CL350 - should I buy?

[Rubin]

Found a great little '72 CL350 scrambler for sale. I really like the style, price is right and I think it would make a great addition. This looks to be in great shape and will be going to see it in person on Thursday. Any thoughts on these? I have heard the engines are pretty tough.

Cheers!!

[fredintoon]

Found a great little '72 CL350 scrambler for sale. I really like the style, price is right and I think it would make a great addition. This looks to be in great shape and will be going to see it in person on Thursday. Any thoughts on these? I have heard the engines are pretty tough.
Cheers!!

Hi Scott,
Go for it! The CL350 along with the CB350 really stand up. my CB350 is near the top of the long list of bikes I wish I'd never sold.

[Rubin]

Well, I am really leaning towards it. I love the looks as I said, and always wanted a scrambler. I had been looking at the new triumphs but they are a little cost prohibitive. Debating making it a cafe, I think it will depend on how stock it is. With a good set of stock pipes and what not, I might just leave her as she is and get a basketcase to play with. It has new tires, though they are road ones. Kinda interested in doing some local dirt if I can find some. Anyone ride off road around Hamilton, Ontario?

Final reason for looking at this bike is for the gf. I have to get her a riding course next year and will let her ride this 'new' one. Her dad has a beautiful 1973 Triumph Bonneville that he had custom chromed the tank and side panels. Added a union jack on the tank to finish the look, added some rearsets, cafe bars an oil cooler and redid all the electrics. He can't ride it anymore with a badly healed leg, so it currently sits in his home office. Even has his original leather helmet and coat he had taken across England and Canada. The jacket has already been inherited by her, but I am hoping she gets a number of years of riding in before she gets to ride the Bonnie. I try hard every time I am over visiting not to mess up the finish from drool and it can be difficult keeping myself from asking him to let me take it out. I will have to post pics sometime, I have taken plenty!

[cywelchjr]

I regret to this day selling my 75 CL360. Was a good solid and fun bike. I wish I could find another one now, but so far have had no luck.

[motoman]

Friend of mine had one back in the day when we were 15yrs.old............They really have an awesome sound specially with the high pipes. We used to ride that thing in places two-up that two wheels weren't designed to go, if you know what I mean. Even rode it on snow covered streets. Just fine if we stayed in the loose snow and not ride in wheel tracks or the hard pack stuff..........the two of us picked that thing up many a time after going down on slick streets or knarley trails.........had to watch for large rocks as it didn't have a skid plate......Amazing someone mentions one of these.........brings back some memories that were a hoot.

[fredintoon]

- - - Her dad has a beautiful 1973 Triumph Bonneville that he had custom chromed the tank and side panels. Added a union jack on the tank to finish the look, added some rearsets, cafe bars an oil cooler and redid all the electrics. He can't ride it anymore with a badly healed leg, so it currently sits in his home office. - - -

Hi Scott,
if the only reason the GF's dad can't ride the Bonneville is because of a gammy leg, have him hang a sidecar on the bike.
Hit "sidecar" on the search function to see what can be done. It's easier with a Bonnie than with a Yamaha.

[Rubin]

I keep trying, but that is his argument. The old BSA with the sidecar rig was sold off during the divorce. That was also a beaut, have a few pics of the gf as a child sitting in it with her sister. He also had an old Norton Commando, and loves the new one that came out. Something tells me he has a thing for old British iron, lol.

[Rubin]

some promised photos:

the Bonnie:


The CL350 in question:


I am thinking kill the handlebars, refinish the seat and ride the hell out of it. Bar end mirrors might be needed though.

[Rubin]

Well, quick update. I now have a 1972 CL350 in my brother's shed. Went to see her, and after the guy brought out the book with all his receipts as well as the old parts he had replaced, all in little baggies, I was essentially sold. Started her up and she sounded great, pipes had some surface rust but were solid. They carted her home for me then i was able to push her into the shed. Sadly, no riding for another few months. Least I can plan and start purchasing stuff for it. Needs mirrors - so bar ends. Needs a rear tire, and trying to decide on a street or dual sport tire. Any thoughts on this?

[cywelchjr]

Well, quick update. I now have a 1972 CL350 in my brother's shed. Went to see her, and after the guy brought out the book with all his receipts as well as the old parts he had replaced, all in little baggies, I was essentially sold. Started her up and she sounded great, pipes had some surface rust but were solid. They carted her home for me then i was able to push her into the shed. Sadly, no riding for another few months. Least I can plan and start purchasing stuff for it. Needs mirrors - so bar ends. Needs a rear tire, and trying to decide on a street or dual sport tire. Any thoughts on this?

On a scrambler? Dual sport for sure. That thing was made for some mild off road riding.