My CB350F Restoration

Video I created on the 1974 Honda CB350F that I restored. Video includes a bit of back-story on the model in general, and number of images shot during the restoration process with a bit of my own commentary. Project took about 2 years; working on it in my spare time; and was completed in May of 2019. Hope you like it.

[@KensWorldRestorations]

Beautiful! Nice to see another vintage Honda brought back to life. Love the colours you picked...great to see something non-standard but still factory OEM.

[@pilotvtail]

I've still got my 1973 CB350F that I bought brand new when I was 18! It needs some TLC, but now I'm really inspired after seeing this video. Thanks!

[@michaelvachon1334]

That is fantastic! The only thing better than a vintage bike is a vintage bike with a known history. Don't hesitate to give me a shout if you are looking for any specifics on bringing your ride back to its former glory.

[@pilotvtail]

@@michaelvachon1334 I will do that! Thanks!

[@steveparlow7322]

Hello Mike ..... Really good to see another classic Honda rescued and brought back to life. Here in the UK we never got the CB350F or F1 as you could ride a 250cc in those days on a provisional motorcycle licence and once you'd passed your full test the sky was the limit, even at 16years old! The CB750 was nearly the same cost so I guess Honda UK Ltd didn't see any reason to sell it. So, dial forward 44 years and I tracked one down one that was built in May 1974 VIN 2007214 and had lived all its life in Minneapolis. I'm in a place called Worcester and here there is a classic bike importer that had just taken delivery of this CB350F1. It had just 3694 miles and still on the factory rubber. I don't think it had ever had a spanner on it! Clearly it had been kept in a dry dark area as it showed only patina, the only thing missing was the instruction manual. Even the pipes were still intact. Anyway I clean out the old fuel, cleaned the carbs, tank, points and put new jets, spark plugs, filters, oil and battery. Tappet clearances were still spot on. Renewed the brake fluid and put fresh fuel in and it started up after being off the road since 1987. Total mileage now 3940 but it gets started reguarly and has Honda fuel additive to stop the ethanol separating. Sadly I"m going to have let the bike go as age has caught up and the joints are now getting stiff.

[@donwallace7354]

Fantastic video. This is really putting a burr in my saddle to get my Green '73 back on the road!

[@michaelvachon1334]

Don, Glad to see this has created some motivation for you. Seeing other bikes restored is what prompted me to do my first restoration a number of years ago. Good luck with your project!

[@andrewvachon7248]

First rate restoration here--I even had the chance to drive it this summer before it sold. People constantly would come up to us and ask about the bike. Proud to call this man MY dad.

[@yokosomike]

Love the new spoke design.!

[@fkat28]

A true frame up restoration, Bravo!! I used to own a dark green one back in 1978, and will be soon again, made a deal with a seller already 😊

[@michaelvachon1334]

That's great! These are truly amazing machines, especially for their size. I sort of regret selling this one, but I can only manage so many bikes. Enjoy your 'new' ride!

[@thomasdunn2143]

I had all three black green and red! Just sold the all original green last week now going thru the red which I'm keepin one of the best motorcycles ever made for all the right reasons this will probably be the last bike I sell before I cash out. Nothin like toolin thru the countryside in the fall on the 350 Four. Anyone that's ever owned one knows just what i'm sayin...great resto luv the silver paint...sweet

[@leylandauto]

Just bought two 350f’s stored in a dry basement since ‘81 in Sanford!

[@michaelvachon1334]

That's fantastic!

[@peterhall5788]

Fabulous rebuild,credit to you.

