Honda CL350 Scrambler Ride and Review

We found this 1970 Honda CL350 on Craigslist, refurbished it mechanically, gave it a good cleaning and now use it regularly. As it turns out, a 50-year-old motorcycle can teach us a lot about machinery, ourselves and the joy of riding.

[@55nsmooth]

I bought a CL350 brand new for $850 and learned how to ride a motorcycle on the way home. Great, reliable bike. Wish I still had it.

[@Chris_at_Home]

I bought one not even a year old in 1973. A guy in our squadron got married and needed it gone. We were overseas and everyone said it was at good deal so I bought it and when I returned to the states picked it up. I came back a month before the rest of the squadron and took a cab to pick it up. His wife handed me the keys and I had to figure it all as I’d never ridden anything bigger than a Honda 90. I put about 20,000 miles on it before I got rid of it. 5 of us in the squadron had these and we’d ride the coast of Maine in the summer.

[@tomperkins5657]

DITTO! DITTO! DITTO! 1971!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hi Jonathan, I really enjoyed this video. I am actively looking for one here in Ontario, Canada as my next project. I've subscribed!

[@johncoleman1935]

Bought one in 1968 new,. Rode it 1,000's of miles. First year had a few issues but I was a motorhead then so no biggie. Lots of memories.still riding @ 72 .

[@tommyhornsby1897]

I enjoyed this video very much. Well done

[@MirrorSurfer]

What an incredibly well edited and thoughtful piece on old bikes. I'll definitely be sticking around and keep up the great work!

[@markandrewberry]

What an exceptionally well presented, watchable video! So pleased I bumped into this. Thank you.

[@harleypub]

My first bike was a CL 350 just like that!

[@mc2whls]

You said it ALL, Sir! Vintage Bikes.

[@KillCAiRO]

Please make more video I really enjoyed watching this

[@BobC-fo3si]

I learned to ride a motorcycle on a 1970 CL350 with the exact color and paint in 1972 just before I went to Army basic training. Had it shipped to Colorado. Unfortunately I wrecked it there and it was unrepairable. Broken frame a cracked engine block. Thanks for the video.

[@privateparty7723]

You are a wonderful orator. I have my dad's 1970 Honda CL350 in the shop now. I used to ride it when I was a teenager. I can't wait to take it for a spin. ..Patrick in Colorado

[@nickjames205]

Awesome video and everything was very well said. I ride my 73 almost everyday.

[@gregwiens9146]

I have been driving for over 35 years just got my oldest bike last week, a 76 Yamaha Maxim.

[@garrettsmith8286]

Well spoken. Enjoyed listening to this one. 👍🏼

[@hawkt2448]

I just got a 74 CL200 and was scrolling thru the Honda CL videos and come across yours. Great video and commentary on vintage bikes 👍

[@bobbeahen]

Wow! That was a beautiful trip; such amazing words. I just picked up a 73 CL450 as my first bike, and I can't wait to get it rolling and experience all it can offer.

[@Chris_Does_Everything]

Nicely done!

[@howardskinner3405]

I had a 1972 CL350 in Candy Panther Gold. I got it for my 16th birthday. I sold it for a Yamaha RD 350, which was a great bike. I always missed the CL350. It had character. Thanks for the ride. A really special video.

[@SgtBrewdawg]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@charlesyates6687]

One of the greatest bikes ever built . I see honda has brought back the old mini bikes and trail bikes . If honda brings back this bike im going to buy a new one . I had one years ago and put 1 million miles on it with 0 major break downs. Not built for bueaty but a great bike for years of reliable dependable use .

[@josephsperato5645]

Excellent video and oh so true. I wish that I still had my 1972 SL 350, my !st motorcycle.

[@murraykriner9425]

Great looking machine. Glad there are other's out there still who are appreciative of their visceral energy, and just how they respond to the smallest of inputs. My barn find is 50 years old this year, and offers far less handling, power, speed and wow-factor than any of my other bikes, but she has heart. Been this way since the early 70's, and I'm not likely to change ever.

[@krystinarobison5516]

Loved this. Anxiously awaiting delivery of my ‘68 Scrambler and loved the poetry of your words about this bike.

