5 Affordable Classic 350cc Motorcycles 4K

This time we take a look at the ever-popular 350 Class

[@Jodyrides]

I was a Honda dealership mechanic in the early 1970s. There were six other mechanics at this busy shop. I was the 350 Honda warranty specialist. Honda notified all the dealerships to stock seven top and camshaft replacement kits for every 10 350 Hondas, they sold. I got so good, so fast at changing out the camshaft, the shims, the rockers on the engines that had self-destructed, that I could do two of those top ends a day. I could have the camshaft out of a CB 350 Honda so fast, that I once handed a camshaft to the Partman, and said I need another one, and it was too hot to hold with bare hands.. The 350s have no oil filter. The cam rocks/walks left to right chewing into the thrust washers and eventually into the cam bearing blocks.. since there’s no filter to collect all of those metal particles flowing through the veins of the engine, they just keep circulating with all the other debris from transmission gear, flake, clutch particles, clutch basket material, which is normal in motorcycle engines, but it is not normal for a motorcycle engine to not have a filter.. The CB 350 was a fantastic seller. We could not keep them in stock. during that time .. Honda sent out a very valuable bulletin that I still use today decades, later.. Honda said to get a can of rust oleum aluminum paint .. not in a spray can.. they said when reassembling in the engine with tri gaskets, such as the CB 350 Honda head gasket, side, case, gaskets, base gaskets, any paper gasket, Open the can of aluminum paint without stirring or shaking. The can, use a screwdriver or a popsicle stick and scrape the thick goo from the bottom of the can period is like a paste impregnated with microscopic aluminum particles.. Honda said to work that paste into any paper gasket on both sides, and put it on the engine while it is wet it’s paint. I have been doing that, and when I need to take off a side, cover, or a valve, cover gasket or a head gasket. No more scraping. The head gasket or the side cover gasket comes off in one piece without being stuck to either side due to the aluminum paint. .. you should never need to buy another gasket again that has been painted with the google from the bottom of an aluminum paint can.. example I had a late 80s Kawasaki KLR 650.. I needed to pull the side, case gasket off to upgrade the spring for maintaining balance chain tension. That’s pretty critical on the KLR because if that chain tensioner fails, it actually destroys the engine. when I first pulled the side case off, of course, the gasket was stuck after the engine, half to the side cover. So I went to my local Kawasaki dealer to buy the gasket… this was around 2008 pricing. That paper gasket what is $58.. when I was finished, checking the tensioner, I put the new gasket on coated with the aluminum paint. A couple months later I wanted to install the upgrade chain tensioner called. Literally, the Doohickey. That’s what it’s called for some reason in the aftermarket World.. so when I popped that side cover off for the second time, that gasket was not stuck to either side, and I was able to reuse it.: I have been using that aluminum paint on all my paper gaskets ever since that bulletin came directly from Honda to all the dealerships here in the USA.. as for the warranty camshaft replacements on the Honda, CB 350 twins, I’m guessing I did about 30 or 40 of those replacements, most of them under warranty, which, no mechanic like to doing warranty work, because it did not pay The mechanic as much as the flat rate manual paid if a customer brought their 350 Honda in for the clatter that the rockers make when the parts eventually wear out around 6000 miles two at the most 12,000 miles.. two. Other little things, I remember about the 350 twins. The old school, Stone Age, where you adjust the valves. With a screwdriver and a wrench while the engine is running, you do it by listening to the ticking. Loosen the lock nut on the rocker shaft, turn it with a screwdriver, and when the engine wants to stall, back at off a bit. I was never