Considering Vintage Motorcycle and Having Flashbacks

[Cruzen]

Every couple of years I sit down and start reading Peter Egan’s books Leanings and Leanings 2.  These are basically a selection of columns that Peter has written and had published in Cycle World starting in 1979.  In several of the columns Peter talks about buying and restoring old motorcycles.  He has a passion for old Triumphs but has occasionally discussed owning pre 1970 Honda’s.  This leads me to think about getting a vintage motorcycle and my bike of choice is a Honda CB 350 which was my the first motorcycle I owned starting in 1969. 

Inevitably I start checking out the local adds for CB 350’s and usually I will find one that has been restored or is in reasonably good condition and with a price I may be able to shake out of my piggy bank.  I’ll call and schedule a viewing then ride my 2001 Magna out to look at the bike.  I ride the Magna because size wise it is closer to a CB 350 than my Valk.   Ultimately I wrangle a test ride out of the owner and after getting familiar with the vintage bike I take a short ride down several blocks or so. 

I have done these test rides of vintage bikes three times over a period of seven years and always come away with the same impressions.  The first thing that I notice during these test rides is how small and narrow those 1960 era bikes were.  It kind of feels like riding my Schwinn. 

The second thing is the gearing.  At 40mph the motor is already winding up a bit.  Why don’t I remember that?  Did we really take long trips on these things hitting 65mph or better?  Of course we did.  We did not know any better at that time.  I made some trips in excess of  500 miles on a 450 which was my second bike and not much bigger than the 350 and I have fond if not highly realistic memories of those rides. 

From the photo’s I’ve seen it looks like Robert Pirsig and his son were aboard a Honda 250 on their trip that is documented in his book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.  One adult, one near adult and all their packing on such a small bike.  Me thinks he exaggerates about the speeds they achieved.

Though my first Honda CB 350 felt solid at the time, by today’s standards they all feel loose and somewhat shaky.  And the brakes….. THANK GOD FOR FRONT DISK BRAKES!! 

Some time ago I was talking with a retired Chicago motorcycle cop and the subject got around to the training he went through on how to lay the bike down.  Those were HD’s.  At the time of motorcycle front drum brakes this was an approved stopping technique.  Now a days this is not even considered as an acceptable emergency stopping method as our bikes can stop faster on the rubber than sliding down the street on the metal and plastic.

Every time I get the hankering for a vintage bike the feeling is eradicated by taking one for a test ride.

By comparison the few times I am not on one of my motorcycles I am driving a C5 Corvette.  In contrast to that I also drive a 1955 Chevy restored to original with non power drum brakes.  The same mechanical issues as riding a vintage motorcycle are present but for some reason, maybe the amount of real metal around me, I feel safer than when on a vintage shaking motorcycle.  When driving the ole Chevy I have to plan my stops in advance and whenever I have to make a panic stop, which has only happened twice as I recall, I do so with substantial pressure on that brake pedal and the aid of a few prayers.

So, how many of you guys get out on vintage pre 1970 motorcycles?

[Clark]

this is a 2 part answer o your thread.. part 1 is my vintage bike of choice is my 1980 suzuki GS1100.. if I knew how to post pics I would... but here is something that might get your attention. I have a 69CB350 which I believe had 6000 miles on it.. it also has a 69  sidecar on it.. I bought it from the 80 year old original owner.. It has a 1 tooth smaller countershaft sprocket and is a lot of fun around towm or on country roads.. you might be able to talk me into delivering it for $1500.00

[Robdawg13]

When the bug first bit me to get a street bike several years ago I had no idea what I wanted.  I had restored a couple of vintage Honda dirt bikes and so I'm partial to old Hondas.  Mechanic at an independent bike shop near my house had a 1973? CB350 with 9,999 miles on it.  He wouldn't even roll it around the shop because he didn't want it to turn over to 10,000 miles!  It was all there and he would have let it go for $1,500.  I was THIS CLOSE to getting it, but then thought about the things you mentioned in your post - would have been a lot of fun around town, but I was a little leery about the "joys" of wringing out that little motor on the highway!  Ended up with a VTX 1300 instead...

[rmrc51]

In contrast to that I also drive a 1955 Chevy restored to original with non power drum brakes.  The same mechanical issues as riding a vintage motorcycle are present but for some reason, maybe the amount of real metal around me, I feel safer than when on a vintage shaking motorcycle.  When driving the ole Chevy I have to plan my stops in advance and whenever I have to make a panic stop, which has only happened twice as I recall, I do so with substantial pressure on that brake pedal and the aid of a few prayers.  

