Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB350/400 => Topic started by: gtmdriver on September 01, 2015, 10:04:54 PM
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The title says it all really.
I need a rear rack/carrier so that I can put a top box on my 1974 CB350F.
There is a 'universal' one on ebay but that's all I can find.
Has anyone found something suitable?
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'universal' means that it doesn't fit anything properly
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'universal' means that it doesn't fit anything properly
Usually true, but if it's that or nothing then 'universal' often wins the day.
I was lucky in finding a rack for my 400, a member on here had one.
No brackets and needed rechroming but it was the right one for the bike.
A rack from another bike could possibly be made to fit with suitable brackets.
The measurement between the mounts is important, sometimes this is specified in listings, if not you can always ask.
Also look at the distance between the mount point and the 'upright' on the side arms to make sure it will clear the seat.
I was going down this route until I managed to get the Rickman one I now have fitted.
Also just remembered this place who do a rack for the 400, don't know whether it would fit the 350:
http://www.classicbikeracks.co.uk/#!honda---squire/cwm7
Nice looking bike by the way, probably even nicer now the fairing is gone!
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Thanks for that link.
I'll give them a ring to see if it's got a chance of fitting the 350.
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I thought I'd report back on this topic.
With no other option appearing I decided to go for the Universal Rack sold by a couple of ebay dealers.
It cost £46 including carriage and arrived well wrapped and packaged.
It consisted of a pair of twin tube side rails and a separate rack section finished in matt black paint or powder. I can't tell which.
When I removed the grab rail and offered it up to the bike I was pleasantly surprised as it fitted better than I could possibly have hoped for.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/gtmdriver/01_zpshgdtczgm.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/gtmdriver/media/01_zpshgdtczgm.jpg.html)
All I had to do was to file a little metal from the front brackets to clear the rear dampers and make up some alloy spacers an a stainless steel drop plate.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/gtmdriver/02_zpsxijdmmvk.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/gtmdriver/media/02_zpsxijdmmvk.jpg.html)
The only modification I had to make to any of the Honda parts was to extend the indicator wires as the indicators are mounted further back now.
In fact, rather than just splice in some extra cable, I stripped the indicators down and replaced the original wire with a new longer piece. While I was in there I also fitted a proper earth wire too. Honda use a weird system where the grab handle is earthed by two separate wires from an earth lead in the harness under the seat. There is also an internal earth inside the indicator connecting the bulb holder to the metal body. They then rely on the securing screw on the indicator stalk to maintain continuity to the grab handle. I just ran a long wire directly from the bulb holder to the harness earth connector.
I did the same with the front indicators too as Honda originally used a similar system at the front with earthing points inside the headlamp to earth the headlamp brackets.
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Nice job, looks very tidy. Whilst its always a good idea to run a proper earth to the indicators and the rear light, don't forget the earth bracket is also used to rubber mount the indicator. Without it you may be prone to premature bulb failure.
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I realised that but the rubber mounts have seen better days and were allowing the indicators to droop so I decided to try it without them.
I'll keep an eye on the bulbs.
On a related topic is there any way to disable the indicator beeper or is it an integral part of the flasher unit?
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Not got the manual with me, but I am fairly sure that a beeper on the 350F will be an aftermarket thing. I am open to correction on this, but mine is an F0 and it has no facility installed to wire in a bleeper the F1 may be different but I doubt it. If its aftermarket just take it off. Will check the manual tomorrow and if I'm wrong I will get back to you.
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Just spotted this on eBay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/181875952426
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Spotted that at the weekend. Also been looking for an easily detachable CB350F rack. Not sure about the sissy bar/back rest thing (bit American) but it could easily be removed and welded up before chroming. What I don't like is the fastening at the rear that puts the entire weight of the rack and luggage onto the back mudguard (uses the rear light mounts). Think I will keep looking. GTM's arrangement is way better.
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That's the second one of those to turn up.
I'm not keen on the mounting arrangements either.
Just one single tube and the mudguard carrying the load.
At least my cheapie rack is totally frame mounted.