QuestionI’ve just recently bought a 1970 CB 350 which I love to bits. It’s been well looked after and the guy that I bought it from completely overhauled almost everything on the bike. When I bought the bike, I told him I didn’t know too much about motorbikes (despite riding them for about 7 years) and so would appreciate any advice he could give me. He told me this:
1. Don’t f@ck around with the bike if you don’t have to.
2. Use only 10W40 oil and change it every 500 (five hundred) miles
3. keep and eye on the chain and make sure you tires are inflated properly.
I did all those things and despite the bike running perfectly when I first got it (2 months ago), I am now experiencing a few problems. The main problem is that recently the bike has been slipping gears, meaning that whenever I accelerate (even solftly) the bike will slip from 2nd back to 1st and then it might go back again. Also in the higher gears this seems to happen. Also, the bike won’t go that fast anymore and feels like the clutch is permanently engaged (if only half engaged).
The only problem I can think of is that I didn’t (despite being told so) use the 10W40 oil, but 20W50 (I think these numbers are right). I did that because the self-obsessed idiots at the bike shop (who treated me like a complete d!ck) told me that 10W40 oil is ‘too thin’ for a bike my age.
Can anybody tell me please what’s happening? I love my bike and don’t want it to break down.
Cheers
Scott.
AnswerScott, the oil doesn't have anything to do with your problems, as long as it was not a full synthetic.
If the bike is not staying in the selected gears, something is worn or loose in the shift selector system.
Go here for some parts illustrations and part numbers, which should be valid in the US, if that is where you live.
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350-super-sport-350-k2-us_model431/partslist/
If the clutch is slipping, it is either out of adjustment (should be freeplay at the lever) or it is worn out. If there is no freeplay at hte lever, you need to move the cable adjuster in until you get some slack at the lever.. just about 1/8". If that doesn't fix the problem, then the clutch is probably in need of replacement. There is also a clutch adjuster on the side case, which can wear out, causing difficulties in clutch disengagment.
If clutch is worn out, order a gasket, cover seal, friction and steel plates and replace the parts. While you are into the clutch cover, you can inspect the shift selection parts. Because of the vibration of these twins, screws and work loose anywhere on the bike, including the shift drum retainer or selector.
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350-super-sport-350-k2-us_model431/partslist/E++16....
You may have one problem or two or three, but I can't tell you much more than that, without more details.
Bill Silver
