Honda CL350 Scrambler Ride and Review
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- Опубліковано 23 кві 2020
- 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.
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.
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.
DITTO! DITTO! DITTO! 1971!
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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
You said it ALL, Sir!
Vintage Bikes.
I enjoyed this video very much. Well done
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.
My first bike was a CL 350 just like that!
great video I restored a 69 model CL350 love them. thanks for taking me for the ride
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.
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.
Please make more video I really enjoyed watching this
I have been driving for over 35 years just got my oldest bike last week, a 76 Yamaha Maxim.
What an exceptionally well presented, watchable video! So pleased I bumped into this. Thank you.
What an incredibly well edited and thoughtful piece on old bikes. I'll definitely be sticking around and keep up the great work!
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.
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.
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 .
Awesome video and everything was very well said. I ride my 73 almost everyday.
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.
Great video on the cl350. I remember mine it was a great machine. Thanks
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 👍
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
As a kid I grew up with motorcycles just like this 350. My first quick bike experience was on a 68’ 305 Super Hawk. Then followed with three 71’ bikes. A CL175 and a SL350 and a lowly SL100. Though just a 100cc I could make that bike fly off road.
Later in the 90’s I found a 75’ Kawasaki cast aside and left intact but to degrade in neglect. Well that Kawasaki was a 75’ Z1b 900cc. I cleaned and gave it some much needed love to get it running in tip top shape. Today that cast off has more value than my modern ZX6R x3.
Hi Jonathan, I really enjoyed this video. I am actively looking for one here in Ontario, Canada as my next project. I've subscribed!
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!
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!
Great, thanks, I agree with your riding philosophy.
Thanks so much for taking time to comment and for the kind words.
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!
Loved this. Anxiously awaiting delivery of my ‘68 Scrambler and loved the poetry of your words about this bike.
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.
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.
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.
Well done! Exactly how I look at vintage bikes too!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
very nostalgic. looks exactly like my first bike 50 years ago.
Well spoken. Enjoyed listening to this one. 👍🏼
Looking forward to more videos.
I'm a huge fan of 60's and early 70's hondas.
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)!
I'm done with restoring, but I'll watch you.,and I've subscribed.
Very cool video. I just bought a triumph scrambler and learned about this one from a relative.
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
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
Beautiful bike and I love the commentary. Working on my '72 CL350 lately and it's really fun. Cheers!
Excellent video and oh so true. I wish that I still had my 1972 SL 350, my !st motorcycle.
I had one of these in 1976. It was by far the best bike I've ever owned. Top speed was around 100 mph and I could cruise at 70. I'm from Maine but have to be away this year for a while. As soon as I get back I want to find one of these and rebuild it this coming winter and I do mean rebuild, everything. Thanks for a wonderful video and I agree with everything you said.
Great video, great breakdown of how it is to ride an old motorcycle!
Great video! Well-written and filmed.
I'm half way through this video and I'll say wow. This is the best video I've ever watched. Your narration is spot on. Your info is spot on. You've e got me sold.
Great video. I'm 63 and want that feeling. Had a MC license for years and never a bike. Things happen ! Vintage all the way. You're the Ken Burns of bikes. Thank You.
Well narrated , classy video.keep up the good work
Nice! I like your delivery, and editing! Laid back, easy going, just like the bike!
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
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.
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.
Perfectly explained what I myself experianced and felt allways when I restored and drive my Oldies, Right out of my Brain, 👍🏼
Man, I love the style of the video as well as the bike.
Great video! My first bike was a 1972 350 Honda Scramler. I got it from my uncle who bought it new in 1972 in Flint Michigan. I bought it from him in 1990 with 150 original miles on it and enjoyed it emensley for 2 year before i sold it (one of my life's biggest regrets) Here I am 30 years later looking for another one that me and my son can restore so he can hopefully enjoy it as much as I did back in the day. Hearing that engine and seeing that bike has has brought back so many memories for me. Thanks for the video!
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.
Nicely done!
I just picked up a 71 CL350 and it took some getting used to. It rides like a charm though and turns quite a few heads. The regular maintenance is well worth the pride of owning one of these bad boys. Cheers mate!
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.
Nice garage and collection! I recently fine tuned my 71 CB350 that hadn't run good even when it was new. Lots of mods to update the engine but the whole 50+ years of it's existance it was always one of the carbs. Mikuni VM32s got it absolutely singing!
Enjoyed your video, thanks for sharing.
I really loved your video. Thank you.
