The Honda 350CL: A Vintage Beauty with Modern Reliability Inspirations
KustomGaras - The Honda 350CL is a motorcycle that was produced by the Honda Motor Company from 1972 to 1974. It was part of Honda's line of "big bikes" and was considered a member of the company's "CL" series of motorcycles, which stood for "City and Light Touring."
Honda 350CL was powered by a 346cc air-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produced 27 horsepower. It had a five-speed transmission and a chain final drive. The bike had a top speed of around 100 miles per hour, making it a capable performer for its time.
One of the standout features of the 350CL was its handling. The bike featured a twin-loop steel frame and a front suspension with telescopic forks. The rear suspension used a pair of chrome-plated shocks. This combination of suspension components provided a smooth and stable ride, making the 350CL a great choice for riders who wanted a comfortable and reliable motorcycle for long-distance touring.
Honda 350CL also had a number of other features that made it a great touring bike. The bike had a large fuel tank that held 3.8 gallons of gas, giving it a long range between fill-ups. The seat was comfortable and well-padded, and the handlebars were positioned to give the rider a natural and relaxed riding position. The bike also had a large luggage rack that could be used to carry a set of saddlebags or other cargo.
In terms of styling, the 350CL was a bit of a departure from Honda's other motorcycles of the time. The bike had a sleek and aerodynamic look, with a long and low fuel tank and a set of sleek bodywork that covered the engine. The bike was available in a variety of colors, including Candy Ruby Red, Candy Sapphire Blue, and Candy Gold.
The Honda 350CL was a well-rounded motorcycle that offered a great combination of performance, handling, and comfort. It was a great choice for riders who wanted a reliable and capable bike for long-distance touring. The bike was also popular with riders who wanted a motorcycle that was easy to ride and maintain.
However, the 350CL was not without its faults. One of the biggest complaints about the bike was that it had a tendency to overheat. This was caused by a lack of cooling fins on the engine, which limited the amount of air that could flow over the engine to cool it down. Additionally, the 350CL had a relatively low-compression ratio, which limited its power output and made it less responsive than some of its competitors.
Despite these faults, the Honda 350CL remained a popular motorcycle among riders who wanted a reliable and comfortable bike for long-distance touring. The bike's handling and suspension made it a great choice for riders of all skill levels, and its comfortable and well-padded seat made it a great choice for riders who wanted to put in long hours on the road.
Overall, the Honda 350CL was a great motorcycle that was well-suited to a wide range of riders. It was a reliable and comfortable bike that was easy to ride and maintain. While it may not have been the fastest or most powerful bike of its time, it more than made up for this with its great handling and comfortable riding position. For those looking for a solid and dependable touring bike, the 350CL is definitely worth considering.
Honda 350CL Custom Bike Inspirations