I have a 57 Chevy with the original non-power drum brakes and I fully agree about planning your stops in advance. Considerable foot pressure is required to bring her to an emergency stop!!

As for a vintage motorcycle, my dream was always and Indian Chief!! Considering the price those go for,,, it'll never happen.

[PAVALKER]

Would you really be touring on a vintage motorcycle?  I think not.   Did we do it back in the day... you bet..... we were much younger and less experienced in the comforts of big modern bikes.   That being said, I like my little 73 Honda CL350 for what it is.... a little nimble around town antique piece of machinery like I drove when I was much younger.  It looks good, rides good (for what it is) and gets a lot of looks, nods and appreciation (lots of guys at bike night said... Man I had one of those just like this way back when).  It's got antique plates, which means it's permanently registered and doesn't need renewed, nor is it required to have an annual safety inspection.  It eats very little insurance money and gas.... so it's a keeper, for novelty sake at least.....

[Cruzen]

Would you really be touring on a vintage motorcycle?  I think not.   Did we do it back in the day... you bet..... we were much younger and less experienced in the comforts of big modern bikes.   That being said, I like my little 73 Honda CL350 for what it is.... a little nimble around town antique piece of machinery like I drove when I was much younger.  It looks good, rides good (for what it is) and gets a lot of looks, nods and appreciation (lots of guys at bike night said... Man I had one of those just like this way back when).  It's got antique plates, which means it's permanently registered and doesn't need renewed, nor is it required to have an annual safety inspection.  It eats very little insurance money and gas.... so it's a keeper, for novelty sake at least.....

That is a great looking vintage bike.  Looks new.  1973 must have been the last year for the front drum brake?  They way you use you'rs is what I had in mind if I purchased one but even so the drivers we have around here are crazy and that is one of the main reasons I never bought one.  Does yours feel a bit shakey compared to your more modern bikes?  Like maybe the frame is not as rigid?

[PAVALKER]

Feels fine, but those tires are much narrower and it does give a different feeling and ride than what the Valk would of course.   I had it to a few local bike nights and one night a buddy was riding home with me at night on the Parkway with heavy traffic as well.  I got it up to 80 on a decent up hill grade (hauling 200 plus lbs of me) before I had to take my exit ramp.... impressed my buddy following me to say the least (me too actually).  I had my head and body down to reduce wind drag to.  No windshield or full face visor (and no wonder I ride with a shield now... LOL).

It is what it is..... and you won't make it a recliner on wheels like the Valkyrie.....  It's fun just to take to the store for a quick small item or two, or run to mom's and get her lotto tickets/milk etc .

[Rowdy]

  I just restored a 73 CL350 Honda this past year - looks a lot like the picture (Blue & white)

Same deal - my first bike was a 1970 CL350 Honda, always had a hankering to get back to my roots   - finally found this 73, needed some work - like was mentioned I was surprised how small it was, they must of shrunk over the years  

Feels so small, I have restored other older bikes over the years, just for fun, I've never made any money restoring any of these older bikes    

[PAVALKER]

Comparison shot.....  it's narrower/lighter but not necessarily shorter....

[Rowdy]

My orginal 1970 CL 350 in 1972 after 



My project before I started reconditioning this past summer a 1973
 


My project after 73 CL 350     still feels small - can't believe I rode that all over the state - with a passanger 

[Momz]

In my many years I'e had/restored a few CB3500s. My bfavorite was a 1969 CB350 Super Sort.
But I'd like to have an old SL350. In my opinion it was the "best of the breed".

I've restored a few Triumphs and BSAs and played around with a few Nortons as well. I still have the majority of my collection, but just recently I sold a beautifully restored Yamaha R5 350. I used some of that money to buy my 3rd (97) Valk.

Those old bikes can bring back some fond memories,...and cloud a few stupid moves. For now I will keep riding and customising the Valk. They are more comfortable, faster, stop quicker, and give them "Big Twin Riders" fits when I fly by them.
Ah,...poetic justice

[Sjlbwig]

Had my eye on this since 1985 when I saw in a pole barn. The owner would not sell tried to get it several times. Bought this at his estate  auction in 2005. 1972 water buffalo has 7,000 miles. Restored drove till last year than handed down to my son.