[@kenbroadley4438]

I bought a new 1973 Honda 350 four. My buddy had a 750 Honda and I found it was to big and heavy for me. This was my first and only motorcycle. It was the dark green colour and I had a chromed sissy bar made with a chromed maple leaf. The bike looked fabulous with the😢 chrome exhaust pipe and chromed fenders and sissy bar. I lived in Calgary and did a lot of mountain highway riding. One two week trip was from Calgary to Victoria and back and the bike handle the mountain roads with no problems at all. Also a really smooth ride no vibration at high highway speeds. After two years of riding I moved back to Toronto and gave up motorcycle riding. I really enjoyed the experience and I enjoy watching videos of the Honda 350four. This video is exceptionally well done. I liked the green colour better than the silver it makes all the chrome stand out more especially with the chrome sissy bar which was very functional for carrying things. You never mentioned what the mileage was on the bike. Looking forward to your next next video

[@michaelvachon1334]

Thanks, Ken. The CB350F was showing just over 10K miles when I bought it. I think we put on about another thousand or so before I decided to sell it. While the bike ran flawlessly, it was woefully under-powered for highway riding. I have a CB400F that will undergo a restoration as well. Anxious to see how that compares. I also have a couple 1971 CB750 bikes and those are great to ride on back roads and highways.

[@jaymartna]

I bought a new one in 1973 and was so impressed with it's build quality.It was my first Jap bike and such a revelation over my previous British bikes.I sold it after about 10,000miles and bought a new Laverda SF2.The little Honda seemed two high revving for me at the time and I have always preferred big engines.But as I have aged I have learned to appreciate the joys of those smaller Jap bikes of the 1970s.The CB350F was in fact a lovely bike and underated.I keep looking for one to add to my collection but they are hard to come by here in NZ.

[@stephenreynolds6239]

This is as good as it gets mate.what a bike.credit to you sir

[@michaelvachon1334]

Why thank you, Stephen!

[@rosssmith6775]

Good job !! IV started a 750 K2 , love the 70s stuff

[@bonezeifed]

WOW! Beautiful

[@miniaturemachinist6098]

It's nice to see an actual restoration and not another cafe racer build.

[@michaelvachon1334]

MM - I grew up in this era (late '60, early 70's) and lived near a local Honda dealership. I got to see the explosion of these machines into the market first hand. I can understand that custom/cafe builds may be considered 'cool' or in many cases, the cheaper way to go. However, I've always been a purist at heart and can only envision bringing these still great bikes back to their original glory. Thanks for the comments!

[@BorisW150]

What a beautiful restoration. The '70's were the best decades for bikes. I bought a new 1976 Honda CB 200 and remember this era well.

[@jameshaywood878]

These are such a nice looking bike, wish them times were back again.

[@michaelvachon1334]

I was in my early teens when the Honda explosion began. I spent many Saturdays at the Honda shop just down the street from me, marveling at each new model as Honda introduced them. The 350F intrigued me the most - and it wasn't until I completed this restoration that I got to try one out. This turns out to be a very capable bike, around town and on back country roads. It's just geared too short for runs above 60 MPH for any length of time. While some might like wringing out an engine like this, it's just not my riding style. Curiosity satisfied, I'm moving on to the follow-up model, the CB400F. Stay tuned!

[@williamgregory6684]

Well done!! I wish I had your skills.

[@viking90706]

Had a 1973. My second Street Bike. I graduated from a 1982 AR 50. The 73 was a real eye opener!

[@jonathanbanks8749]

Bought my '73 CB350F June 1996 with 6K miles. In the garage under restoration. Also have a '70 CB350 K2 twin grabbed for $100.

[@michaelvachon1334]

When you get them both running, you will be surprised by the differences. The 350 Twin is the faster of the two, but also exhibits the expected additional vibration. The Four is almost too smooth (like a sewing machine). Keep me posted on your progress!

[@stephenc8956]

Nice video! Nice bike too..

[@mikecarmean6446]

💥 Very Nice Professional Job 💥

[@michaelvachon1334]

Awww... Thanks, Mike!

[@kennypool]

Nice job buddy

[@FinancialFreebo]

Great vid!! Awesome job!!!

[@ujmrider]

Liking the silver!

[@michaelvachon1334]

Thanks, I did as well. Once I found out it was a non-US market color, I decided to go with it. I had my painter custom blend the paint with as much metal solids as possible to try and get it to resemble the old school metal flake from back in the day. He did a great job with it. I sure do miss this bike... but I can't keep them all!

