The CB350

[thecb350]

The filter is shot though so going to order new ones. holy moly they are expensive. Maybe I do have Mikuni Money after all.

[thecb350]

The inside of the covers were pretty ratty too.

I used a trick I’ve picked up restoring old industrial furniture: steel wool to knock back any rust, then a medium rubbing compound, followed by a final polish.

It doesn’t do anything for the paint chips—but it smooths out the rough spots and leaves everything with a nice silky feel, a light gloss, and a wonderful patina.

After all, who doesn't polish their inside air box covers...like we're all doing this, right?

[thecb350]

Before / After. The side covers were pretty dull. Sun faded and even a possible battery acid leak. I polished them with some Novus 1 followed with Novus 2 then a final buff with S100 paste wax. They look a lot better.

The judges at the concours d'elegance won't be impressed, but for the original-paint-with-patina look I'm going for, its all good.

[thecb350]

Here's most of the things I'll need to go back to the stock air filters. Will give them a clean up.

[thecb350]

When I modded anything on this bike I kept the old parts.

Partly I wanted the choice of taking it back to stock.

Partly was just natural hoarding.

And partly I didn't really know what to do with the bits, so it was easier to chuck them into this box.

But that is paying off now, as all the parts I need are still waiting there in the crate.

[thecb350]

I've found a mechanic in town who's willing to help me get this to the finish line. BUT he had one condition...the pod filters have to go.

When I was a younger man, pod filters were all the rage. I had visions of ripping around Brooklyn on my podded cafe racer.

Fast-forward to reality: I just want this bike to run.

And it seems Reddit, bike forums, and even ChatGPT have come to agree with my mechanic - pod air filters are, er...finicky.

I’m not ready to spend Mikuni money on this bike right now. So they gotta go.

[thecb350]

Aaaaand… we’re back. It’s New Year’s Day 2026.

Last post: 2019.

Then life happened. Baby. Covid. Moved to another state. Left my job. Started a business.

Going back through the blog I can see I bought this bike on November 10, 2011. It's been a project now for 15 years!

So: New Year’s resolution - finish more projects. Starting with this one.

Step 1 was find this blog (still there, good old Tumblr) and read through where I was at. Really useful, which is why I’m going to keep posting - mostly for future-me, who will absolutely forget all of this again.

Step 2 was to check the engine and gears. Nothing seized. We are as they say, still in business. Good-O.

[thecb350]

Moved onto the rear cover and got stuck again. That round part with the three ball bearings is not meant to be in two pieces! Now I have to go on eBay to find another one.

[thecb350]

Put the generator back together and the cover on. Unfortunately am missing a gasket so have to pause here.

[thecb350]

New polished cover looks great. Now for the left hand side.

[thecb350]

I’ve binned all the old screws and replaced them with nice stainless steel allen key bolts.

[thecb350]

Putting the right crankcase cover back on. I clean all the surfaces and use white lithium grease to hopefully prevent the new gasket from sticking. Also replace all the o-rings as I go.

[thecb350]

Got this awesome torque wrench to make sure I get all the bolts to the right setting. I’ll re-check some of the ones I’ve done already.

[thecb350]

All the parts are done. Now it’s time to put the bike back together!

[thecb350]

This side cover came up amazing with all the little fins and details polished.

[thecb350]

The big polish wheel got the part very shiny then I use the smaller wheels for the details.

[thecb350]

For polishing the details I’ve ordered a bunch of different fittings for my Dremel. They’re pretty cheap on amazon so am going to try a few different ones. I love buying all these little kits it’s like buying Legos when you were a kid.