[@jacquesdubord6844]

Great video on the cl350. I remember mine it was a great machine. Thanks

[@turvyjj9232]

Great, thanks, I agree with your riding philosophy.

[@crankshaftjournal2213]

Thanks so much for taking time to comment and for the kind words.

[@RecklessOdyssey]

Informative video thanks. I'm definitely going to buy one of these classic bikes

[@CCitis]

I bought a non running CL450 during Covid. Now 3 bikes in the garage. She is running, and riding now... not the best, but its a work in progress.

[@billconnor3644]

I had a pair of 1970 SL350 Hondas along with several other brands over the years. The Honda was by far the best bike i ever owned. Had a 1986 Goldwing that was not loaded with the fiberglass bags, windshield or any other acces. I think they are far superior to any HD as far as smoothness, ride, dependability, etc. The HD has the plop plop sound and is good looking but that is it. Besides, " You meet the nicest people on a Honda." Remember? Great job on this bike and your video.

[@UncleRobsGarage]

I'm done with restoring, but I'll watch you.,and I've subscribed.

[@aerodarts]

I had this bike back in the day. (Blue) Never laid it down. Coming home late one night after playing pinball at the bowling alley (with my GF sitting on the back) someone pulled out in front of me. Of course they did not see me. I Hit the brakes hard and the back end started to come around to the right side and at the last moment I put my left foot down and the bike just popped up! I use to wear this leather boots and no doubt this helped the situation out. What a ride! I could get around the traffic and that was in Houston Tx. I would haul tail to school and work and get a thrill doing it. This bike is better when using it around town. Going wide open the Highway was fun until you stopped and you could feel the vibration in your arms for awhile. I think 70 MPH was top end, not sure, it was a long time ago. Sold it for what I paid for it.

[@DrYosh2]

The good news is that it's easy to put 500t and 750 front end parts on a 350. Including slightly more modern forks and hydraulic disc brakes. I did that on my 71 SL350 cafe bike when I built it.

[@chrisgonyou]

What a fun video.

[@chevybrat]

Awesome presentation! I’m glad I ran across your channel. I’m currently restoring a 1966 Honda S 90, and a 1972 Honda, CB 100. I’m still learning, but I like working on them as much as I do riding them. Thanks

[@ricksweetser1683]

I worked at American Honda from 1970 to 1973. Honda sold more 350's (all models) in 1970 than all the other motorcycle manufacturers combined. Great little bike that was pretty bullet proof for its time.

[@jameslester3861]

I had a 1968 CL 350 in high school and in 1986 I bought a fixer upper Cl360. I think the 350 engine was a better engine.

[@andynieuwenhuis7833]

In 1985 I bought a 450 Honda Nighthawk. The engine on that bike was bullet proof. It was NO problem doing oil/ filter changes, I even did the brake changes when needed.

[@samdeep1097]

Still have my gold 1972 CL350 I bought in my youth. Needs some tlc but she's all there. Great memories on and off road with her!

[@davidmillington1283]

I traded my orange CL175 on a new blue CL350 in 1969. I thought at the time that it was the best bike ever. I think it was under $2k. Watching this brought back some great memories. Nice to see there are a few of these still running. Thanks!

[@bryanbrowning5746]

Nice! I like your delivery, and editing! Laid back, easy going, just like the bike!

[@ronniebaxter5219]

Enjoyed your video, thanks for sharing.

[@AviDell]

This is as finely crafted a video as the bike you describe. There's a cohesive marriage between the artistry of the bike, the tambour of voice and soul of the writing. Reminiscent of a Steinbeck novel. Thank you for the inspiration, early in my motorcycle journey.

[@ericw7754]

@here good review, I appreciate your honesty about old bikes.

[@johnniewalker7628]

Just sold my 1st bike, a CB450SC after 7yrs ownership. The past year, I spent more time looking for parts and wrenching than riding. Next bike a KLX 300sm, just waiting for ABS.

[@GrahamNewman-n7d]

great video I restored a 69 model CL350 love them. thanks for taking me for the ride

[@offroadoverlords]

Looking forward to more videos. I'm a huge fan of 60's and early 70's hondas.

