Taking Our 1972 CL350 & CL450 1,000 Miles Off-Road: The Vintage 1,000 Mountain Route 2021

The Vintage 1,000 is a 1981 and older vintage motorcycle ride that is put on yearly by Speed Deluxe. One could say it's an all survival challenge for your motorcycle to test not only the mechanical reliability of your motorcycle but also yourself. This year we decided to take part in what they call the mountain route, which leaves out of Chattanooga and circles its way through 1,000 miles of the Tennesse, North Carolina, and Georgia mountains. We will admit living in Houston, we do not have much experience with winding mountain roads and off-road riding but CMC staff members Ben and Caleb took on the challenge to take their daily drivers, a CL350 and CL450. Our primary focus was mechanical reliability, which we know well, so we started preparations with a thorough inspection and full tune-up which included a cam chain and valve adjustment on both motorcycles, as well as getting our timing spot on. We wanted our motorcycles starting first kick every time when we would inevitably drop them. Since they both were already reliable daily drivers, we were already in a good spot but still need to make sure they were going to handle the dirt properly. Both motorcycles were fitted with new front and rear sprockets aiming for high torque as well as LED headlights in case we found ourselves riding the trails late into the evening. Lastly, both motorcycles were sent off with a slew of spare parts for on-the-ride repairs as well as fuel cans, luggage setups, high fenders, knobby tires, and PLENTY of spare oil. Be sure to watch until the end to see how we did, what broke, and what we would do differently next time!
Find out more about the Vintage 1,000:
speeddeluxe.com/vintage1000/
Upgraded parts:
LED H4 Headlight: www.common-motor.com/honda-he...
Honda Front Sprockets: www.common-motor.com/honda-cb...
CL350 / CL360 Rear Sprockets: www.common-motor.com/honda-35...
CB450 / CL450 Rear Sprockets: www.common-motor.com/honda-45...
CB450 / CL450 Stator Shifter Shield: www.common-motor.com/cb450-cl...
Spare Parts Taken:
Spark Plugs: www.common-motor.com/honda-sp...
Gemini Ignition Condensers: www.common-motor.com/honda-mo...
CL350 / CL360 Ignition Points: www.common-motor.com/honda-cb...
CB450 / CL450 Ignition Points: www.common-motor.com/honda-cb...
Honda Ignition Coils: www.common-motor.com/honda-ig...
Posi-Locks: www.common-motor.com/posi-loc...
CB350 / CL350 Jetting Kit: www.common-motor.com/honda-35...
CB450 / CL450 Jetting Kit: www.common-motor.com/honda-45...
Honda Front Drum Brake Cable: www.common-motor.com/honda-cb...
Honda Clutch Cable: www.common-motor.com/honda-cb...
CB350 / CL350 Throttle Cable: www.common-motor.com/honda-cb...
CB450 / CL450 / CB500t Throttle Cable: www.common-motor.com/honda-45...
Heavy Duty Inner Tubes: www.common-motor.com/honda-in...
Spare Drum Brake Lever: www.common-motor.com/honda-dr...
Spare Clutch Lever: www.common-motor.com/honda-cb...
Spare CB350 / CL350 Shift Lever: www.common-motor.com/honda-35...
Spare CB450 / CL450 Shift Lever: www.common-motor.com/honda-36...

[@jeffwright9431]

In 1969 I rode a Honda CL350 to Fairbanks, Alaska and back to Long Beach, California over a period of 46 days. I was seventeen and had the adventure of a lifetime. The Alaska Highway at the time was all dirt and gravel from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, to the Alaska border. Camped out 43 of the 46 nights. One day was only able to cover 54 miles in 8 hours of riding due to rain and mud. The woman who owned the cabins where I stopped for the night would not allow me into the cabin until I removed my mud soaked clothes down to my underware. Very funny now but not so much at the time because she insisted on watching. I'm still riding at nearly 72 and still enjoy dual sporting on my DR650ES.

[@svfourwinds8435]

Next video series has to be the top end rebuild of the broken down 350 👍👍

[@mebeasensei]

yes, I'd love to see that..

[@Common-motor]

I know this is a year late but whew we finally opened it and it's BAD. The whole side of the piston is melted and nearly every bearing surface and bearing are cooked. I'm surprised it ran as long as it did.

[@michaelsams450]

Sign me up! That looked like an awesome time! I appreciate the detail you went into about what went wrong. So many "adventure" videos just show the highlights, not the struggles.

[@stephaniemusick171]

I love those old CL series Honda scramblers. These are among the bikes I grew up with.