comfortable with that method.. another mistake that Honda made with the CB 350 Honda twins in the owners manual, back when the owners manual was very informative, and it was not loaded with warnings about things that never happened like, “do not drink gasoline “. i’m not kidding I saw that warning in a Suzuki owners manual. That’s very frustrating when you’re trying to find out a specific answer about the motorcycle or the quad call me and you have to go through all those warnings… but back in the 350 Honda days, the owners manual actually told you how to adjust your valves, and set your timing. That’s fine but somehow in the translation, they instructed the owner the wrong way to set the timing on the 350 Honda twins. but it was early days and everybody was having fun, and sales slogans like “you meet the nicest people on a Honda” were the norm.. I always thought it was unusual to say the least for Honda to make a flawed engine like the CB 350 twin, after making almost indestructible engines like the CB 160 and the CB 305 engines.. of course, just a few years earlier, Honda made the motorcycle that completely changed the world of motorcycling forever for the better when they introduced the 1969 Honda CB 750 K1.. I have no doubt at all that many of those 1969,CV 750s are still on the road.. that CB 750 started the technology race between the big four in Japan discontinued until around 1984 or 85 when the Harley Davidson inspired tariff completely crippled, the motorcycle industry, and now 40 years later, the industry still has never recovered from that tariff of 45%.. just in the surrounding area where I live here in Western Pennsylvania. Before the tariff there were 22 Japanese motorcycle dealerships within an hour of my home. I worked in five of them over the decades. Today 40 years later, there are only three survivors still hanging on… I think the only reason they were still in business is because they are family owned, and operated, and they own the buildings.. Harley hired a Wall Street type CEO. He went directly to President Ronald Reagan and explained that the 600 jobs at the Harley factory are at risk due to Japanese motorcycle companies dumping motorcycles below cost here in the USA. so Reagan put a 45% tariff on imported motorcycles. It saved the 600 Harley workers jobs at the factory. But over the first two years of the tariff, over 1100 motorcycle dealerships that sold Japanese motorcycles went out of business or declared bankruptcy. The average number of employees at those shops was seven per shop. The one I worked at that had seven. Full-time mechanics, two full-time new bike builders, a full-time service department, manager, full-time salesman, accountant, notary, and partsmen.. that shop at 17 full-time employees they all lost their jobs and the owner lost the shop. I know two owners that I worked for that went bankrupt and one of them lost their house because of the tariff. .. A strange thing is happening right now due to that Tara 40 years later. Harley wanted to kid buyers to buy Harleys by eliminating the competition. What they did was, they made motorcycles, so expensive, that young people were not getting into motorcycling at all. We are generations removed of people that never ever got started by buying a cheap Japanese motorcycle, and eventually switching over to a Harley when they got older. So the tariff is now affecting Harley because they eliminated generations of future buyers by having that tariff applied. Now I know that not everyone that would have bought a cheap Japanese motorcycle to get involved in motorcycling, and have them become lifetime, motorcyclists, and eventually move up to a Harley. of course not everyone that started out on a cheap jet bike would not be moving up to a Harley today.. only a couple hundred thousand of them would’ve made that switch today, if only they had got started riding motorcycles in the first place, which that tariff prevented.. it’s funny how things go full circle and come back to bite you. Now Harley is complaining that nobody’s buying Harleys anymore. They better not wonder why because they are mostly to blame..

