip after a restoration, it don't feel better than that. Congrats

[@KeepOnWrenching]

That’s the truth! Can’t wait for the first spin on the super Hawk!

[@xt500rebuild5]

Brian, Congratulations. I started restoring an XT500 a few months ago at the start of this pandemic and I regularly refer to your videos. They are entertaining and informative. Most importantly they demonstrate the patience and attention to detail that is required to get a project completed. Enjoy the bike !

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks! Patience is key. You don’t need a lot to get at these bikes. I appreciate the support, Liam.

[@evanspear610]

Amazing, thanks for documenting. I'm slowly restoring my '73 cl350. (my first bike) You're an inspiration!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Awesome to hear, Evan. Good luck. You’ve got this!!

[@Thelawncarenut]

That was a beautiful ride bro! Hard work pays off.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, LCN. Appreciate the support. Onto the next one.

[@jmsdeco]

Congratulations !!!! You did a fantastic job on the bike. I have a 72 CB350 K4. They're a lot of fun to ride plus you're keeping motorcycle history alive. Wishing you many happy miles and looking forward to your next restoration. Ride safe !

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Love saving these old bikes. Good luck on your restoration!

[@bucktownpsd1590]

You did an awesome job on this bike. If I didn’t watch you do it I would have not believed that this was the same bike you started with. I didn’t see you adjust the aim on the headlight. You should do a video of that going through the steps.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Good idea. I do have a few last vids to do to properly seal up the series. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Basscrabb57]

Absolutely splendid Brian, you worked hard and got a great reward there.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

What a wonderful reward it is!

[@raycotten8726]

She sounds great! Just like mine... Awesome job.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Great! It all came together. Lol. Thanks, Ray.

[@James_Sovereign]

Brian, well done. Enjoy.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, James. Thanks for all the input. Really happy with how it all turned out.

[@HepcatHarley]

Congratulations, great bike and you did it! Many people start projects like this and never get them done and not only that, you documented everything along the way. Great series mate, now gas n go! ...until the next one :)

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, Hepcat. Feels great to cross the line. Quite a series. Woof.

[@greghamilton5461]

Sounds good! All gears too. Nice evening ride.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

What a relief. Lol. I’m still kinda surprised it all worked out.

[@4truetime290]

Wow, You did all the work and I feel great about what you have accomplished. Thanks for all the videos and hard work. Keep doing what your doing, it is so gratifying for those of us that just tag along.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Absolutely! So glad the series progressed the way it did. More to come for sure. Thanks so much for the support.

[@rngleaderband806]

Congratulations! An absolute treat to watch your progress and how it has paid off for you. Im restoring a 71 CB500F and watching you has kept me motivated to continue on.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Fantastic to hear! I need to venture into some other models in the future. Good luck and thanks for the support.

[@lotophagi711]

Brian, I have enjoyed your videos. I particularly like the way you are honest and show everything warts and all. I'll keep watching for then next restoration.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear you like this style. It can get a bit long but they are fun.

[@lescorox]

A great journey. The bike looks and sounds awesome!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, Les. Couldn’t have gone much smoother.

[@zachfender8693]

Looks awesome Brian

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, Zach. Quite a journey! Thanks for riding along.

[@donreed1133]

Great video, how exciting! That first ride after a long restoration. Congratulations!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, Don. Definitely a great experience.

[@pauloconnor7951]

I've done a couple. I'm a 2 stroke fan. Lates was 1971 Kawasaki H2 750. Wow great bike !

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Great feeling isn’t it!? Happy/safe riding!

[@jakefin6891]

it rides so smooth. Nice!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

It’s was so awesome. Gonna be tough to tuck it away for the winter. Thanks!

[@mishko01]

I just love it when a plan comes together. Congratulations Brian on the results of your hard work. A fine machine indeed.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Me too!

[@Rider-zr7ix]

It's been a very fun journey watching you build this beautiful bike, you have done a hell of a job. And I look forward to watching you build bike #3 someday. :) Live Long & Prosper Brian.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Lol. Thanks, man. I have to keep going? Oh man!

[@itsAlwaysChristmas]

Amazing work dude, a real sense of achievement and pride. Sounds awesome.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks! It feels great to have it rolling. Phew!

[@ThrillaPark]

Congrats man! I can only imagine the personal satisfaction of completing such a massive job. Enjoy the bike and feel good about the hard work you put in!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, Alex. It’s a great feeling. Had no idea it’d go this deep. Lol

[@JamesCouch777]

She's purring like a kitten 👍😁

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Doing alright!

[@greghamilton5461]

Brian No plates. Did that one and got pulled over. The cops had a tow company come and get it. They tore the seat. I wasn't happy.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Michigan has suspended renewals etc until October due to COVID. That would be a total bummer. :(

[@adamshehan2689]

About to start my 72 350 after top end rebuild, any type of brake in procedures that you did, oil change after first bit of riding?

[@KeepOnWrenching]

I changed oil after the first 100. Checked the oil sling. Nothing crazy. I’m sure there is a proper procedure but I just kinda just let it rip. If something is wrong you’ll know pretty quick.

[@davidrennicks2484]

I have one! These bikes do not sell well in UK for some reason?

[@KeepOnWrenching]

More for us!