[@ujmrider]

@@michaelvachon1334 I know the feeling about not keeping them all. I've restored several Hondas, and the three i miss most are a 1976 CB750f, 1979 CB400t, 1983CB 1100f Canadian model- which had the beautiful gold boomerang comstar wheels and aircraft style guages. I hope someone is still taking care of it out there somewhere!

[@hilltopper600]

beautiful !

[@M-Sixty]

Those old Hondas were the best! I had a 750, 550 at one time.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Hi, I also have a couple '71 CB750's and used to have a first-year CB500. They're all great bikes. Thanks for the comment!

[@juanjoseeliasventura243]

Good job! Amazing!

[@michaelvachon1334]

Thank you for the compliment! Glad you enjoyed.

[@26TptCoy]

The 350 four is a sweet bike, one for the enthusiast more than someone wanting a commute. I can't think of any Honda from that era that I disliked, all had their own uniqueness if that's a word. You have completed a nice job.

[@bwiesman]

You did a great job with this video! We pretty much lived the same life for awhile as I just finished restoring mine! I did a ride video but haven't done one on the restore process yet. I like your soothing music.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Yeah, I sold this one and do miss it a bit. However, there is a '75 CB400F waiting some wrenching now, and I'm very anxious to see how that compares to the 350F, especially with a 6-speed transmission.

[@bwiesman]

@@michaelvachon1334 I’m sure the super sport will be more appealing to ride, after all it pretty much made the 350f obsolete back then. I’m one and done, until my son wants one restored!

[@peterroda4181]

Beautiful job. Well done!

[@bruceforster3709]

I once owned a 1973 CB360F. Though not the most comfortable ride as I'm 6'3, just the LOOK of that bike is my FAVORITE Motorcycle of my 65 Years on this Earth. The CB350F is my personal favorite Motorcycle of all time. I would LOVE to own a fully restored one!

[@breakdownbill1]

i remember my dad having this bike when i was a kid.He said it was the best bike he ever owned and wished he never had sold it,,his had a very nice fairing and was the only 350F i ever seen with a fairing,,the most smooth riding 350 or less cc i have ever been on,,thank you for restoring and sharing

[@georgemcmillan9172]

My first street bike was a '72 CB350f. Oddly enough though, it had a CB350 twin gas tank and side covers! Orange and black. Next was the '73 Kawasaki Z1 900, and I never looked back! Now that's not to say I never owned another Honda! Several 750s, CB 360 scrambler, '71 CB 350 twin race bike, just to name a few! Excellent restoration. The bike looks amazing!

[@kostasplatanakis7252]

Very gout work.!!

[@michaelvachon1334]

Why thank you, Kostas

[@salvatorelodico5956]

Un gioiellino di moto , esteticamente splendida, cromature ovunque quei 4 terminali di scarico che sono una favola e poi il rombo che emette. Non X cosa ma tutte le moto anni 70 avevano un fascino particolare X via di diversi accorgimenti; ruote a raggi, terminali di scarico cromati, altre cromature un po' ovunque colorazioni stupende con varie sfumature ecc, ecc.!!!

[@jetvalmonte6574]

Wow! Beautiful work, congratulations. Well done, thank you for sharing.

[@russelstratton8333]

I rode one when I was in my teens, loved it so much. Now in my sixties, still love that bike.

[@birkedhoj2]

Me too

[@ramishrambarran3998]

The bike is a work of art. The video too ! Trinidad & Tobago.

[@michaelnesiti7249]

Love it, Mine was green! I bought mine in 79 drove it thru High school an then some! Great bike for a 17 year old.

[@splicerx440]

Love those old hondas

[@kelstra1997]

Beautiful restoration with a number of worthwhile improvements. I like the chrome spokes (at least I think they are chrome) something that the original didn't have. I had one of these back in the 70's which I bought slightly second hand and I refurbished it to make it immaculate - probably not as good as what you achieved but pretty close. Not that it needed much being only a year or two old.

[@weets69]

Dude all I can say is “Wow”! Luv the old 350 fours.

