What I saw was this 1976 Honda CB360T.
Just from this picture I could see what I was getting into. I am no stranger to motorcycles, so even though the ad said "running condition" I knew not to expect to see a bike with the gas tank all "akimbo," the points cover missing, and no air filters actually run. And what do you know, I was right. When I went to look at it, it would not start...big surprise. Not really. Actually the kid was really insistent about jump starting it with his car but I really didn't want the many months old gas from a rusty tank running through the engine any more that he already might have ran it. So I gave him $420 for the bike and for him to drive it to my house and what do you know now I have another motorcycle. Damn it, what did I just get myself into.
I instantly start tearing it down, having never more than taken the dipstick out of a motorcycle to check the oil. Let me tell you it is a much needed experience for a young man. I'm serious you can google that shit.
Anyway, I haven't gotten much past doing some basic tear down yet, but the good news is that my Clymer Maintenance/Repair Manual came in the mail, so as soon as I get some nice long days of nothing to do but stare at walls, I can really get into this project. I really look forward to having something constructive to do rather than staring at the walls, which is what I would normally do were it not for having something better to do.
Here is an abbreviated sequence of my work so far:
Tank and seat off.
Lots of other stuff removed.
Action Shot!!!!!!
Partially sanded tank. Planning on leaving it with a brushed metal finish with red trim. It looks awesome, believe me. The original Honda badges will also make a reappearance.
Engine shot with the punk rock keychain. I felt it was only appropriate.
Now that some progress has been made I figure I can talk about my plans. First off I want to continue disassembly so I can clean everything and repaint the frame (black). I need to drain/replace all the fluids and grease everything. I want to clean up and paint the engine and check its compression, timing, valves etc. Really glad I bought the Clymer, I have been reading through it and already feel like I know 10x more about this engine than a week ago.
I plan on going kick start only, and the wiring is looking kinda ratty, so I might ditch the electric start and redo my wiring harness accordingly (I am not an electronics guy, but the wiring diagram in the back of my manual does not look too complex...also I am not an idiot when it comes to deciphering these sort of things, which should help me out here...and I just happen to have a few roommates who dabble in the art of electronics). I wanted to go no battery, but from what I have been reading this bike will not even idle properly without a battery, so I may have to live with this cumbersome beast of a 12V, or buy a smaller battery, but who has the $ for that when the battery that came with the bike is brand new.
To finish off I want to add some clubman or clip on handle bars, chop the exhaust to straight pipes, add some pod air filters, and rejet my carbs to accomodate the increased air flow. I also want to add a very low profile two person seat al la the motofiaccone RD400: http://www.motofiaccone.com/moto/43-rd400-cafe-racer/103-twoupcaferacerseat
The main goal is to drop off as much weight as possible from this bike and tune it up so that it might just "do the ton." Google that shit if you don't know whats up.
I'll do my best to keep the work flowing and the updates coming. Word of stoke and/or encouragement are always helpful and greatly appreciated!