[PAVALKER]

My orginal 1970 CL 350 in 1972 after 



My project before I started reconditioning this past summer a 1973
 


My project after 73 CL 350     still feels small - can't believe I rode that all over the state - with a passanger 

   Looking good.  I notice Ohio does "Historical" plates (cars and bikes) whereas PA does Classic and  Antique (depending on the age of course).  Do you have to get yours inspected or renew registration periodically?

 By chance you wouldn't happen to have a spare seat lock hanging around would ya?   Mine is OOC and I don't remember to get a new one (really not necessary but nice).  Had a guy that does Cafe Racers and he said he would get me one.... but that has been months and I have not see him at the local bike nights. 

[Rowdy]

PAVALKER

As far as I know - no inspection or renewal will be needed in Ohio - as along as I don't use it for daily transportation.

Sorry, I don't have any seat locks except the one on the bike 

[PAVALKER]

PAVALKER

As far as I know - no inspection or renewal will be needed in Ohio - as along as I don't use it for daily transportation.

Sorry, I don't have any seat locks except the one on the bike  

No problem.   That paint job on your CL350 looks very good.... did you have it done or do it yourself?

Mine is original paint... and still looks great.

[highcountry]

The last bike I had before my 30 yr hiatus from riding was a 1975? BMW R900/6 airhead.  Nice bike that I really enjoyed.  I wouldn't mind picking up a clean copy of an airhead to bum around on.

[Rowdy]

PAVALKER

A friend owed me a favor and had a body shop - so I had it painted 

[Valkahuna]

In contrast to that I also drive a 1955 Chevy restored to original with non power drum brakes.  The same mechanical issues as riding a vintage motorcycle are present but for some reason, maybe the amount of real metal around me, I feel safer than when on a vintage shaking motorcycle.  When driving the ole Chevy I have to plan my stops in advance and whenever I have to make a panic stop, which has only happened twice as I recall, I do so with substantial pressure on that brake pedal and the aid of a few prayers.  

I have a 57 Chevy with the original non-power drum brakes and I fully agree about planning your stops in advance. Considerable foot pressure is required to bring her to an emergency stop!!

As for a vintage motorcycle, my dream was always and Indian Chief!! Considering the price those go for,,, it'll never happen.

+1 On the Drum brakes. I have a '66 Cyclone with non power drum brakes. It's a different thing for sure. As for a vintage bike, funny you asked since I just posted a new topic about my '77 BMW R100/7. It has a single disk up front, but I share the thoughts you have about how narrow it is.


'63 Pan Head I had back in the mid '70's


'77 BMW i currently ride besides the Valk and my Road Glide


'66 Mercury Cyclone

[Cruzen]

+1 On the Drum brakes. I have a '66 Cyclone with non power drum brakes. It's a different thing for sure. As for a vintage bike, funny you asked since I just posted a new topic about my '77 BMW R100/7. It has a single disk up front, but I share the thoughts you have about how narrow it is.


'63 Pan Head I had back in the mid '70's


'77 BMW i currently ride besides the Valk and my Road Glide


'66 Mercury Cyclone
[/quote]

Nice toys.  Did you do the Beemer and Cyclone?  That Cyclone a big block car or....

[Valkahuna]

Nice toys.  Did you do the Beemer and Cyclone?  That Cyclone a big block car or....

Thanks Cruzen. The Beemer (see my post from today) was low mileage, and other than removing the fairng, buying new headlight parts, it was just a cosmetic and normal maintenance type resto in 1998. I just did another "refresh" and finshed yesterday. Paint is still all original, as is most of the bike, and I hope to leave it like that.

The Cyclone is a 289, bored .060" over, Dart Sr. heads, Badger flat top pistons, roller rockers, FMS roller cam, true Cobra dual plane hi-rise with 750 Holley, FMS long tube headers, custom SS 3 inch eshaust, etc, etc. I had a BB in '69, and this one is a better car. Revs quick, and runs and sounds great. To be honest, it's a cruzer, too big a heavy for serious work. Puts out about 340 HP. It had been restored when I bought it, but I have maintained it and done mechanical repairs for the 15 years I have owned it.

Had 2.76 gears, went to 4.11, and settled on 3.55 now. Funny thing you mentioned brakes since I have considered seriously going to disks on the front, and upgrading to power brakes. It even has manual steering. My wife won't drive it at all.


This was my go fast car. '97 SVT with all kinds of adders.


With Vortec blower, 476 HP at rear wheels. Just sold it, too many toys. (not enough time)


Engine in Cyclone


Interior