[@robodonnell4097]

I enjoyed the video VERY much. I had a red 1972 CB350F THAT I BOUGHT IN 1973 AND I KEPT IT UNTIL I OUTGREW THE LITTLE 4 . I BOUGHT A NEW YAMAHA RD400 FROM THE LOCAL HONDA AND YAMAHA DEALERSHIP WITHOUT A TEST DRIVE...AFTER LIVING WITH THE 350 FOUR 4 YEARS, IMAGINE THE SURPRISE WHEN THE TACH NEEDLE HIT THE 6000 MARK WHEN I TURNED UP THE POWER HALFWAY ON MY NEW YAMAHA AND THE FRONT WHEEL REACHED FOR THE SKY! I LIKED YAMAHA BUT IT WAS NOT WHAT I NEEDED SO I BOUGHT A NEW CB550F IN 1978 AND I FELT AT HOME WITH IT.

[@FerdinandoCeccato]

Thank you. Honda cb fuor, 750 500 350. Three dreams. Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

[@rickycollins4633]

I had the red one with the orange and white stripe tank. Loved that bike.

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

That was so thoroughly enjoyable! I love the look of these classic Honda motorcycles and your work really made it showroom bike again.

[@sicks6six]

I remember the launch of the 750F they were everywhere in a few months. Superbikes for the masses.. The sound of the straight four through them pipes is music.

[@fish8196]

wow! beautiful bike!

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

The 350F was rare even in the 1970s. I had a 550F and a friend had the 350F. We rode together. I never saw another 350F before or since. The rest of the story is Honda redid this into the 400 Four Super Sport.

[@splicerx440]

Awesome job !! Well done.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Thanks, Cliff. I can't believe the amount of positive responses like yours!

[@PeterAndersons]

A late entry here... the silver was also available in Australia - I had an original one back in the early 80's but I can't find documentation supporting that they were available here... I need to finish mine - you've inspired me!

[@michaelvachon1334]

Peter, Thanks for the comment. This build was a bit of a challenge (hard to source parts), but also a joy to execute. I ended up selling this to replace it with a 2014 CB1100 DLX. Fun small bike to ride, but something I found that really only suitable for short day trips (I know others will differ on that point). I had always been curious about them - they were introduced just before I got my cycle license. Very smooth operation and well designed, just lacking in gearing/top end. I felt like I was thrashing the poor thing at anything over 60 MPH.

[@laverdaphile]

@@michaelvachon1334 Thrashing it was the whole experience. I gave Z-1s lots of stress in the early '70s. Mine was a German spec silver livery with clubmans, Konis, 4-into-2-slip-ons, and TT100 K81s. I have lots of 'big bikes' but this one held it's own.

[@daleswineheart2765]

I am restoring the the same bike! Dale

[@michaelvachon1334]

That is awesome! Wishing we could save them all. Would love to see the results of your project!

[@ZippoVarga]

Absolutely beautiful restoration Michael! Fortunately for me and my 1973 CB350F, it was a very well preserved all original that just needed a few things to bring it back from its 14 year slumber in a shed of a home I was helping to liquidate the Widows Husbands machine shop. I love the choice of color you went with also. The Candy Bacchus Olive on my bike took a great polishing and didn't need any freshening up and the original 4 into 4 is perfect! The previous owner was very meticulous and always sprayed the inside of the exhaust with rust preventative in the off season. I can go on and on, but I also wanted to thank you for your input on the clutch basket on my bike. Check my other videos for many more bikes that have come and gone and that are still in the stable. Cheers! Zip~

[@yhira2010]

Very impressive video and very nice job! In my junior high days, a friend of mine who had me motor cycle enthu., was charmed up by this newly-gotten-in-sale model, I remember. (But after grown up 16, the youngest age of MC license in Japan, what he bought was the CB750K.)