[@racewayman1]

Looks like an awesome adventure

[@bradkorando]

Fantastic video Ben & Caleb! Congrats on completing the Vintage 1000. You all are a major inspiration.

[@tomdelozier7206]

So cool, that’s a lot of adventure in a relatively short time. The plot tension of whether the bikes would endure the surprisingly harsh impact of the trip had me grinning to the end. :)

[@keithbroughton4476]

3 things I took away from this video...Locktite...Locktite...Locktite! Good on ya guys

[@rockwestfahl]

God bless you guys. I rode a cl-350 years ago and I would never have trusted that single down tube frame in anyroughgoingalso I seized pistons twice on that bike, due to overheating I got good at pulling the engine out of the frame, unfortunately. I discovered that ifyou rode into a wind that was on your front quarter the cylinder on the windshaded side would get hot and the piston actually shrank. Yes it shrank by .007 inch and scored the hell out of the cylinder wall. This happened twice to me in the space of a year, otherwise it was very trouble-free.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Nice bikes, I had a 1973 Honda CL450. That CL450 Honda was my first street legal motorcycle when I was 16 years old. Bought it with my own money before I even had a learners permit or motorcycle license. I think I had more fun with that motorcycle than any motorcycle I have owned since. I really miss my old CL450 Honda.

[@jhackett9482]

Had same 450 when I was 18. Man I love it with those fenders on it! Just love the old scramblers.

[@dylanpadgett9789]

I'm from the Chattanooga area and I've taken my 75 cl360 on this ride a couple times. Absolutely love this trip. Unfortunately I missed it this year but I'm glad you guys got to go and I am sure Adam and Jamie are happy to have this review!

[@Common-motor]

sorry we missed you as well! It was a blast and if you're on future ones hopefully we will run into you!

[@STho205]

Welcome to my neighborhood of the high tri-state. Gravel steep private rutty road, two water crossings on a USFS road every day and that's just to go to town or work. I travel the width of the Appalachian Trail twice every day.... All this on a CB250 with cheap Duro street sport tires...i love my life. Your presentation was great. Really liked your rigs... The 350 looks a lot like mine loaded down for overnights on the Cherohala Skyway above Telico Plains.

[@straightpipec6099]

I rode a CL100 when I was a teenager. Cool video. Seems a lighter single cylinder engine might be better for that run. It didn’t look like you were on roads with heavy traffic and a high speed limit. Very interesting video. Much better than the look at my restored bike or I have a bike for sale videos.

[@waltersaari7954]

Cool. I’m currently restoring a 72 candy panther gold cl 350. that I’ve owned since my late teen years. (Yes I’m that old) . I was thinking of using it as a vintage adv. bike which is how I ended up watching your video.

[@smoore1506]

In1972 half a dozen guys including my pop(who was 46) his good friend, a son, and 3 others rode the Baja 500 at 100 miles a day. Pop and his friend rode Honda SL350s, the son rode a Bultaco Matador, another rode Yamaha DT360. These guys, pop's friend ( 56 yo ) rode dirt roads, sandy washes for miles. The Hondas made the trip fine except the sandy washes with the Honda stock trials tires were a big effort. The Matador was great, the DT 360 cracked a side case and was trailered out. These guys talked about the ride for the next 20 years. Later our family began a series of vacations at San Felipe Mex, after my pop recognized the resort town as a good vacation spot. Congratulations guys on your fine effort!

[@Common-motor]

sounds like an awesome adventure! Baja is definitely on my list of rides I want to do on my CL450.

[@udaypothakamury6315]

wow, simply amazing! The bikes did their job and looks like you guys had a hoot. Can’t wait to get my 1971 CB450 back on the road again. Just needs a little tlc.

[@davegillette953]

Thank you both and Common Motor for this great story. Well done both of you, I’m inspired to put some real miles on my 72 cl350 “Fuji”.

[@Common-motor]

Do it! They're awesome motorcycles. Send us some photos if you do!

[@bigal7561]

That was so cool. Great job editing. Man that was fun to watch. Well done

[@talegunrdav]

This was awesome guys I hope you guys put out more videos like this common motor help me put my CB 350 back on the road I enjoyed that crap out of it thanks to CMC

[@chrisoriel4823]

Great job guys! Especially without much dirt experience and almost 50 y.o. bikes.

[@frank09busa]

awesome trip guys

[@2thehook773]

I'm totally jealous! What a riot!

[@mentholdeathray]

Bro up 2 up! Cheers my dudes!

[@CCitis]

More of this content! Motivates me to get my CL450 in fighting shape

[@jimtorrance9589]

Hi everyone! Good trip and lots of people. More video next time! Just a tip... On the off-road portions, try standing. Better balance and riding will keep you from the dreaded tip-over. Hope I can make it for 2022! Be safe and take care.

