350X rebuild

[seadoo650]

With the season coming to an end, it's time to get going on another winter projsct. The ole' 350 has been needing some extra attention lately. Steering stem bearings are shot, fork seals leak, one fork tubeis bent and the motoris really lacking some power lately. With all that needing done I figured, might as well do it all. I'm wondering with this build, should I restore to original conditon or custom? I've done a few customs but I've never done a full on restore before. Might be fun. Might be expensive. Any input, advice and links to find some nice OEM or NOS stuff will be appreciated. Let the games begin.
Suprizingly, I found no cracks what-so-ever in the frame. Whew!!!
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr143/seadoo650/350X006.jpg
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr143/seadoo650/350X003.jpg

[devilman]

i would say make it custom. IMO if i were to put money into mine to make it OEM as possible, i'd be afraid that i wouldn't want to ride it after completion.

[daniel_250r]

i would go racing style, nerf bars, invert forks, don't see many race x's or atleast i havent

[atcrider1]

id go custom

[The Goat]

custom. You can sell any parts you have left to help other members keep their bikes going, while at the same time adapting new tech so that it's easier to find parts for yours.

An unbeatable situation if you ask me.





As for not seeing cracks... there might be some really tiny ones that ya can't see. Really don't know for sure until the paint comes off if you ask me. Looking at a bar I'd installed the other day under the car, looked good, a few hits with some 60 grit sand paper and turns out it was spiderwebbed...

[fabiodriven]

Even if there aren't any visible cracks, I'd still gusset it.

[Thorpe]

I would make it my own... Cutom it to your liking... Just my $.02

[this guy]

What is with nerf bars on trikes? Make roll design pegs fit your frame and you won't need nerfs, they are very wide and have great teeth with kick ups. As to the X IMO I would love to see someone do a baja racer replica, would be different and be an awesome project with worth while results. With liberty and long travel for all!

[inv3ctiv3]

Original, what's better then a fresh stock 350x? I always notice once people start getting crazy they never look good anymore, just keep the aesthetics as close to stock.

[Mosh]

Logging some miles on the old beast Seadoo.
IMO, just freshen it up, and clean it up, and ride it.It looked great to begin with.
Forget the money invloved with a custom or NOS build.
We know you ride that puppy.

[jeffatc250r]

^^^Exactly my thoughts, make it mechanically sound and run it. Too much into the cosmetics and then it becomes something you are afraid to scratch, unless of course your name is Deepa :lol:

[aldochina]

I also like the oem look. But like others say if you like to ride it, dont know how much NOS stuff i would invest in. You can make it look pretty sweet by using what you have, and just replacing necessity's. It would be nice to have one OEM, and one custom. LOL!! Thats what i'm shooting for.

[Kintore]

Geez Ricky!

Buddy, freshen it up, bend it back and shine it up and ... it and RUN IT!


You ride the thing brotha, Im surprised dumpin it in the sess pool of a ditch you rolled it in didnt take a toll!
The trike smell funny when you starting taking it apart? :lol:

[seadoo650]

No sir. I washed it real good after that.
I've decided to take you'ns advice and just give her a freshen up. Everything on the bike is pretty good. I just rebuilt the carb finally last night. I've had the kit for about two years now but never had any issues with it running.

My plans as of now.
-frame, engine mounts, axle, hubs and headlight guard get PC'd
-get fork tube straight and new seals.
-new bearing (steering stem, swing arm and swinger)
-New top end in motor.
-everything gets detailed cleaning.
-SS bolt kit
-Polish triples and forks.
-Clean up plastics (hopefully like new)

[Kintore]

Now question of the day, what colour PC????

Not RED!

[seadoo650]

Yes josh, Hopefully the same Red as factory. I'll have to get with Buster Brown on what it's called and see if Houser or myself can get it.

[keister]

They run great and look great stock - keep it original.
A little time and elbow grease and it will shine up like new.
I always admire (with envy) your rear fenders complete with valance.
Just my opinion, but I'm a sucker for stockers.

[harryredtrike]

i'd personally keep her mostly stock.you can keep your tires and maybe new handlebars.the 350x looks tough enough stock.

[The Goat]

if you are powdercoating that frame, and you don't gusset it first, I'll bet dollars to pesos that it breaks within six months just to spite ya

[seadoo650]

C'mon Goat, Don't curse me. I've been beating this thing for five or six years now with no issues. Actually only beat oin it for about the first three years. The latter it's been babied.

[MudBug]

id say its going to be nice either way. In the end its your decision , just make sure you post lots of pics!

[code200k]

go midly custom..bars ,rims,make it you own....

[MagicJames]

I love the look of a 1-off 350x, but there is nothing better than someone's ideas coming together beautifully and making a custom machine.