[@martinjohnson9316]

Very interesting. Thanks.

[@bikerdood1100]

Well very interesting In that period many machines didn’t have a proper oil filter Even as late as the 80s the Cb250rs only had an oil strainer Not really a major problem given mineral oils however As for Honda they had a number of of machines with a history of poor top end oil supply Black bomber the Cb350 and the early V4s for example

[@Jodyrides]

@@bikerdood1100 yes, I had a Honda 700 saber with the color matched CBX style fairing and hard locking bags option. I bought a used very clean very stock. When I went to adjust the valves, ironically, it was the lowest/closest to the ground exhaust cam lobes that were smoked. it was surprising to me, because that is where the oil would gather on its way back to the oil pan. That was the lowest point in that valve cover and that was the cam that got fried. There was an optional external oil line kit you could buy to supplement the oiling of the cams for those V4 engines. Wonderful engines, they had a claimed 80 hp even though they were 699 cc.. that was the only motorcycle I ever sold, and ended up buying it back and selling it a second time.. I also learned a lesson on that motorcycle when selling a motorcycle to someone on the Internet. I sold that on eBay in July. The guy asked me if he paid in full if I would hang onto it for a while because he couldn’t pick it up right away. I said sure. He didn’t pick it up for four months… When I worked at that Honda dealership, I was also the CB 450 specialist. At least, I got to do all the 350s and 450s warranty work because I was the youngest mechanic. One of the other mechanic said that time was Eric Buell.. he worked there part time while he was going to engineering school at Pitt.. but I remember doing a head gasket job on my very first, CB 450 twin. When I pulled the engine, and took the head off, I was shocked to discover that that engine did not have coil valve springs. I have never seen that before or since… as a matter of fact, I blurted out “this damn thing doesn’t have any valve springs, and all the other mechanics got a good laugh out of that..

[@hmishin843]

I have cleaned the centrifugal oil filter, and changed the oil on my 1973 CB350G religiously at 1000 mile intervals since my acquisition of the bike 18 years ago with 2300 original miles on the clock, and may I say against the advice of all of my gearhead friends, as they all thought it was a waste of good oil and monies. Perhaps it is the reason why it still runs perfectly without a single issue with 37000 miles and counting.

[@johnpejnovich7722]

@joyrides, fascinating acct. of your experience in that period. Pertaining to the Tariffs on Japanese makers, there is a good book I recommend that describes the dilemma of H-D. It's by Mac McDiarmid titled, 'The Ultimate Harley-Davidson'. He tells a insightful description of what took place. No matter if your biker or amateur historian, it's a good read. Thank you for the piece.

[@bruceparr1678]

The 1972 Honda SL350 was one of the best bikes I ever rode. Bloody unbreakable. Wish I had one today.

[@bikerdood1100]

Will likely cost you

[@timsatchell6713]

Really have become an ardent fan of your 5 of series. At 67 and having owned over 50 bikes, many show up on your videos. I've had a 350 Machless, 2 Honda CB200s (background), 350 Bullet and a 700 Enfield twin (background). It must get steadily harder to keep this going but I love it. Thanks for your superb efforts.

[@bikerdood1100]

Glad your enjoying them

[@williamnethercott4364]

Nice to see the 350cc class covered. As an owner of an AJS Model 8, I would encourage people to consider the AMC lightweight 350s (M8/G5) as very affordable entries in the class. They go well but are much rarer than the heavyweight M16/G3.

[@bikerdood1100]

True indeed

[@kurtwise7356]

I had a 73 RD 350 in the early 80s! Absolutely loved it!

[@bikerdood1100]

Nice

[@matthewcochran3325]

Thanks for the video, dood. I am just a humble owner of a 73 model CB350 that had 3500 miles on the clock when I got it. My dad bought a matching 73 CL350 that had around 5000 miles on it. Both bikes were complete and ready to ride (after fitting safe tires 😂) and we both spent less than $2,500 USD on each bike. I can't say that about my classic car endeavors 😂

[@bikerdood1100]

I expect not 😂

[@BearsTrains]

The Guzzi is just gorgeous.

[@bikerdood1100]

We think so

[@timcrooke8135]

I find myself enjoying every video you put out. Two thumbs up and five Stars.

[@bikerdood1100]

Thanks It’s always nice to know people enjoy our videos, it is what we put them out after all. We try and mix it up a bit and introduce unfamiliar bikes which keeps it interesting for us too

[@martinjohnson9316]

Another must-see Bikerdood video. Makes my morning. Thanks!

[@bikerdood1100]

Thank you so much Very much appreciated

[@CZ350tuner]

Talks about the air cooled RD350 whilst showing a video of an R5. The giveaway that the bike was an R5 were the silencer ends and the lack of reed valve blocks on the carb manifolds. The R5 had a 5 speed gearbox and no reed valves and the early air cooled RD350A & B models had a 6 speed gearbox and reed valves.