[@GARamblinMan]

Super video. My first non dirt bike was a CB350 that I bought used in 1982 when I moved to California. Great memories of riding that bike around the hills of the central coast. It was gold and black and I wish I never sold it. Thanks for sharing this project with us. I see where you are from New Hampshire. I got a chance to ride your great state a couple summers ago with a group of friends. We stayed in Lincoln and rode all around the White Mountains, Maine, Vermont and then over to Lake Placid, NY. Memorable trip and beautiful scenery.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Hi Ramblin' - Yes we are blessed with some great places for riding in this corner of the country. After many years of riding in this area, I've branched out to places like Gaspe Peninsula, and the Blue Ridge Parkway; both very memorable journeys. I usually say 'So many bikes, so little time', but I suppose 'So many roads, so little time' is also appropriate.

[@GARamblinMan]

Michael Vachon the Blue Ridge Pkwy is awesome. I have a few videos of my rides on this great American road. Check em out. Have a great start to your 2020 and I look forward to more of your restoration projects and videos. Ride safe.

[@agp7073]

Absolutely outstanding Mike! The 350F is simply incredible good work!

[@nyuzoo]

Great video, really love your choice of music!

[@richardpearson4248]

Bike looks fantastic great video 👍

[@edpolk1262]

Damn! I wish I still had mine.

[@logotrikes]

Lovely sympathetic restoration there Michael. Looks factory-fresh....

[@Chris-yy7qc]

GOOD JOB! She looks gorgeous!

[@GoldenStreetMusic]

Hi Michael! I really enjoyed your video of the 1974 Honda CB350F restoration project. It certainly looks like you did a meticulous job on the restoration. The finished bike is a work of art and looks like it belongs in a museum, but that would be an awful waste not to ride it. I love these old Honda fours and have a 1973 CB350F in Matador Red myself. Thanks again for an outstanding video! Cheers, James

[@timmartin8191]

Awesome job! I really like your video's format, too.

[@mklim3342]

Simply beautiful

[@billpardy7271]

had a 500 4 did a cross country with it from the east coast 2 the pnw. a good ride.

[@WillBrequin]

Great job and beautiful bike !

[@magelo386]

it was too beautiful. I would really like to have a bike like this.

[@racerx7413]

Anybody else that would rather have this bike then a new one. I'd love to have this bike you don't see them much anymore.

[@camgreer]

Oh yeah. I've got one in the shed right now, and two boxes of parts waiting for...this.

[@naturell5701]

Good Job 👍👍👍

[@stefanorosa7136]

Great job!!!

[@pauloaraujo3235]

Parabéns,excelente restauração vi uma moto dessas no Parque Ibirapuera em São Paulo quando podia andar de moto dentro do parque em 1984, eu possuía uma Honda CB400 Four 1976, hoje tenho uma Honda CB450N alemã, importada do Brasil!

[@michaelvachon1334]

Obrigado pelas amáveis ​​palavras. Fico feliz que tenha gostado. Eu também tenho uma CB400F que precisa de uma restauração leve. Ansioso para ter esse funcionando também!

[@bielbills]

Excellent!

[@phyl1283]

You're no novice! That is a great job. I'll take it. I'll even pay you what it cost originally (joke). Good video.

[@osvaldomaureria7813]

Ese modelo fue la primera moto en la cual me subi,siendo muy joven en 1976 Hermosos recuerdos.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Glad I could bring back good memories for you. Gracias por comentar!

[@niltoncampos9665]

Que Maravilha! A sua restauração ficou Ótima,Parabéns! Moto muito Rara de se ver aqui no Brazil...

[@michaelvachon1334]

Obrigado por seus comentários gentis. Eles são um tanto raros nessa área também. Eu já vi alguns listados para venda, mas todos parecem precisar de muito trabalho. Acho que ainda não estou pronto para restaurar outro CB350F.

[@konradkowieski2541]

Great work.

[@kennypool]

Nice job , I'm subscribed 274.

