Background - How I Got Here

I have loved motorcycles all my life. I remember purchasing a book on trail-riding when I was in elementary at a garage sale and reading it cover to cover repeatedly. There was just something about them that drew my attention and fueled my daydreams.

Unfortunately for me, my parents did not share my enthusiasm for two-wheel adventures, and I was not allowed to acquire a cycle. I even had one lined up (1974 Yamaha 175 Enduro) when I was 15 for $100 that needed a "bit" of work. I had the sale lined up and ready to go when I received the official "No" from the parents. Looking back, I am glad that they did, because that bike turned out to be a POS that probably never ran again.

Fast-forward to my second year of college and an surprise phone call. My brothers (future) father-in-law was cleaning out his garage and wanted to get rid of he old motorcycle. It ran when he parked it about 10 years ago. Did I want it? Heck ya I did.  My brother informed me that he would load it in his truck and bring it out the next time he came to visit. All I was told was that it was a Honda and it was red. 

If my memory serves me correctly, I had to wait about 3 weeks for the delivery to occur, and I remember it fondly. I was expecting a basket case, but it was stored in a garage and taken care of fairly well. I recall going over it again and again trying to learn how everything worked and what needed to be cleaned. I was a proud owner of a 1970 Honda CL350 K2.

Here are some pics of that glorious day:

Working on my bike

My Pa checking it out with me keeping a close eye on him

After a lot of cleaning, a few new parts, and a permit/skills test, and a lengthy process to procure a title,  I was a motorcycle rider. I used this motorcycle to commute to college and work when the weather permitted. There were issues that came and when, but the bike served me faithfully for six years. In 2005, I purchased a bigger bike (1982 Harley FLT) so my wife and myself could ride with more comfort. When the hog showed up, my loyal Honda got parked and covered. It needed new tires, carbs rebuilt and probably more than I wanted to do at that point.

The 82 FLT lasted two years until I upgraded to a brand new Heritage Softail for reliability. The Softail was rode only 2400 miles over two years, so we decided to sell it because we just were not using it enough. Jumping on the bike for a quick ride is difficult when you need to find a babysitter first.

As of this time, I have been without a working motorcycle for almost 2 whole years, and I have had enough. I have decided that I am going to get the 350 going again, but with a twist. I have always been drawn to the older, custom bike like the bobbers and the cafe racers. After doing a lot of looking and a lot of reading, I have decided that I am going to strip the 350 completely down and built it back with some cafe racer modifications.

Here is a image that I found that represents what I am going for on with my Honda.

http://rocket-garage.blogspot.com/2009/10/honda-cl-350.html

Well that is where I am at right now, I have started to the 350 down, and I will be posting pics and updates as often as I can. If you have advise, suggestions, or resources that you think would benefit me, please share them in the comments. Any and all help is appreciated.

Later!