First Bike/First Project - All Help Accepted!!!

[AvidNewbie]

Hey BCF,

I'm breaking into the motorcycle scene with my first project bike come summer time. Through the toil and hard work, I hope to learn a great deal about motorcycles. If all goes well I'll walk (more appropriately, ride) away with a gorgeous classic: the Honda CB/CL350. Currently I've located two that are in very good shape; one being a black 1971 Scrambler and the other a red 1972. I've linked the listings below:

Black 1971 Honda CL350 Scrambler
https://wilmington.craigslist.org/mcy/4319672765.html

Red 1972 Honda CB350-Four
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/4289435887.html

Firstly, I need help finding a manuscript/manual that has the layout of components, parts and whatnot on the CL350 and CB350. I haven't heard back from the sellers, so I thought I'd start familiarizing myself with the bike more comprehensively.

Secondly, what is your opinion on these bikes? Would you consider them decent project bikes to choose? Most people take the bike and go the "cafe racer" route. I'm looking to capture the classic essence of it while adding in some modern touches for everyday-use, not some "weekend toy." Advice on this approach?

Next, what are some tools/machines and supplies I should anticipate getting? I know that's kind of a hard thing to speculate on, but I'm looking to commit to the hobby of motorcycle projects. Side note: I am a full time student at NC State in Mech Engineering, so I'm looking to do this project with my spare time. I'm looking to complete the project over a timespan of about 1.5 years. I think it's a good idea because I'm probably tackling a steep learning curve. Thoughts.

Lastly, where is the best place to look for authentic parts and it's modern counterparts for the CB350 and CL350? I'm sure I can do all the Google searches I want, but I'd rather have some direction from you all first.

A bit about myself: I've been a kinetic/tactile learner for as long as I remember. I've always wanted to work on cars/bikes and whatnot, but I could never find that kind of outlet when I was younger. Now that I'm progressing through college and gaining some financial speed with my work opportunity, I can create that outlet for myself. My knowledge of motorcycles is minimal, but that's the best part. There is so much I can learn, and I want to learn it. Take the time to learn it while in college, and before I'm tied down with a busy career, ya know? This is something I'm committed to doing. I'll be patient. I'll work thoroughly. I'll take in all the information I can get my hands on.

I'm looking forward to going through this project with you all.
____________________
The Newbie

[ws4936]

Welcome AN.

We need a TL;DR synopsis.

Not another teffers?
____________________
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.

[-Matt-]

Hi and welcome

This is genearlly a UK forum just to let you know, but still plenty of good advice and discussion to be had, and a fair few members outside the UK

For diagrams try
https://www.cmsnl.com/search/index.php?spbmbrand=&spbmmodel=CL350+&spbmvin=
or
https://www.cmsnl.com/search/index.php?spbmbrand=&spbmmodel=CB350&spbmvin=

I tryed my hand at '82 Suzuki SB200 last year with limited beginner mechanical knowledge and in all fairness - It was enjoyable and I did enjoy the experience, but I would rather of started on my much newer ZX6 [which I ironically avoided thinking it was too technical, and since have found to be easy to work on with the availability of manuals/forums etc]. The amount of seized and aged parts and bolts I came across were a nightmare at times for a beginner.

The bike is better off now that it was when I got it - but it was a lot of hassle and stress at times. If you have time and effort to commit to it though go for it

[AvidNewbie]

[-Matt-]

I would say, particularly if its in anyway related to your studies, pick something a bit simpler and easier to deal with. If it isn't tied into your studies you could go ahead, but with a limted knowledge/tools/equipment available, expect a very steep learning curve, and quite a lot of expense.

I regret starting out with my SB200 as it was frankly too much to take on as a beginner, and I spent a fair bit of money that I wouldn't of needed to if i'd of known what I was doing with various aspects of it - and that was with the support of various internet forums/videos/knowledgeable friends advise taken into account.

I don't want to put you off as like with me I had a particular interest which was to a restore an older generation bike, but if its a choice of trying, and struggling/failing to restore an older bike at much expense and stress Vs getting to grips with a newer bike with more easily sourced parts/information as a first attempt, i'd go with the latter.

Thats solely from my own personal experience of it so don't make a judgement based on it entirely, but consider it at least until/if someone else can give their own experience