[@johnf3326]

Enjoyed this but would have loved some end video showing her running

[@michaelvachon1334]

Agreed, wished I had done that as well. You can check out this video to hear this one purrrr: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apuwlJiVeKxkg9U

[@robpriest9031]

Quality restoration and I see a blue 400F Supersport in the background ? I had both of those bikes in the early 80's. Really nice job on the 350.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Thanks, Rob. Yeah, the 400F is in need of a light make-over and is on my to-do 'list'. I snagged the CB350F because I was always curious about them. They came out just before I got my MC license, but I ended up on a lightly used Kawasaki 400 triple instead (hated it). I rode the CB350 a lot this past summer and it didn't disappoint in the way of reliability and handling. I did find that it winds out pretty quickly and is more suited to riding @ 50-55 MPH. I've since sold it and can't wait to find out just how much better the 400F may be, especially with a 6th gear...

[@valmirdos5693]

Está moto é a coisa mais linda que já vi, parabéns pelo restauro

[@michaelvachon1334]

Obrigado pelas suas palavras gentis. Estou feliz que você tenha achado isso agradável. Obrigado por assistir.

[@ethanbb2133]

Nice work!

[@srl1215]

Great video Mike!! Amazing work!

[@mrwest5552]

I can't be the first to comment - Where Is The Live Video Engine Start and Idle? Thanks for all the hard work and slide show

[@michaelvachon1334]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/apuwlJiVeKxkg9U

[@raniellycarlos1381]

Linda moto e uma excelente restauração... Parabéns

[@michaelvachon1334]

Obrigado pelas amáveis ​​palavras

[@stevothegreat]

What a beautiful job ! How long did this project took to fully restoration ?

[@michaelvachon1334]

Was a couple years, working in my spare time. I don't do paint, so I left that up to a professional, and I had a machine shop go over the top-end for me. I also use a local powder coat shop. Other than that, it was all me!

[@dago_0730]

Why companies do even bother designing new bikes...ought to make these models again, just with modern components

[@michaelvachon1334]

I know exactly what you mean. This is why I bought my 2014 CB1100-DLX. It is a modern representation of the classic CB750, but with newer technology such as fuel injection, ABS braking, and a proper 6-speed gearbox. Unfortunately, some of these 'retro' offerings haven't caught on here in the US.

[@dago_0730]

@@michaelvachon1334 yes, at least they don't get as popular as the newer looking models and the casual riders probably get fooled just by the modern look. that's why companies seem to be reluctant to regularly bring these models in the Western markets. Royal Enfield is a brand which is in my opinion pursuing a more interesting strategy...we'll see... Bye and congratulations again for your job PS: can you tell me the name of the song at the intro? :)

[@michaelvachon1334]

@@dago_0730 - The track is named 'This is a Jazz space'. You can find it on You Tube.

[@linksgarage1985]

Top notch sir. Subbed!

[@wildbill5670]

Nice job. I'm thinking Honda no longer had parts for this. J.T.Marks??? Where did you find the carb's? That must have taken some searching since not many of these were made. I rode one back in the day. Big step down from my sandcast CB750 I had back in the day. Sold that bike in the early 80's with over 100K miles on it!!

[@michaelvachon1334]

Hi WB - I've been restoring early 70's Honda bikes for the last 15-20 years. The internet has been a godsend in locating parts and I've learned a lot along the way. I've also had pretty good success with a number of part sources, but have had to resort to salvage parts on occasion as well. The carbs you asked about were actually provided by the previous owner of the 350F. They lost the original set when some unscrupulous person ghosted them after offering to rebuild them. They bought the replacement set (salvage) but had no idea how to proceed. The early CB750's are definitely my favorites! Thanks for checking this out!

[@wilfredprins9718]

Small question, If you have still the 350F, what is the distance between the bolt holes on the fork legs where the front fender attach to? From the middle of the under leg to the bottom of the under leg. I have difficulty putting my fender on. Not sure if the front legs are original

[@michaelvachon1334]

Wilfred - Unfortunately, I no longer own this bike. I wish I could keep them all, but the garage has only so much space :-( Is the fender you are trying to mount a reproduction unit? I ask because when doing this restoration, I did use an after-market, reproduction fender. The issue I had was that the fender stays were just a bit too long. I complained to the vendor, but he swore that they were correct, despite my showing a direct comparison between the original units and the replacement ones. To solve my issue, I slightly elongated the holes in the fender stays. I then loosely attached the 4 bolts at the middle of the fork, allowing the fender to rock in place a bit. I loosely mounted the rear stay with its 2 bolts, and then had to force the front stay in place and also was able to get those two bolts started. At that point it was just a matter of tightening all 8 bolts. I didn't like doing it this way, but was out of options. I feel bad for anyone who may decide to remove the fender as there will likely be quite the spring action when they take this apart!