Well crafted video. Thanks for it.
great video, always wanted one of these old bikes
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
Informative video thanks. I'm definitely going to buy one of these classic bikes
This is a lovely piece, and very inspirational. Nicely narrated and photographed. It is interesting how many people will restore the engine on an older bike such as this, ignoring the suspension, and then live with the poor road manners that could have been addressed by upgrading the fork and shock components. As the owner of a CB450K2, I certainly resonate to your comments about cable controls and drum brakes, though.
Very cool video and narrative.
I really enjoyed this video. Thanks.
this is a really cool video!
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
That was a pleasant video. I like the idea of an old Honda CL350.
Nice bike. Good video.
Well said and well done sir.
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!
re-sand all your grounds. get a 41-100h rotor from ricks, and a new regulator/rectifier too.
@here good review, I appreciate your honesty about old bikes.
Well done! Complimenti from Italy
Inspiring video 👍🏼
Nice said, nice showed, thanks! And good luck!
Well done bud!
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!
however i got it for free, so i couldn’t turn it down
Thats exactly how I started, try a website called 4into1 if youre having trouble finding parts!
What a fun video.
Really cool video brother! Just wanna point for the narration during a few moments on the road that in the edit could be at lower volume for better understatnding (although, some extra moments only with the sound of the engine running, speaking for myself, is a really cool feature too!) Other than that, great vid, direction and text, keep it up :)
I salvaged one of these out of a backyard in Utah. I wish I had kept it.
well done and thank you !
Little review of the Honda, mostly ride and philosophy of riding vintage bikes. I want to know more about this bike.
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
Damn. I wanted some insights on a '72 CL350 and got a masterclass in why I want to be on the road in the first place.
love ur place
my dream and al time fav
Nice bike..sir...there is only several bikes like this in Indonesia..👍
I had a 71 my first new motorcycle. I put 34,000 miles on in 8 months. Unfortunately I also learned how to maintain high mileage motorcycles on this.
Points and valve adjustments were easy, as were carb adjustments. The only "weakness" was I did not realize the cam chain adjuster was an issue. Either I failed to adjust it often enough (true) or just wore it out running often at red line.
1,000 mile oil changes kept crank and listens cylinders like new. Seriously. Chain adjuster resulted in a burned valve but teardown everything was original spec.
I did learn about fork seals and fork oil changes (the hard way). The swing arm bushings were out from not lubricating enough (zero futting!). And rear shocks predated the FVQ ones.. Fail Very Quickly. Think I replaced a clutch cable.
I did ruin one chain trusting the marks on the swing arm for alignment. LOL. Started buying Diamond chain off a dealer roll. Was th SS n getting 10-12,000 miles with "copious lubing."
A rack and some bunnies cords..
Did not trust myself changing tubes (tubeless tires and "mag" wheels much better long trip or high mileage use. Tubes just take practice to learn to install without pinching, etc. At the time experienced tube changers were findable among most riders.
Loved to run that motorcycle at high rpm or relaxed.
Had a Triumph 650, that told you its sweet spot rpm wise and the transmission was to keep it there. Trying to do 75-80 on the highway was a short term experiende. Literally, vibration limited.
The CL350 let you play boy racer. 9500 red line. The CB was 10500.
The Triumph bolts shook loose and fenders cracked. Kick start.
The CL350 cross point screws were JIS. (Japanese Phillips head screws, special screw driver helped). You can or could get them on amazon.
Three motorcycles later I had a love hate relationship with a 77 BMW R750. Learned about Allen head screws and aircraft nylok nuts.
The BMW had two problems, I loaded it down with frame mount Liftmeister fairing, Krauser Bags and large Trunk. In 78 BMW thru in the Fairing and bags for free with the R800 and R1000. So I paid about $1200 more and was under priced by newer bikes when I tried to sell or trade. And was one of the unlucky ones. Transmission output shaft nut was cross threaded and tweaked shaft. Seal failed at 44,000 miles. Took three replacement tries before it was realized there was a mechanical problem..
I still have fantastic memories of CL350. Looked great ran great.
Today's issues are ethanol gas sitting in carbs any length of time means jet cleaning. Draining carbs when in doubt and using something like Stabil? helps. Lots off advice there on line. Stability was originally pre ethanol so..
Fork oil changes, especially if you spend time riding in rain ... got caught coming home from trip driving thru edge of Hurricane a couple hundred miles.
Good aftermarket shocked help. I shimmer the fork springs slightly ( from contemporary magazine tweak). Aftermarket springs in your weight and finding right weight fork oil improve ride.
Saddle becomes a plank over time. Early twenties did not care.
Mostly I used Vessel Impact Driver. Eventually I started sw
Thinking of picking up a 73 CL350 tomorrow. Hope the deal.goes.well 5300 original miles
Did you get it?