Hitchcocks Forum

What's a typical cruising speed of the 350 iron classic?
Out for a run, with rider and passenger around 18st running into a (strong-ish) headwind struggled to get over 40mph; is that normal(ish)?
The bike starts ok and seems normally to be happiest around an indicated 45mph-50mph on the local lanes is this normal?
Mark

That's about it in standard trim. You get more with a free low exhaust and filter. Close ratio conversion makes it much better as well as 3rd is then more usable.

A 350 is not man enough for two up. Sodding around does little good for performance or wallet.
For regular pillion use a 500 is the way forward.
My 2d

I must agree really for 2 up or hilly country they are a bit underpowered, unless you are really just pottering. On the other hand, the 350 is a lot sweeter, less stressed engine.

OK so bike sounds to be running as itcshould. Was a bit worried something was amiss. The bike has a shorter silencer and a mikarb with air filter in the box, early type as bike is from 1990. May renew spark plug, air filter and check valve clearances but it sounds as if bike is running about normally. Maybe best tuning would be slimfast! Suppose the army pannier frames (no panniers) add some weight too. Mark

If you change the air filter I would go for a S&B. Our Hosts have one that fits in the toolbox if you want a classic look. Well worth checking the valve clearances and the point/ignition timing too.

The will see if I can find the filter you refer too. Checked the spark plug (a champion ) and seems the right colour.

Accessory catalogue/carburation/air filters/AM/FILTER20

Ok, thx will take a look...but not sure that fits a 1990 model - assume the filter I need may be AIR FILTER ELEMENT 1, 2 or 3 for the earlier models.
Have found a small issue that may be affecting 'go'; the front tyre some Dunlop with odd tread pattern [fitted by previous owner (3.25x19)] seems to be rubbing on the mudguard on the inside as wheel rotates...doesn't appear to be the brakes but the tyre rubbing.
I know it had a replacement mudguard blade - was / is there a difference in the stays from 1990 to say a 2006 front guard that would cause this?

Quite right, it won't fit