The “Bug out bags” are still a work in progress. I’m not going to be spending a fortune on these, but the initial “luggage” has been replaced with individual bags for each member of the family.
There is no specific emergency these are being prepared for. They are just meant to ensure that we have the essentials for a number of days before anyone becomes hungry, thirsty or cold.
The least important stuff always arrives in the mail first.
As mentioned there were three identified electrical related issues with this bike. The rear brake light cover was smashed, the indicators didn’t flash and the front brake switch didn’t trigger the brake light.
In the mail today was a replacement cover for the brake light and a new relay for the indicators. Kinda handy really as I’m working tonight and don’t have a lot of time, but a few minutes in the garage saw the new relay plugged in and working, and the brake light cover replaced (total cost of both parts shipped came to $50CDN – almost half of that was shipping).
There is a fair amount of rust on the bike, most noticably on the chrome bits. As I’ve now removed the exhaust I’ve spent a little time polishing the chrome bits and trying to restore it’s former glory.
A little googling suggested rubbing the rusty portions with aluminum foil. It actually seems to work, and as I’ve got some time waiting for the first wave of replacement parts to arrive I’ll get a jump on cleaning the exhaust and the wheels.
The seat for the bike was in excellent condition (no rips, tears etc), only a little bit dirty. I dragged it indoors and applied some leather balm and scrubbed the dirt out. The results are entirely satisfactory.
The dismantling continues (albeit slowly as it’s freaking cold out there), The condition of the electrical was unknown as the bike hadn’t had a battery for some time. Visual inspection of the accessible wiring showed it in good condition with no obvious issues. A multimeter across the battery connections showed no dead short, so I cautiously hooked up a new battery (found at Walmart of all places) and turned the key.
Amazingly all the bulbs seem to work right out of the gate. Headlight, taillight and indicators on all four corners. Turn signals do not flash (dead relay?), horn honks and the neutral light turns on and off when the bike is put into gear (I also love the fact that the high beam indicator is a red light on the top of the headlight housing).
A replacement tail light cover was ordered as the one on the bike currently is broken.
Onward.
It’s official. Just back from getting the ownership transfered and I am now the proud owner of a 1972 Honda CB350.She doesn’t run right now, and hasn’t in about three years. Fuel line is broken, battery is AWOL, there is a smattering of rust and the tires hold air, but only briefly. Just about perfect.
My plan is simple. Fix the CB350 up, get her running and make her pretty again. Restoration? Scrambler? Cafe Racer? Who knows where we’ll end up on this, but for the time being I have to get her apart and fix the issues I can find.
