QuestionI'm the very proud owner of a beautiful, all original red '73 cb350f. I've heard everything from 'dime a dozen' to 'very rare'. I'm never selling this bike (she was my father's), but I'd like to know. Is this a rare classic, or just ridiculously gorgeous?
AnswerSean, I loved them so much that I bought one new, as well! Honda sold them from 1972 to 1974, then recreated the machine into the CB400F, another classic.
Actual production and sales figures are unknown. The major problem with keeping them original is that the exhaust pipes rotted out quickly and there are no Honda replacements now. Part of the charm was the original 4 pipe/muffler setup. They come up on Ebay often, with prices ranging from $1000 to perhaps $3500 for a mint one with correct exhaust system.
The bikes were criticized for a lack of power, for its size and kind of a cushy ride, but not very sporting demeanor. The CB400F, based on the CB350 to a great extent got the benefit of a 6th gear in the trans and a neat 4:1 sport exhaust system. Performance-wise, the 400s would run away from the 350s.
Just keep it nice and shiny and if the stock exhaust pipes are still intact, spray a little WD40 up inside the little drain holes in the bottoms of the mufflers to keep the corrosion down.
Nice thing to inherit and keep in the family...
Bill Silver
www.vintagehonda.com
