QuestionHi Bill, I just bought a 1969 CB350 with 3700 miles on it. I took a 10 mile loop ride on it and it ran great. An hour later started it up (electric starter) and went to take my daughter for a short ride. We got to the stop sign at the bottom of our hill and as I idled to the stop it quit as if the key were shut off. It seemed to lose all electrics and wouldn't start w/ the electric or kick starter. After about 1.5 -2 miutes, the indicator lights came back and the bike started and ran normally. Rode another mile to our destination and shut the bike down. It restarted easily.Rode it 2 miles home and it quit in my driveway the same way. After a couple of minutes, power came back and restarted normally. The bike had sat for a dozen years and the seller had cleaned the carbs, put in fuel filters, new plugs and battery. I'm amazed at how smooth and strong it runs. Any thoughts on this problem. Also i did not get an owners or repair manual w/ the bike. The ignition switch is 3 position with the middle position for running. Are the other 2 positions simply identical off positions or for other functions? Lastly, would you know of a source for an owners manual and would any of your books discuss this bike on any level? Thanks in advance. I look forward to your response. Jim.
AnswerJim, I am gathering a lot of CB350 info and have a number of files, including shop bulletins and tuneup instructions.
I am working on a Restoration Guide, but it is far from complete, at this point. Check ebay for manuals or the publisher.. www.helminc.com
I would definitely check the bike over for correct wiring connections, including the battery ground which has two connections, one for the harness and the other for the starter solenoid. Sounds like a loose wiring connection, either on the HOT side or Ground.
Look at the fuse holder and fuse for signs of cracking or loose fitting in the connector ends. Check the ignition switch connector under the fuel tank area. If the key is floppy in the switch the contacts or key insertion area may be worn out. These bikes DO have some vibration issues, when they are wound out, so check everything over. I would pull the fuel tank and seat and check the wiring to the coils and across the frame backbone for any loose connections or pinched wires. If the bike has a KILL Switch on the right side handlebar switch, check the wiring to that, but that would only kill the ignition, not the whole power circuit.
Check your battery terminal connections.. they may have loosened up.
The ignition switch has OFF-ON-Park positions. PARK will turn the tail light ON and will run the battery down if left in that position overnight. The key DOES come out in PARK position.
Test the charging system to see if it has a good rectifier and voltage regulator. Put a volt meter on the battery and watch it when you turn the key ON, when cranking it over with the starter and when it is running. Should be up around 13v above 3-4k rpm.
Wiggle the handlebars back and forth, with the key ON to see if you are having any handlebar wiring issues or if the motion is affecting wiring connections under the tank or next to where cables are routed.
Bill Silver