[@OneDownFourUp]

It was a great time! Hope to see you guys out riding again sometime.

[@Common-motor]

We did as well! We'll have to get back over there for one of the scrambles at some point. If we can get past the waiting list, we'll be on the western too!

[@OneDownFourUp]

@@Common-motor The western sounds fun. If you're ever in the Asheville area let me know!

[@wotan20]

Being air cooled engines, these are susceptible to overheat, as the dirt accumulates on the cooling fins. If you loosing oil on top of that, disaster will not be far away. But you know it will be fun to rebuild and make some modification to toughen them up. In the meantime you should wash off the engine with degreaser after each day.

[@danmanthe9335]

God you guys are making me really miss my CL100

[@will7its]

You will remember that for the rest of your lives.....well done

[@williamgregory6684]

I bought a Gold 1972 CL350 exactly like that one brand new. It brings back some memories since it was my first bike. Those are two of my favorite motorcycles! Those scramblers came with taller gears from the factory you must have really turning some rpms. That's gotta suck!

[@murraykriner9425]

After reckoning the destruction following your restorations, was it worth all the pains your likely to suffer tearing them back apart. I get it's a sacrificial lamb thing, but it must have made you feel badly for those machines. Only my CB-350 Super Sport would qualify for this, but I would hesitate to take it on a run like this. Now you know why a Moto-X rider is so highly praised for their riding abilities. Great job! Really sorry about the CL-350 engine seizure and damage to other parts. Thanks for sharing.

[@samylsneh6186]

Wow I want to do this! Absolute going to now.

[@maxhenry9724]

I am reading about so many problems people are having with their CL350. I just don’t buy that it’s that common. They are definitely one of the most reliable engines Honda ever made.

[@Chris_at_Home]

I bought a 1972 CL350 in 1973 that had less than 500 miles. I sold it with over 20,000 miles in 1977 and other than regular maintenance I never had a problem. 5 of us in the same squadron stationed on the coast on the Maine coast had them and we would ride all over the state on the weekends.

[@turbogrin]

WOW What a fun ride! When and where is the next one? 2023 Utah event is already Sold out! Maybe 2024 for me and my CB450!!

[@derekcollins1972]

I ran out of oil on my 1969 CL 350 when I was 16 years old doing 60 mph at 6000 rpm. Rear wheel locked up and pulled in the clutch. Luckily it rolled to a safe stop. Sold the bike for $50. Not bad since I only paid $100 for it a year prior. Young and dumb. Just rode and never checked anything.

[@boblittle2529]

I miss my '72 CL450.

[@BryanMoreno_]

How did you mount the shoei bag? I just picked up some for my cb450 project

[@Common-motor]

I tried using the flat bar mounts that came with the set but they got destroyed the first time I took it off road because they were pretty weak. I ended up bending new supports myself out of 3/4" mild steel tube. One goes to the passenger peg, 2nd goes to a rear frame mount that the rear grab bar and luggage rack uses and the final went straight up to the rack. It seemed to stiffen it up significantly.

[@zeezeerhydon7083]

Nice adventure you had. Why didn't you use your socks as air filters?

[@Common-motor]

We've been asking ourselves that same question since...

[@seayak]

Well that was a real adventure, wasn't it? Yoicks a seized engine. Not fun! Stock air filters??? Would love to find replacements for my 1969 CB450 K2, which still has the originals, but they are listed as out of stock on the website. Any chance that these will come back? Plan B is to rebuild the originals by replacing the corrugated paper with UNI foam, which I have got, but it would be nice to have the factory replacements in case I bodge the job on the originals.

[@benjaminwest2281]

Hi, will you let us know why the 350 seized? I am looking ay a cl450. Thank you. Ben

[@robertrobert5188]

great vid! Informative and visually great. music way too loud, though.

[@kennethhacker1341]

Sooooo you guys are taking me down memory lane...most the old bikes were bullet proof,,not all lol most

[@randyroth383]

I love my xt 350 an xt500 bikes the 350 is 1984. 500 is 1981 both bikes run sweet an fast 👍

[@MURDOCK1500]

Do you think the 350 seized up because you'd run it with no filters so it ran weak and too hot? Well done on the challenge. It looks like real fun

[@Common-motor]

We think so! Have yet to open it up but that's definitely the suspicion.

