The only modifications I made during reassembly were related to engine oiling. I heard about oil starvation problems with the 350 Twin top-end and decided to debur and polish journals, passages and galleys; replace the cast iron oil pump with a later model aluminum unit which has a larger piston; and finally, cut a shoulder in the cam end housings to add o-rings which seal the eccentric valve adjusters. Yes, it would have been easier to use the later model cam housings, but it's the journey, right? I also cleaned the intake and exhaust ports a little, who could resist?

Over time, I made a few changes to accomodate my developing riding style and aesthetic tastes. I swapped the 19" CL front wheel for an 18" CB wheel, mounted Avon Roadrunner AM20 90/90H18 front and AM21 110/90H18 rear tires, installed an early model CB350 front fender, switched the Scrambler bars to clubmans and replaced the original clutch lever with a GSX-R part, which has a large ratcheting adjustment wheel. I also did a lot of research on Honda 350 Twin racers from both the past and present to stoke my ideas.

This was my first motorcycle and I rode it regularly until the Spring of 2001, when the right piston kissed the counter weight of the crank and turned the oil into a beautiful metallic slurry. Thankfully the engine did not sieze and I was able to limp it home to safety.

I am in the process of putting it back together again and have added stiffer clutch springs, port matched the intakes with the carb boots, removed the electric starter and modified the countershaft sprocket cover to simplify sprocket replacement.

While I am at it, I have swapped the front fork and triple clamps for later model 350 parts and added a disk brake, taper bearing headset and clip-on handlebars. I am planning rearset foot controls, racing type exhaust, long tank and bumpseat.