Forum

[ketsa]

Hi all, as I have finally got started on my 1989 350 project, I am having a look at the engine and checking it over I wondered what folk think are good mods to do regarding performance reliability and rideability, (i am under no illusions about the power of these bikes) I don't want to spend a fortune (yes I do but I'm not allowed). I was thinking of things like oil pump upgrade, high comp piston?, electronic ignition. Since I'm stripping the engine anyway what would people regard as sound and sensible upgrades to do to get the best out of the engine. Or should I just leave it be. The Hitchcocks catalogue is a very bad influence, ha.
Most of my riding is done in the north Yorkshire moors and dales on little quiet little roads in the middle of nowhere so this may influence what is best done.
Thanks for any input, Chris.

[Shane]

HI, I have a 350 that I commute daily on, I have done lots of things to it to try and make it reliable enough & comfortable to use daily. In no order the top of my list would be : Powerbox to replace the regulator / rectifier. Upgraded generator. Electronic Ignition. lots of frequent oil & filter changes. Better Air filter setup (not the K&N / other gauze type filters). Bigger petrol Tank, more comfy seat.

My two cents....

[Beezabryan]

As Shane said but I'd leave the filter as is.
Bigger tank is unnecessary unless you intend doing the US IronButt as well as pottering around the Nth Yorks Moors.
Keeping the engine standard will save you a lot of hassle.
My 2d

[PeteF]

I've run a 350 for 6 years now and the best mod BY FAR was the close ratio gearbox conversion. It makes the bike much more rideable as it eliminates the big gap between 3rd and top. I can now get up to 50 in third which is very useful on hills.
A free flowing exhaust and air filter are also worth doing.
I've not felt the need for an upgraded alternator but if you ride a lot in the dark it might be worth it.
I certainly wouldn't bother with upgrading the oil pump unless you are going to do some serious tuning.
Resist the temptation to fit an Amal - there's nothing wrong with the Mikarb with the engine in standard tune.
A higher comp piston wouldn't give you much without doing lots of other stuff and could well spoil the nice "soft" feel of the engine which I think compensates for it's lack of power.
I've fitted a sprung saddle to save my dodgy back but better rear suspension would do the job. The originals are pretty hard.
The forks are pretty stiff as well but you can fix that with thinner oil (ATF seems to work for me)
It is well worth fitting the gearbox end-cover stiffener. It makes the clutch adjustment much easier.
With a bike from 1989 you could well find some of these improvements have already been done.

[Beezabryan]

"It is well worth fitting the gearbox end-cover stiffener. It makes the clutch adjustment much easier."
did it so long ago I'd forgotten about it. Yes, well worth doing.

[John M]

I tried a high-compression piston in my English 350, I did one ride with it and it was horrible, vibrated like hell, replaced the piston with a standard one.
I have gone down one tooth on the gearbox sprocket on my Indian 350 which has made it more flexible on country lanes and makes the huge gap between third and fourth less noticeable. I had to do a hill start on Hardnott Pass the other week (1in3)which required quite a lot of clutch slipping, I hate to think what it would be like on standard gearing, Bullets are gutless "off the cam".
I have a 2.5 gallon tank on the Indian Bullet which is smaller than standard and gives an adequate range although the 1.25 gallon tank on my English bullet can be the cause of some anxiety. I plan at 60 mpg although I suspect that it does a little better.
Bullets are heavy beasts which limits their performance irrespective of any small gains in power.

[ketsa]

Thanks very much for the replies chaps,
some great advice given, and just what i wanted to hear really to reign my mind back in.
So it looks like I'll stick to standard with the engine, just put a freer flowing exhaust and air filter on.
Gearbox end plate stiffener sounds like a good one to do too. And I'll look into the close ratio box / sprocket mods too, sounds intresting.
The bike came in shall we say large lumps, so I have some bits missing anyway one of them been the carb and I will admit I was thinking of going the amal route with that, but now not sure.
I have been looking for any mods already done but so far only copious amounts of red gasket sealer and loose bolts have been found!
A hill start on hardknott is surely a test for many a bike/rider!
Thanks again for all your advice, I feel I now have a lot clearer direction to go in.
Chris.

[simon]

I think breathing is the big issue with the 350. It is a nicely balance relatively high reving motor but they do run out of puff.
On a budget I would recommend an 8:1 piston and a ported head, or maybe just a clean up of the ports as they aren't well fettled in my experience, a free flowing exhaust system and if you can stretch to it a set of the improved cams.

[John R]

I've been running an '89 350 for some years. I agree with most of what's been said ut I would add 1) if you ride away from street lights after dark, an uprated headlight and alternator and 2) a disc brake. Pricey but eliminates endless adjustment of the drum.

[PeteF]

Your budget will stay healthier if you get a Mikarb. Available on Ebay very often in good nick for very little money.