[@dieseltu1035]

So , I got an SL 350 to put together ,and was hoping it would be reliable to ride to work 140 miles roundttrip freeway..as my MO is to tin old vehicles that don't break down and I'm assuming you did a Boat load of work and had a seizure. Which is making me think I cant get these things reliable, but you did get a warning. With oil spewing, And I'd be ok with that.. do you think the wet airboxes killed thebike.. because I never run wet airboxes anyways..because, thought they would plug up.. but should I give up on getting reliability and just get a new klr650 to go to work. Or a old vw beetle..

[@Common-motor]

There was an SL350 in our group and did great! I daily the same CL450 everyday to work now as well. They can definitely be reliable, this was forsure a stress test situation vs. normal riding.

[@dannylapre1195]

I work a t Bobs Used Cycle in Phoenix Arizona. We are the world's largest motorcycle junkyard. We are also on Ebay. Give us a call sometime if your looking for vintage parts or bikes. I loved the video and the ride. I didn't even know about this event. I think I just found my next project. I'm currently restoring a vintage 1981 Suzuki, Its close, but unfortunately not 80 or older. I'll have to find a good Honda or Yamaha

[@Common-motor]

I was later corrected, the event is 1981 and older! Not to mention this year they're starting a route in Arizona out of flagstaff! I'll definitely keep you in mind Danny next time we're in need of some parts.

[@dannylapre1195]

That's way cool. I will have to keep an eye out for the Flagstaff event. Thank you for that information.

[@anthonynicholich9654]

Both 350 and 450 are great bikes. Like the 450 better. For the trip you guys did Yamaha XT500 would have been a much better bike. Did I mention Suzuki DR370

[@rodcurrieclassics8102]

Hi guys. Great that you are taking these old girls . My own favourite bike is a '72 CL 450 ( I will never sell it) and I have had maybe 30 CL 350s. This is not criticism but I hope helpful observation having done the Transam Trail, the Continental Divide, ridden across Russia solo and the Sahara. YOU HAVE WAY TOO MUCH GEAR. Your bikes will handle off-road like drunk pigs. Less is more. Good point? Great bashplate on the 450. Good suspension mod on the 350 Only seen the first 5 minutes but will watch it all now and truly wish you bonne chance. Whatever happens, great ambition ...and suspect it will change your life. The TAT did mine. if you get bored check out my "CL 450 French Valley ride". You'll like the 450. Best, Rod

[@Common-motor]

We realized we had too much gear right as we showed up and saw everyone else haha. By then it was too late though! Next time I'll definitely bring the amount of gear way down. Sounds like you've had some killer rides I want to do myself Rod! I'll have to check out that CL450 ride for sure. -Caleb

[@benjaminwest2281]

@@Common-motor Hi Caleb. Wat would you not bring? I thought you packed well. My inexpirence also noted

[@jeanson105olivier3]

What tire size did you put on your 450 ?

[@Common-motor]

I'm running the shinko golden boys. 3.5x19 front and 3.5x18 rear

[@downtofun]

Shinko SR241 right? How do you like the highway miles on those? So you think the 4" will fit on the stock rims front and rear?

[@mebeasensei]

Would an oil cooler make a difference.

[@Common-motor]

It wasn't needed from what we experienced so probably not.

[@mnnorthwoods2520]

Hello, Run a lot of gravel miles on my '75 CB550F Super Sport. Do you have a recommendation for a skid plate? Mods on the bike include a tip bar, led flood lights,, bar Risers, and aux fuel tank. If interested in seeing some the roads, check out some RoadLog videos on my channel. BTW, you can ride GL1200A on gravel roads with street tires.

[@Common-motor]

No recommendations, from what I found any skid plate for most of these older Hondas needs to be custom made. If I had more time I would've welded some tabs on the frame to attach it. Sounds like a cool setup though!

[@DBAUG]

Are you surprised? No air filter, no riding. Simple as that.

[@cinnreds18]

Hey cool, I didn’t know Draco Malfoy rode a CB!

[@silverback802]

Stop the foolish music and let us listen to the vintage bike. Why does everyone ruin their videos with music

[@codypops3000]

GOBLESS HOSS WHY DU THEY ALWAYS RUIN IT WITH THAT DAMB MUSIC!!!!! WHEN ME AND BARB GO OUT FOR TRIPS MY BIKES ALWASYS RUNNIN AND SOUNDIN GOOD BUT YOU GOTTA WATCH OUT FOR THEM DAMN CLIBBINS ON THE ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@andytrace]

Agreed! I understand that in the edit you want some music, but so so so many channels have the music too loud and use it to fill air that doesn't need filling. Like when they're talking at the beginning, no need for music, it's distracting and we just want to hear what you're saying. Having said all that, great video! Thanks guys 🙌🙏