HONDA XR350 Lovers

[TT5 Matt]

xr350's and xl350's are based on the xlx250 motor and theres a good chance the g/box is the same but don't quote me on that before checking part numbers first I just thought id mention it for the people chasing bits for these bikes

[Davey Crocket]

SUZUKI311 I feel your pain, we needed 3 engines to make 1, got the cam reground by Ivan TIGHE in Brisbane, the rod kits you get for them are 5mm bigger in the crank pin, so you need a specialist engineer to fit it, [mind you, Honda can sell you a new complete crank for $1800.00.....bargain eh bro].....timing chain guides are like finding unused condoms in a knock shop, they have about 25.000.000 parts.....Honda must have thought , "lets design engine/gearbox with most parts in world"...."we smart, we so smart we build complete new engine after 2 year and then stop build altogether....ha ha, we teach them resson".....that must have been the mission statement.

[Mick D]

Go off mate,  send that mr Honda ahole a petition, or something send it via me, I'll sign anything(if ya let me have a ride on your bike) 
 
And don't worry about raining on my parade Rodger, exactly what I am looking for, education. I want to know what I am up for

What I do know first hand now, is that as 80-85 Husky(is it Ray?) says the 350 turns on request, the 500RE in standard trim does not. My 500 is low k, as sweet as, I love its thunderous rear end hook up to the ground power, but I have to steer it with the rear brake and the throttle, that ain't all bad,,,,, but being a heavy pig & all, it would be great if the front wheel would pitch in and steer a bit when the shit hits the fan.

So down the 350 path I go, no choice now, just gone ahead and bought two I figure with all that you blokes said That I would need one for spares

[Slakewell]

The easiest way to get more free power from them is help them breath. The airbox were tiny and shit. If you can build a custom air box and fit a normal air filter do so. We used to cut 25mm holes in the air box then cut the mesh wire from the backfire screen on the airfilter and used to help cover the holes to stop the large bits coming in.

[Mick D]

good idea. I have two beat up 79 rz tanks as well, so will be looking at that down the track too, thx. Hope to weight the re500 against the first smokey 350 2morrow. The first one has a broken spring on the cam chain self tensioner. A  very common highh hour first failure. Been reading the web and eves droping on other forums. If  not repaired it wiil lead to chain  sprocket hop on start up kick back and lunch valves etc.

[Slakewell]

I wish my memory was better. I sure I have seen a 84 CR swingarm and shock fitted to the XR frame and also the CR rear sub frame making bolt on, on the same bike. Bike had a custom air box and a smaller 250 tank. Its a bit foggy.

[Mick D]

I wish my memory was better.

Me too

Hey do ya reckon Nathan still laughs at that "I think Slackwell is right" thing? I do, but I can't help wondering if Nathan still dont

[Mick D]

I have been told/learnt that they leak at the head gasket after top end rebuilds because they pull threads in the alloy cylinder where the securing screws/bolts hold the cylinder head to the cylinder(maybe because of inadequate design being disturbed and/or then over tensioned)?? We'ill see

A trap for those who haven't been told.

The second one I have bought, has this problem after a costly rebuild. I have scored the whole bike cheaper than the rebuild. Just got o pick it up from Melbourne, so if any one needs some bikes transported between Newcastle and Melbourne within the next week? PM me.

[80-85 husky]

yep, you've already found two issues for the re rf models..pulled threads and distorted castings were common and often caused "wreckeritis " to set in at an early age....

[Mick D]

"wreckeritis" classic. Straight to websters.

They are a nice vinduro ride though. And as Slackwell says. When sorted they can double as a good race bike too. We are lucky to have a growing fiur stroke only class in NSW Heaven. Just have to be pre85

[Mick D]

Weighed the 35o. Complete standard road trim with 3 liters of fuel? Blinkers. Lights etc. But No mirrors. 59kgs on rear & 55 on front. Precipatated off again at rain central. Will update accurate weights in future.

[80-85 husky]

sounds pretty right, 115 kg on the start line....best start a resto thread so we can check on "heartbreak city"

[Paul552]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Honda-xr-350-Yamaha-Kawasaki-Suzuki-vmx-rare-/251554089081?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item3a91cac879&_uhb=1

More spares. Looks pretty nice too

[80-85 husky]

looks the goods, wonder whats happened to it??

[DIRTPILOT72]

Get an 86, i think they were sorted by then.