[@bikerdood1100]

Show two different bikes in the video The give away is they are different colours 😂

[@Mike40M]

Love your 5 series. The length is perfect for a pause from garage work on the bikes. Will not suggest any future content. More fun to be surprised. The most affordable 350 bike I have is a -67 ex Danish military BSA B40WD. Not a bad bike unless you are in a hurry.

[@bikerdood1100]

Nice suggestion the B40 The video length is intended for pretty much the reasons you suggest really

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Passed my test in the late '70's on a green CB200 identical to the one in the background at 3:07. I'd be happy if I could pick up one of those for reasonable money. Here in Oz, everything is insanely priced...

[@bikerdood1100]

So I’ve heard Not good at all , some bikes like that aren’t too bad here but still not cheap

[@martinowl]

Definitely need at least a part 2 on the 350’s. Some really great bikes at that capacity.👍

[@bikerdood1100]

Seems likely I think

[@martinowl]

@@bikerdood1100 brilliant, looking forward to it.

[@Texmotodad]

Thank you for showing the Imola. We had an Imola (wife) and a Monza 500 (me). Fun times!

[@bikerdood1100]

Well the Imola is Toms I had a V50 myself One of a long stream of Guzzis that continues today

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

Perfect review on the 350cc class. What a group of beautiful looking bikes. Thank you for including Royal Enfield. The new 2024 Honda 350 has put a dent in Royal Enfield's side. Apparently, other manufacturers wanted a slice of the pie. Triumph 400X Harley Davidson 440X Honda CB 350 RE 452 Enfield has made their mark in the lower 48. Ride safe

[@bikerdood1100]

Thanks for the comment Interesting thoughts

[@alistairshaw3206]

I own a CB360G, and after many problems , she's running find now. I'm sure I saw the Purple and White YR5 at the Stafford show in October, I want one the same for my collection!

[@bikerdood1100]

Bit of a stroker fan then

[@64fairlane305]

Just bought me a well preserved -81 CM400T for just over 1k

[@bikerdood1100]

Well you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy old bikes

[@xt225]

Great video again. 👍👍. How does the Guzzi compare with the Morini?

[@bikerdood1100]

That’s a good question The Guzzi is cheaper for one thing 😂 Not a huge performance difference both are small nimble things

[@simonsadler9360]

Now in Spain my last bike was a kickstart Norton 600 single sold cheap ,what is she worth now & my Norton 650 ss special , featherbed frame & road holder forks & my 66 Vincent Rapide

[@bikerdood1100]

Varied choices there Sounds interesting

[@harryviking6347]

A Honda 350 from early 70s is on my wish list already. A 450 would also be welcome! I remember them well and liked them a lot!

[@bikerdood1100]

Both good bikes although both also had a reputation for rapid top end wear too Bu5 then I suppose if you seek perfection motorcycles in general are not the place to look 😂

[@MitzvosGolem1]

Guzzi nice 👍 Cheers 🥂

[@bikerdood1100]

Thanks We like it

[@thomaslubben8559]

It would be interesting to see the end game for that class, which I refer to as college bikes. The Honda Hawk 400, Kawasaki 400, Suzuki 425, the Yamaha XS400. Not sure what the 5th would be. There was no British, Italian, or BMW member of that class.

[@bikerdood1100]

Well that’s not exactly true Both moto Guzzi and Ducati produced 400s that were sold in selective markets And Benelli too of course who’s 400/4 was sold badged both as Guzzi & Benelli BMW Produced a 450 boxer The 400 market largely from the legal requirements of the Japanese home market rather Europe or the Americas

[@thomaslubben8559]

@@bikerdood1100 indeed, all those existed. But they didn't really fill the market niche the big 4 Japanese bikes did. Those things were everywhere, and were like commodities. The bikes you mentioned were exotic.

[@skywatch4639]

Ha, missed one. The classic Jawa 350 with it's single carb and gearlever/kickstart lever combo. Sidecar variants including box sidecar (Jawa tradesman) Modern updated retro version with lecky start, disc brake and digital dash available. Has to be orange of course.