[@michaelvachon1334]

BTW - Wilfred is my middle name! ;-)

[@wilfredprins9718]

@@michaelvachon1334 it's a repro yes. the fender that came with the bike had a big dent in it, I want to replace it with a better looking one. If I make the holes elongated it be a very long slit, it's almost 20mm that the front support is to long.(I can't upload photos here unfortunately) I will try to find the old supports, it's been 2 years since I took the bike apart I hope I can find them.😬

[@michaeldavis5775]

Nice job, I like that bike! I have a silver CBX, so I really like the silver paint job. When you had to buy new parts, where were you getting them from?

[@michaelvachon1334]

I rely on a number of sources. CMSNL, David Silver Spares, Partzilla, Parts-N-More, 4-into-1, and eBay were the most frequently used sources. In some cases it was price comparison, and others it was just who had the individual part at all. In some rare cases, the replacement part(s) just didn't exist, so I resorted to going with the best salvage part I could find for that replacement. Every restoration project seems to be an adventure, but I enjoy the challenge (most of the time ;-) ) Thanks for watching!

[@michaeldavis5775]

@@michaelvachon1334 thanks for the reply. I have a few old bikes in my shed that I plan to restore soon. I hope I do as good of job as you did!

[@camgreer]

Great job. I've got one with two boxes of parts waiting for this. I'm gonna need things like lenses, mirrors, some of the same stuff you got. Where did you find the new parts? Are real Honda parts still available for it?

[@michaelvachon1334]

Hi, Thanks for the compliment. As to your project, there are a number of key web sites that you can look to for what you need. I'd start with CSMNL.com, they have a good selection and are great to deal with. The next stop would be David Silver Spares, also a good vendor to work with. I would also suggest looking at 4into1, Yamiya, PartsnMore, Partzilla, Bike Bandit, and Dime City Cycles among others. Shipping costs are a factor as well, so pay attention to that. Be ready for disappointments, though. You're working with a bike that is 45+ years old. Some parts just don't exist and some will be fairly pricey. For a few things, I did resort to good condition salvage parts. Keep track of EVERYTHING you need & order. It will help you track all this and guide your project. Good luck!

[@camgreer]

@@michaelvachon1334 Thanks for the reply. I'm familiar with some of those suppliers but not all. Yeah, shipping will definitely be a factor since I'm in Alaska, but fortunately it's all small stuff. On the plus side, it came with two new tires and 4 carb kits! Can't wait to get started.

[@jumpfortyfour9965]

super job but it would have been nice to hear it running .

[@michaelvachon1334]

Good point. You can hear it running in one of my other short videos here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apuwlJiVeKxkg9U

[@angeldust1291]

I thought the 'F' didn't have a chrome rear fender .

[@michaelvachon1334]

The 350 and 400F models did. You're probably thinking of the 500 and 750F (sport) models. Google images for each and you'll see the differences.

[@federicosoto3060]

what you do with this jewel?,you keep or sale?or you send to a museum?,anyway,incredible job!!

[@michaelvachon1334]

Frederico - I actually registered this and ran it quite a bit this past summer. It's a great bike for city and back road riding - not so much on the open highway. Above 60mph, it feels like you're thrashing it. My 37 yr old son got his MC license in July, so I put him on this and we tooled around several times with me on my '71 CB750. It was great seeing the attention these bikes generated. I've since sold this CB350F and will be doing a mild restoration on a '75 CB400F (seen in one of the images in this video) very soon. So many bikes, so little time!

[@federicosoto3060]

@@michaelvachon1334 ,is the problem,i had 4 bikes and little time to enjoy!,hope you gonna record all restoration procces in your 400,we sure wait for!

