If you do find either a CL350 or CL450 still with the original motor, it's immediately an object of suspicion.
The 350's use the bigend cages to wear the rod eyes badly - and as I said, the 450's go through the hardening on the shafts.
Plus the 450's do the same as the 350's in the bigends - but take longer to do it.
I reckon I was the first person in NZ to crash a SL350. I worked at Gilbeck M/C in Chch (Lichfield St near corner of Manchester) when the Honda first came out, and we used to assemble them after work. There was an alleyway (Struthers Lane, I think) at the rear of the shop where they got 'tested' after assembly. Normally a competition to see who could get the front wheel up the highest. I might not have won that one, but I did win the prize for dropping the wheel into the gutter on the side of the alleyway, endo-ing the nice candy yellow bike! To say the boss was happy would be an understatement!!
Anyway, the front guard, indicators, tank, etc got pretty trashed.
No more 'test' rides after that! This would have been 1970 ish.
Henry,
If you’re looking for a 70’s scrambler with high pipes I’ve got a British one up for grabs. Currently in road trim but comes with the leg burning pipes. 1970 Triumph 500. Reg and wof but needs a cosmetic face lift. Leaks oil.
Thanks but no thanks. What started this was me looking for a modern Triumph Scrambler (the Street Twin one, not the 865) but the prices aren't sensible enough for a third bike. I want a usable bike I can ride on shingle roads with a low seat height. And I love the look of those CL's and I have experience with old Hondas.
Mr Grumph is, however, putting me off. I might try and get one out of the US - they were popular over there and they are cheaper than here by the looks. Kicking myself missing that one for seven grand.
I thought elections were decided by angry posts on social media. - F5 Dave
Well, I have an SL350 frame sitting here if you want to build something suitable.
Many years back I put a GS400 twin in an RM370 frame. I'd liked the SL and wanted something lighter with better suspension.
Made a nice road bike if a tad short of brakes. Brilliant on gravel roads too.
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