[@richardventrello6365]

I have a 73 blue cl 350 ! Bought it 2010 with 2400 miles now it has 20,000 miles on it ! Wonder bike that is very dependable as long as u take care of it . read the owners manual. I put up grade charging system in it. Oem carb kits and battery. Change the wheels bearings and seal the fuel tank. Change the chain sprockets to change rpm range. They do make a sissy bar for it for ur sweetie

[@rolandwheeler4842]

Well done! Exactly how I look at vintage bikes too!

[@jcldano]

I owned a red ‘70 CL350 back in the day. For a while it was my only vehicle, even during Chicago winters. Had many adventures with it. I miss it, but not the darn chain maintenance, dealing with points and timing, etc. However, every year when I took it in for a tuneup, it ran like a top - evidence that if you knew what you were doing, it was a great bike!

[@lon1060]

When he said old bikes aren’t for everyone I said no kidding, my 1984 moto guzzi muffler fell off while riding one day, my 1970 Honda trail 90 lost 3 out of four fender bolts while riding, and my 1970 Honda cb 350 kept blowing a fuse every time you came to a stop

[@dieseltu1035]

You shouldn't worry much about the old age. For the most part older Is better.

[@korbendallas9317]

Man, I love the style of the video as well as the bike.

[@Eliweaver04]

Awesome man Do a ride video pls! I have the same 1970 Honda CL350 and that same sapphire blue that I’m currently restoring with my grandpa I’m still in high school lol great bike!

[@californiamonster8877]

re-sand all your grounds. get a 41-100h rotor from ricks, and a new regulator/rectifier too.

[@yoholmes273]

Well crafted video. Thanks for it.

[@footloose.creators]

Great video, great breakdown of how it is to ride an old motorcycle!

[@deepankarsingh9829]

Well narrated , classy video.keep up the good work

[@csj9619]

The Honda CL/CB are bulletproof, fun and something "vintage" within reach of a working man. I am somewhat biased however, as a 1974 CL200 was my first motorcycle.

[@kimhorton6109]

I had a CL175 when I was in Japan and brought it back to the states. Honda built really well thought out bikes even then in ‘71

[@benhayden9269]

this is a really cool video!

[@mikelambert1550]

Well, you just gave me another long-winter-Covid-project: time to roll the 350 that’s been sitting in my garage for years into the workshop and wrench on it! Thanks for this (I think)!

[@paulsmith376]

What a very well written and presented Video and totally spot on true, I have a 1968 Honda CL450K1 and I agree with just about everything the presenter said, I must say I found this a very engaging enjoyable watch. Thank you.

[@keithliaros1584]

Had one exactly like it. In 72 at 15 drove it solo from Key West Fl to eastern NC and back. Can’t believe I did that.

[@docv5301]

Thanks so much! I'm pretty sure this was the exact year (1970), model, and color I learned to ride on, and one that I enjoyed many miles of riding in high school and college.

[@TheSweatyYeti]

Very cool video. I just bought a triumph scrambler and learned about this one from a relative.

[@djantix1200]

Very cool vid. You had great commentary. I have revived a 1971 CB450. Good to be able to get these old machines back on the road and keep them out of the scrap-yard. Cheers

[@chrismoody1342]

The Honda CL 350 was a favorite bike of mine. I’d take a CL 350 today in a New York second. Just love the looks, the size and weight, the perfect relaxed cruise on a weekend. I’d actually like all the old mechanical feel of day ch a bike. It just brings back so many memories of my mid teen years.

[@joepyleproductions]

Beautiful bike and I love the commentary. Working on my '72 CL350 lately and it's really fun. Cheers!

[@2ndborn186]

Very cool video and narrative.

[@heinz-dietersindhoff7344]

Perfectly explained what I myself experianced and felt allways when I restored and drive my Oldies, Right out of my Brain, 👍🏼

[@lukepaterno]

Great video! Well-written and filmed.

[@a7dv7en7t]

The tone and mood of the video is exactly what I would imagine riding an old bike to be like. Very chill, “rainy”, and calm.

[@LalaneMotors]

Thinking of picking up a 73 CL350 tomorrow. Hope the deal.goes.well 5300 original miles

[@caesix]

Did you get it?

[@rsvlogph9372]

I really loved your video. Thank you.

[@lophloph07]

Nice bike. Good video.