[@wilfredprins9718]

Hi, nice bike. I noticed that you have a toolbox cover. Where did you find that one? I'm trying to find one for my '73 cb350f

[@michaelvachon1334]

Hi Wilfred (that's my middle name!) I don't see a specific note on this part in my records, but I would start with CMSNL and 4INTO1 web sites. Other sources to try are David Silver Spares, Z1 Enterprises, Parts-n-more, and Partzilla. Those are my main sources.

[@wilfredprins9718]

@@michaelvachon1334 thanks I tried all of them, the one who has it seems they don't take payment from abroad

[@HK-pj9oh]

Hallo, habe paar Fragen wo könnte ich die Teile finden, oder hätten Sie four 350/750 zum verkaufen

[@michaelvachon1334]

Hi HK, There are a number of part sources that I've used. CMSNL (near you!) David Silver Spares, 4-into-1, Partzilla, Parts-n-More, Yamiya (Japan, but very good service/shipping), and of course, eBay. Happy hunting!

[@vintage3360]

Hey so I'm having trouble with my 400f I put over 1000 miles on it this summer but ran through 3 sets of spark plugs because of them fouling out... anyway I have all stock jets and air filter and the carbs were tuned with a vacuum gauge. My question is could it be my electrical system? I replaced my coils with direct fit aftermarket ones and my points and condensors were replaced as well. I've taken my carbs off 20 times now lol and just today checked float height and I purposely set them to lean which they are and have been.... could it be my points not being gapped right? The timing light goes on right when it hits the 'f' fire mark on 1 and 4 and 2 and 3

[@michaelvachon1334]

I would start with a cold engine and verify the ALL valve clearances. Next make sure you've set the cam chain tension. You didn't mention what type of plug you're running. My preference is NGK. Gap the plugs to spec. Sounds like you have the coils, points, condensers all sorted. For points, you set the gap first and then the timing. You mention fouling, but weren't specific. Is it oil fouled? Have you done a compression test on all cylinders? Last would be the carb sync, but being out of sync would only cause some rough running, not necessarily fouling the plugs.

[@vintage3360]

@@michaelvachon1334 they are sooty black I rebuilt the top end so compression is good and I run NGK as well but I never gapped them ha.

[@michaelvachon1334]

@@vintage3360 Black, dry soot on the electrodes and insulator tip indicates a carbon-fouled plug. This can be caused by a dirty air filter, excessive driving at low speeds, too rich of a fuel/air mixture or idling your vehicle for too long. I'm betting running rich. Did you also adjust the air screws on the carbs during the sync process?

[@vintage3360]

@@michaelvachon1334 yeah they are out about 1.5 to 2 turns and I have a brand new aftermarket air filter.... but from my experience with aftermarket things they usually dont perform right... when I rebuilt the bike I switched out the idle jet for a new one the bike would not run stuck the old ones back in and bam ran great. I'm wondering if it's my electrical system and valves although iv adjusted them plenty of times...and I checked once again my float height and blew through the gas line and listened for each float to shut off and I definitely have it set on the lean side that's what's so confusing plus all stock jets and raised the needle up one a week ago to lean it out there as well. So I guess I'll throw new plugs in do the valves like you suggested the gap the points and time it then pull the plugs and see if anything changed. I also wonder if when it gets hot something isnt functioning right but I do know my battery charges when throttle is applied. I appreciate you helping me out as I dont have anyone near me that I know of that could understand these bikes ha

[@michaelvachon1334]

@@vintage3360 Don't know if you're a member, but forums.sohc4.net/index.php is a great resource as well.

[@lancethrustworthy]

I can't believe you didn't let us hear it or see it move. I really can't believe it. It's like you left off the final results of an election or of a horse or car race. Unbelievable.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Sorry to disappoint, Dan. You can hear this bike run here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apuwlJiVeKxkg9U. Unfortunately, I don't own any GoPro-type units, so I was unable to capture any on-road videos for this bike either.

[@martybeaudry5747]

hey dudes are you the maker of Vachon cakes? we have these in Canada