[@bikerdood1100]

Nonsense 😂 I never miss I do save for a second video however That said they go for good money these days

[@upsidedowndog1256]

With some upgraded parts my 71 CB350 is quite a riot! When I bought it in 2000 it had 1400ish original miles.

[@bikerdood1100]

Nice

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@bikerdood1100 Wow! You answered without making it a question! I am honered.

[@bikerdood1100]

Couldn’t think o& anything to add 🤷🏼

[@ianturpin9180]

I had a honda 350 four. A great little town bike.

[@bikerdood1100]

Nice

[@ianturpin9180]

​@@bikerdood1100it was until a cars wing mirror clipped my front brake at speed. The resulting hi-side was so violent it twisted the frame. I ended up under a car, lots of gravel rash, a broken shoulder blade and 2 ribs under it. The bell helmet I was wearing was destroyed by the tire well.

[@bikerdood1100]

Sounds like it could have been much worse

[@ianturpin9180]

@@bikerdood1100 it shouldn't have happened. He had just dropped off his caravan at a park, but he had not removed his wing mirror extensions. These stuck out 2 ft and we're in my lane. He was charged for not removing the extensions, and his insurance paid out all medical expenses wages lost etc.

[@vancemarin8022]

In Canada you only see the Honda and Yamaha on the used market and then only at high prices if running, mostly they are basket cases.

[@bikerdood1100]

Now that’s unfortunate

[@DanPeck-ju4nx]

I like all your videos but you slipped up here, both Yamahas are the R5 model. The RD350 had reed valves, a disc brake and "torque induction" on the side panels. Keep up the good work though cheers

[@bikerdood1100]

OMG 😱 Dam You Yamaha 😂

[@rinokentie8653]

I owned both Marchless 350 en 500cc singles. I found the 350 sweeter. So bigger is not always better....

[@bikerdood1100]

That is so often true in the world of motorcycles

[@simonsadler9360]

In Gaianes the now retired garage owner is continuing to finish my 1997 Suzuki gsx600f bike will share the change to Spanish plated , using a new battery gave me on the motorway 220 kmh ( watched for speed cops )?

[@bikerdood1100]

A bike I remember well Mrs Bikerdood nearly brought one a few years back The air/ oil Suzukis are tough

[@jasonhill4094]

Up until the early 80s 250/350 were plenty nice bikes light enough for the city and enough power for the A road

[@bikerdood1100]

Still are really People just got size obsessed

[@PNM71]

I had a ‘71 R5 as my daily rider for years…man, I really loved that bike. Selling it was the worst decision ever.

[@bikerdood1100]

Oh we have all had that experience

[@borderlands6606]

The 250cc learner law of 1960 reduced the popularity of 350s in the UK. Until then the 350 had been a mainstay of British motorcycling, being fairly simple and affordable machines. 250 sales took a similar hit after 1983 when 125 learner legislation arrived. Since then learning to ride a bike has been an obstacle course of increasing difficulty, designed to put off all but the most determined. A shame, because in many ways the 350 is the ideal universal motorcycle.

[@bikerdood1100]

The law also pushed a lot of people towards cars too

[@borderlands6606]

@@bikerdood1100 Yes, some clung on to their sidecars and permanent L-plates, but the writing was on the wall for bikes as mass transport.

[@54macdog]

@@bikerdood1100 Deliberately, one suspects.

[@jacketrussell]

6:05 Reading? Don't you mean Redditch?

[@bikerdood1100]

Possibly 😂

[@jacketrussell]

@@bikerdood1100 Definitely 🤣

[@bruceparr1678]

None of my RD350's were piston port. All were reed valve.

[@bikerdood1100]

Look closely at the video

[@bruceparr1678]

@@bikerdood1100 They were 1973, 1974 and 1975 models , all air cooled. Yep, I was hard on them. First mod was to take 90 though off the heads and re cut the squish bands.

[@bikerdood1100]

Beginning to understand why there are so few left 😂