[@bavery2007]

Great channel! Just bought a 73 cb350 with a cl350 exhaust. Any tips or resources in repairing them yourself?

[@mrkoolio4475]

Why do I feel like this guy is a physicist or mathmetician genius? Sooooo well spoken. No "ummm". Or "ahhh"....,to the point...plus...we all would love to have a beer with the guy!

[@caveredecorator5310]

very nostalgic. looks exactly like my first bike 50 years ago.

[@yellowbucky]

just got a cl350 as a very first bike... very rough condition, will need a lot of work, however i’m excited to learn in it!

[@yellowbucky]

however i got it for free, so i couldn’t turn it down

[@shadiestgeek43]

Thats exactly how I started, try a website called 4into1 if youre having trouble finding parts!

[@drive9997]

My dad used to run along beside me and let the clutch out of his 73cb350 I’d go in circles for hours

[@mikemayfield487]

Well done bud!

[@internetsurfer3000]

Inspiring video 👍🏼

[@UncleRobsGarage]

I had a 1963 305 superhawk had a guy tell me he was on the back of one at 100 mph in this biker crashed wrapped up his leg with the bone sticking out of it and left. him two people on a 305 Honda doing 100 mph that's questionable?

[@pikecollisionllc9868]

Little review of the Honda, mostly ride and philosophy of riding vintage bikes. I want to know more about this bike.

[@paulmuntalbano7342]

Hi Jonathan. Hope all is well with you. Noticed that you haven't posted in a bit. Thanks for the journey back into time. CL350, my first bike. Fond memories. Gravitated to Yamaha's XS1100's because I loved their driveshaft and torque. Have three these days. Retired 71 year old electrician who's fortunately in fair enough shape to still ride and enjoy. Best wishes....Paul

[@yomommaahotoo264]

How I wish I never sold my early 70s chopped 350 twin scrambler.

[@davidefland1985]

The CB-350’s were really popular bikes back in the day. The 450 Wasn’t as common. The 350 was a good motor

[@NorthPoleDesign]

So nice!! Great storytelling, as well! Question for you - I'm actually going to be traveling a bit to look at and hopefully purchase a '72 CL350 this weekend (Sunday). I wonder if you ever carry a passenger and how was the high position of the exhaust for the likeliehood of them getting a good leg burn?? It looks like a solid possibility. Thanks in advance for yours or anyone else who might have experience with carrying someone on the back.

[@Concionator]

Nice said, nice showed, thanks! And good luck!

[@sicks6six]

far better than today's highly strung LC engines, simple and easy to maintain, even you could service this engine after watching a few KZbin videos, convert it to CDI ignition which costs about $200 for a good system and the bike will run like a swiss watch, oil filter and plug changed every 5000 miles and this will outlast you by about another 3-4 lives easily, as for the drum brakes they are more than adequate for the bike, it's a double shoe front which has more stopping power than many disk systems on the cheaper none Brembo system bikes of today, if you need to you can convert it to hydraulic with a plug-n-play conversion but there is no real need to do that,

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

I salvaged one of these out of a backyard in Utah. I wish I had kept it.

[@wheelie63]

too much talk...........not enuff throttle.........even if i do agree with you...........

[@bellaggio1770]

How much does this bike go for? I'm being offered an identical one (1973). Thanks!

[@codi7561]

Could not agree more like my 81 Toyota short bed 2-wheel drive 4-speed 20R absolute blast to drive was not fast but was a good ride

[@JradKbad]

Well said and well done sir.

[@janlim1282]

Good day where can I follow you on a social media? I just starter riding own a CB 350

[@schwedr]

I wish they would bring such machines back 👍

[@dogman4997]

What’s the bike called next to it when you pulled it out the garage with square front headlights

[@kenkozma6855]

That was a pleasant video. I like the idea of an old Honda CL350.

[@bumpsproductions7064]

I own a 72 cl 350 and a 2020 nc750x. Guess which is more fun to ride ?

[@Dan-zb7vn]

I've never heard anyone talk so much, yap yap yap yap.

[@石田辰尚]

高校生時代CL350K2.70年式乗ってました。排気音が好きだった

[@UncleRobsGarage]

You are right scrambles are popular.

[@astro61362]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks.