350X refresh questions

[rot box]

Hey fellas, Our 85 350X that my dad bought new has been a dune machine for as long as I can remember. No clue on hours but this engine has never been opened up—ever. Still runs like new no issues to report. This winter I’m going to give it a frame gusset kit (much needed) and I’d like to freshen up the top end. What can I do to give it a little more giddyup?? I ride it twice a year at St. Anthony other than that it sits. Was thinking a wiseco 10.5:1 piston and a cam would wake it up a bit? What should I replace or inspect while I’m in there?

Thanks for any help,

Andrew

[Shawn Powell]

Hey fellas, Our 85 350X that my dad bought new has been a dune machine for as long as I can remember. No clue on hours but this engine has never been opened up—ever. Still runs like new no issues to report. This winter I’m going to give it a frame gusset kit (much needed) and I’d like to freshen up the top end. What can I do to give it a little more giddyup?? I ride it twice a year at St. Anthony other than that it sits. Was thinking a wiseco 10.5:1 piston and a cam would wake it up a bit? What should I replace or inspect while I’m in there?

Thanks for any help,

Andrew

If you’re gonna do the piston go with the 12-1 , Webb cam , 400ex carb and a good exhaust (HRE header with a 450r muffler) and port then head if you have the money or know how. This will give you a real reliable machine and really liven up your experience. Of course this gets pricey , I would for sure do the 400ex carb you could get a used one on eBay (you’ll need a 400ex throttle cable as well) and while you have it apart get an EBC heavy duty clutch kit for a 300ex


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[rot box]

Thanks for the reply Shawn, would a 12:1 require race fuel? Was kinda hoping to keep her on 91.

[Shawn Powell]

Thanks for the reply Shawn, would a 12:1 require race fuel? Was kinda hoping to keep her on 91.

Depends on conditions. If that’s real concern then use the 10.5-1. My bike will run on 91 if it has to but I wouldn’t run it hard or dune ride like that. When I go to the sand once a year for the invasion I run pure unleaded 108 VP. Most of the time I mix it 50/50 with 91. (100 octane) and it runs great. Keep in mind most of your modern efi 450/250/‘s run on 91 and have 14-1 comp. Granted they are water cooled and the efi compensates for fuel / air ratios depending on exhaust temp / and humidity all that fancy stuff. Higher octanes in a high comp air cooled bike will help keep it cooler. This is what I was told by the guys at racetech who did my machine work / head porting. I guess it just depends on how much power you wanna squeeeze out of it.


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[rot box]

Thanks again man I appreciate the help.

[BOB MARLIN]

I run all my 350’s with a 10.25:1 wiseco. They run better than stock, start better and it seems to add a bit of torque. Plus they really don’t care what fuel you run. Add an old supertrapp exhaust and you’ll have a real nice running very dependable machine. If you want real HP gains you’ll have to go with what Shawn suggested.

[rot box]

Thanks for the reply Bob, speaking of exhaust I currently have a Cobra and it is too LOUD! I’m thinking (if I can’t track down a supertrap) I’ll cobble together a 450 muffler. Anyone know what years work best? Looking for one with a spark arrestor...

[BOB MARLIN]

Ya, the cobras were kinda loud. I have a nice DG on one of mine but the thing is so loud my ears ring after a long ride.
Someone will chime in on the 450 muff. I have no experience with that, but I know it’s been done .

[Shawn Powell]

Contact HRE atv , I believe they are in Pennsylvania, they make and sell a header that will work with any modern (2008ish) 450r TRX muffler. Stock or aftermarket. I used a Lexx from rocky mountain atv. Comes with a spark arrestor and a quiet core. Up to you , I’m running just the arrestor but it sounds great. You can always find an eBay stock muffler I’m sure.


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[rot box]

Thanks fellas, a Lexx would be perfect! I’ve ran them on dirtbikes in the past great results.

I’m going to start pulling it down soon. It’ll mostly be a winter project looking forward to breathing new life into the ol’ girl.

[Shawn Powell]

Thanks fellas, a Lexx would be perfect! I’ve ran them on dirtbikes in the past great results.

I’m going to start pulling it down soon. It’ll mostly be a winter project looking forward to breathing new life into the ol’ girl.

Make sure when you order it get a later model I think 08 and up other wise you’ll get the wrong gasket. Easy fix and Rocky Mountain sent me one free of charge but takes time. Talk to the HRE guys they know what year to order.


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[6spdls1z28]

I have a 400ex big gun silencer on mine with a custom head pipe. I put it on YouTube how it was made.

[rot box]

Thanks again fellas :cool:

[weird350x]

I have a 400ex big gun silencer on mine with a custom head pipe. I put it on YouTube how it was made.

link to the build?

[Dirtcrasher]

The OEM stock TRX450 muffler was a nice upgrade, but it wasn't doing you any favors in performance and it's large and heavy. Honda used to off an HRC tip for that exhaust, I still have one. It replaced the stock tip and put a much larger diameter tip on there. If you can find a DG head pipe (they seem to be about the biggest diameter), but if I recall, the Cobra headpipe may have been a fairly large diameter as well. Unless someone just but a Cobra onto the OEM head pipe? If you find a DG headpipe, then you can mate it to a better flowing, lighter silencer. Like the Big Gun mentioned above, a Supertrapp, a Yoshi, or any other exhaust used on the TRX 450R. If your head flows well it has to get out of the exhaust well too.

[rot box]

Sweet, yeah the cobra head pipe is quite large so maybe I’ll keep it and adapt a better muffler to it. I’m keeping an eye out on the classifieds but may end up with the LEXX either way it’ll be an improvement over what I have now

[J!m]

Hi guys.

Since I'm currently seeking a stock 350X muffler, would the stock 450R muffler be a quieter option that the DG I now have? Although I have not heard my 350X run with this muffler yet, its reputation precedes it.

I am actively seeking a stock 350X muffler (please all check your part bins, attics and dumpsters!) I thought this might be a good stop-gap.

Also, are the mounting points of the 450 muffler the same as the 350X muffler?

[Shawn Powell]

The stock 450r muffler will most certainly be quieter than a DG. The mounting point mounts up on the bike you’ll either have to fab the mid pipe to work with your stock heated or buy the HRE header. And if you can’t find one for a decent price the Lexx is 220$ and come with a quiet core installed. (You’ll need the HRE header or range mid pipe still.


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[J!m]

I have the DG header now; I may be inclined to sacrifice it "for the cause" and sell the muffler alone (or trade for something I need).

I'm not interested in hoarding a bunch of parts; I just want to get this trike done and riding with OEM/stock parts and performance.

[Dirtcrasher]

The DG muffler itself has to be the loudest most obnoxious sounding exhaust I've ever heard, it adds top end but it's real loud. Some clown will be happy to own one, some people love the loud exhausts. I'm sure I posted 15/20 years ago on this board about fitting a TRX450R muffler, try a search (google may find the post easier, add 3 wheeler world)

N/M, here you go, it was 2007: http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=70979&highlight=450R+350X and also https://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/25052-TRX450R-muffler-on-350X?highlight=350x+450r

There are others, Google is easier to search with IMO.

Very quiet in stock form, these (mew take off) mufflers were about 25$ each back then as no racer wanted them. also the foot pegs, axles, hubs etc. Now they're worth good money, like everything else Honda stops making.

[J!m]

Thank you for that! I'll read now...

My trike came without a decomp cable; I have a new (Honda) one being delivered today. I was able to kick it over, without me being kicked over, so I suspect there are significant problems behind the "smokes a lot" description. I'd guess NOT valve seals...

Been reading the Honda workshop manual as bedtime reading. That carburetor is pretty complex- a butterfly AND a piston?!? What was/is the logic behind this? And it is assuming I have a stock carb, which I'm not even sure of yet. I kicked it over a few dozen times, aired up the tires, pushed it into the garage and covered it. Checked the front wheel for identification (It's an Enkei, with an 1185 date code on it. Sounds like an 86 200x wheel perhaps?)

[6spdls1z28]

link to the build?

https://youtu.be/GYPvu0hbghs?si=YK4PTpIM-dCuWui4
Sorry haven’t been on here in a while

[J!m]

So, the 400EX head pipe works on the 350X? I thought you had to use the 350X head pipe? (I guess that is the way it was done prior)

But the 450 parts are very cheap in comparison (and stainless), so this looks like a VERY do-able job to me.

[J!m]

Assuming the spacing etc. all work, here's a cheap brand new option for the head pipe:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/296334888212?fits=Make%3AHonda&_skw=honda+400ex+exhaust&itmmeta=01K7PVE7ZBM5N0KFAY5BS6BRTD&hash=item44feef8d14:g:mbMAAOSwr2NmCuoD&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1d5HrLqJ TXN3%2FlQAAxRaPEIiEIIU562crvz2jgYbU3iMBmt%2FIO2KOp k%2BVWxuzEnpEh7YZAWoG%2B5XTDVg%2FOdMqNOcclC%2F8nAh xm8%2FB6pnJEp8I91I7p8CmshPBW4vGNmD8%2Fdmi5mIPhjYkc CN1qNHXzkh3CNovMYSRSod17%2BrT3cBCQD1TSDYYBYq6We357 0U4VoNlaeBSY5jedtGzLUNMDh7hT9waptXrOGIK%2BWrp3WVZF qKSCPIUiENXKPPnYtwizG%2FW%2BuSiEyIm1ZEiuoFlDS6xyWP Bn3FbvlrxAIe1UCnA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8CAudu9Zg

[6spdls1z28]

So, the 400EX head pipe works on the 350X? I thought you had to use the 350X head pipe? (I guess that is the way it was done prior)

But the 450 parts are very cheap in comparison (and stainless), so this looks like a VERY do-able job to me.

You have to cut the 400ex head pipe about where the 350x one ends and weld the end on it there. I show it in my video.

[J!m]

I did see that but it shouldn’t be a big deal.

I’ve been offered a complete exhaust on Facebook but I’m concerned. Seller has the same user name as another but different avatar photo.

https://i.ibb.co/PvDXfcXR/IMG-3795.png (https://ibb.co/xtF9R19y)
https://i.ibb.co/gMWgxWPQ/IMG-3796.jpg (https://ibb.co/JRpk9py8)

[J!m]

Anyone able to vet them? The top one has many listings of different machines and seems to be legit.

The bottom one is the seller offering me parts, and I just want to be sure of who I'm dealing with (I'm not buying the ATC70 there, just showing the same name with different avatar). Second seller has far fewer listings for things to sell, which isn't a red flag itself, but I'm just concerned.

I did do a reverse search on the images he sent me, and none came up anywhere else.

[J!m]

Seller is assuring me one page is his group and the other just a post? Still leery…

[Dirtcrasher]

Seller is assuring me one page is his group and the other just a post? Still leery…

If the prices are really good, then it's probably a scam.

Facebook is absolutely filled with scammers, and anyone can create a group. And then have 20 fake accounts replying, just saying.

In this website, we rarely had anyone get scammed back in the day. Smart phones, Facebook and the ease of use have made the whole space very dangerous.

[J!m]

Very true.

Stephen- I sent you a message and text yesterday. Just confirming that’s me.

[KASEY]

the XR400 head pipe is a direct fit also its stainless and shorter in the back that is what i have used on several 350x's the original guard is nicer too271941

[rot box]

^ that one looks killer! :cool:

[rot box]

Been busy today taking the mighty 350X down to the frame. ALL motor mounts were compromised in some way—yikes. Thinking I’ll do the swamps gusset kit I like the looks of that one :D

I’ll try and figure out how to post pics and take you guys along for the ride.

[J!m]

I look forward to your thread!

Here's mine: https://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/193434-Let-the-games-begin!-(1986-350X-project)

[Red Rider]

I’ll try and figure out how to post pics and take you guys along for the ride.I like to go on rides. Bring it on!

[rot box]

Sweet thanks guys! I’m making some nice progress on the ol’ girl. Cleaning off barnacles and clusters of goo/grime from the 1980’s haha.

[rot box]

Anyone have experience upgrading the ball bearings to taper bearings in the steering stem? My ball bearings are in rough shape. Is this truly a bolt in kit or? Trying to wrap my head around how they fit…. Thanks

https://bvctrikes.com/products/tapered-steering-bearing-kit

[Red Rider]

I installed a set of All Balls tapered bearings (which is probably what BVC sold you) into an '86 Tecate steering head. It should be very similar on the 350X. Just pound out the old bearing races, from the steering tube, with a drift/hammer. If there isn't enough of a lip on the old races, to catch & push out with the drift, you'll need to carefully cut them out with a dremel/chisel. Once they are removed, clean up the steering tube, then install the new races by pounding them in with a block of hard wood, and a hammer. Do not hit the races directly with the hammer. Always insulate the races, from the hammer blows, with the block of hard wood. Go slowly, and make sure they go in straight, and all the way until they are fully seated in the head tube.

[Red Rider]

I almost forgot. The hardest part of the installation will be getting the steering stem pressed out of the lower triple clamp/bearing. Once removed, the old lower bearing and seal can be swapped out for the new bearing and seal. Then the steering stem will have to be pressed back into the triple clamp/seal/bearing.

[J!m]

Instead of tapping the races, I suggest a length of threaded rod and some washers or a couple blocks of wood with holes drilled for the threaded rod.

[rot box]

Sweet thanks everyone :cool:

[rot box]

What’s the best way to clean 40 years worth of barnacles and goo off this engine without damaging the paint? I’ve tried dawn dish soap and a scrub brush but it’s not really doing it…

[J!m]

I'm a fan of Brakleen and a toothbrush personally.

But paints vary, so ALWAYS TEST. But usually, I have very good luck with this on many things...

[GeoD]

Give McKee's 37 engine degreaser or WD-40 Specialist Cleaner & Degreaser a try.

[J!m]

I actually had another thing to add. I recently tried simple green foaming coil cleaner. Designed to clean a/c unit evaporator coils. Spray and wip or spray and wash off. It works well!

[rot box]

Thanks fellas I’ll give those things a try. I think the paint is in good shape just crusty/gooey.

[rot box]

Gonna crack the engine open soon. Wondering what I’ll find? I wouldn’t dare guess the miles/hours but it’s definitely up there! Doesn’t smoke, still has plenty of compression etc. We’ve never so much as checked the valve clearance. Been one hell of a good machine. Anyway I’ll take a close look at the cam journals and rockers etc.


Wish I knew how to post pics haha. Many failed attempts..,

[Footy]

Gonna crack the engine open soon. Wondering what I’ll find? I wouldn’t dare guess the miles/hours but it’s definitely up there! Doesn’t smoke, still has plenty of compression etc. We’ve never so much as checked the valve clearance. Been one hell of a good machine. Anyway I’ll take a close look at the cam journals and rockers etc.


Wish I knew how to post pics haha. Many failed attempts..,

You have to use the feature that says"Go Advanced". Also the photo size has to be small.

[Dirtcrasher]

Gonna crack the engine open soon. Wondering what I’ll find? I wouldn’t dare guess the miles/hours but it’s definitely up there! Doesn’t smoke, still has plenty of compression etc. We’ve never so much as checked the valve clearance. Been one hell of a good machine. Anyway I’ll take a close look at the cam journals and rockers etc.


Wish I knew how to post pics haha. Many failed attempts..,

I can only do it on my phone now. We used to use Tapatalk which was a pain but it worked, or we'd upload pictures with photobucket (which often disappeared years later).

If you changed your oil and or ran good oil, I'll bet you'll find the bottom end is perfect and the crank will be fine too. As well as the cylinder head journals and camshaft, even the valves if there was no smoke (valve seals can't hurt). I've been in quite a few 350X motors and the timing chain guides just don't seem to wear out (unlike the 200X), only the timing chain stretches over time. You probably just need a complete gasket set, a top end, and maybe a clutch. Even the kickstart gears last forever on these motors. The ATC350X is an excellent engine!!

[rot box]

Thanks again fellas I appreciate the help. I’m to the point I can start welding on the swamps brackets. Kit looks great, it all seems to fit good, nice instructions as well.

[rot box]

Well I have all my brackets welded on. Swamps did a great job of putting this kit together :cool:

Time to get it ready for powder coat. Honda R109 is what I’m after does that sound right? I’d like an exact match on that red and possibly add a little metallic to make it pop. What do you guys think?

[J!m]

Do they offer a replacement muffler mount bracket? Mine has been cut off…

[rot box]

Anyone have experience with upgrading the steering stem ball bearings to roller bearings? I see they offer roller bearings but I’m wondering how well they fit?


Do they offer a replacement muffler mount bracket? Mine has been cut off…

I’m not sure on that one. I’m gonna say it’s unlikely

[J!m]

Could someone with their mount intact trace it and scan it along with a ruler for scale? I can laser cut anything, but I don't have one to reference... I'll make a clamp-on option (like I need) as well as an exact replacement for weld-on. Assuming there is any demand beyond me for this.

[J!m]

Guys- I bought a box of ten taillight bulbs. If anyone needs one, let me know. I doubt I'll go through ten in my lifetime...

[Dirtcrasher]

Anyone have experience with upgrading the steering stem ball bearings to roller bearings? I see they offer roller bearings but I’m wondering how well they fit?



I’m not sure on that one. I’m gonna say it’s unlikely


All Balls, Moose, etc, they're all the same steering stem kit. The only issue is "do I use the washer under the lower bearing or not?"; the instructions are generic.

I take out all the old bearings and races, stack them up and measure the height. Compare that the the kit, and that tells me what to do.

Otherwise, if you use the washer under the lower bearing and don't need it, you'll run out of threads on the stem with the adjustment collar (the one with spanner grooves). And you can't remove it without damaging the new bearing pressed on the stem.

The kits fit so many models that they can't give specific instructions. I usually toss the stem and lower clamp in the freezer and the bearing goes on easy, just don't hit on the caged needle bearings, use a piece of pipe that only hits the inner race.

Be aware, lots of people ruin these kits installing them. Just take your time, triple check and be careful.

[rot box]

^thanks for the help I appreciate it :beer

[rot box]

Trying to post some pics haha. Got the frame back from powder coat and it turned out fantastic.

I just reused the ball bearings in the steering stem. Cleaned them up and added fresh grease.

272043

[rot box]

272044

Scored a sweet AC grab bar to replace my stock one. Stock one had one too many wheelie overs on it hahah

[J!m]

I've been absent here, but busy regardless. Front end is going back together now. New Serwa tires mounted, triple going back together with rebuilt forks, rebuilt front hub, rebuilt front brake master etc. (I wish it was easier to post photos) I am posting a bunch in "Pushing Retro" on Farcebook.

But I have a question about the rear fender. I have found exactly one useable rear fender in several years of looking (1986) and I am thinking Meier is the way to go. But the backend is not cool. Even with the dedicated decal solution.

Therefore, has anyone ever successfully altered the shape of the rear of the fender, to be more like the OEM shape? Basically, a single angle bend and flat edge. It seems to me that this could be heated with a heat gun and clamped between some aluminum plates to make the change. But before I move forward with testing (on my current old one), I wanted to see if this has been tried and ideally what the outcome was when it was tried.

[BOB MARLIN]

On the Maier, are you talking about the bend that simulates where the mud flap is on the OEMs ?.
The Maier 350x fenders are better than their 250r fenders because that mud flap bend actually stiffens them up quite a bit so they don't flop around like their 250r fenders. The problem I've had with the Maier 350x fenders is the area around where
the kick starter folds into is never quite right.
Also all the Maier 350x front fenders I have are crooked when viewed from the front, maybe they have fixed the mold by now, don't know.

[Shep1970]

My problem with Maire's fenders..........I can never remember how to spell it. Had to google it like many times before.... "Maier" it is i guess for spelling but still doesnt look right to me.

shep

[rot box]

I’m running the Maier fenders and the problem I now have is they look more like a raspberry red in contrast with my frame. Oh well it about the only option I have.

[J!m]

Many more OEM 85 fenders out there. Buy 86 is hard to find. For me anyway.

So I was thinking to alter the shape of the rear mud flap and paint it with truck bed liner or something to give it a texture after the shape was improved. The factory shape is pretty simple and the Maier shape is actually more complex with the beaded edge.

I’ll have to look at the kickstarter area. I have old Maiers now- the “dull” finish. With and exhaust hole melted into them. So no loss if things go wrong trying stuff with it.

[rot box]

Dang… no swing arm bearing kits are available anymore? That kinda sucks

[rot box]

Swing arm is beat to death. Gotta figure out what to do it needs bearings and a sand blast/paint job


272045

[J!m]

I was going to order a rear axle bearing kit aftermarket for $80 but then I found everything is available at Patrzilla new Honda, so I went that way.

Don't give up- you just have to be thorough. Due to age, you can't just call the dealer and ask for "HA5" parts- you have to hunt them down.

(I just found new button heads for the rear brake master mounting and 2 of the seals for the brake lever and linkage)

And that arm doesn't look bad at all- just give it a bath in Brakleen, then wash and wax it. It'll be fine. Unless it's a show trike.

[BOB MARLIN]

Dang… no swing arm bearing kits are available anymore? That kinda sucks

https://www.ebay.com/itm/374493115893

[J!m]

Partzilla:

BEARING, SWINGARM PIVOT (NTN)
91071-MA0-003
In Stock
$30.07 (each)

[J!m]

Just got my order-

interesting to note: the #28 "o-ring bearing holder" (91353-HA2-003) is not an O-ring at all. It has a "D" profile, flat around the bearing holder I guess and rounded where it is in contact with the swingarm tube. A standard O-ring would therefore be too tall in this location.

[Shep1970]

Partzilla gets there parts from Honda, if there available through Honda partzilla will sell it to you. If Honda has the part available any honda bike dealership can and will order the parts with a big markup of course. Any of the mail order sites like partzilla will list they have it, then when they find out its discontinued you'll get notified, they cant sell something Honda cant get. You can shop around all u want but if Honda doesnt have it no-one will. well except ebay and the like for a 110% markup for nos parts.
Or take a look at the old bearing, bearing size is written on it and goto a bearing supplier or.....

shep

[J!m]

Completely true. And if you have a good relationship with your local dealer, by all means, support them!

So far if they say “they” have it, I get it. I had to hunt for an “incorrect” (but still Honda) bolt for my muffler mount and I got it, but I must have got the last one because when I went back to check what I ordered it was no longer in stock.

[J!m]

272046

Progress…

[rot box]

Thanks fellas! :cool:

[rot box]

Making way on the mighty 350X! Where is a good place to get a fuel petcock? Mine is a cheap Amazon one and it’s leaking.. haha.

272051

[Red Rider]

Looks good. Nice & tidy little workspace too!

[rot box]

Thanks! :cool:

I attempted to clean the front brake caliper and ended up ruining the pin seals. They have been saturated in for oil for decades and they finally gave up haha. I’ve since fixed the leaky fork seals but it looks like I need to rebuild the front caliper. Should I mess with what I have or just buy the whole new one off eBay for $65. In leaning towards the new one it comes with pads and everything.

[J!m]

It might be worth saving potential aggravation as other failures are discovered… the seller may offer a “core” charge for your old one too.

[rot box]

Thanks again J!m :cool:

Looks like I need a decompression cable… oye. Where do go for that?

Also made some new motor mount bushings to replace the busted up stock ones
272066

[J!m]

One of mine is cracked too. Well, mine are stacked nuts but the ones I just got one of those is cracked.

[Dirtcrasher]

Thanks again J!m :cool:

Looks like I need a decompression cable… oye. Where do go for that?

Also made some new motor mount bushings to replace the busted up stock ones
272066

Honda sells them brand new for about 30$. I bought a dozen (decomp cables) because someday these parts will all be gone.

[Dirtcrasher]

Making way on the mighty 350X! Where is a good place to get a fuel petcock? Mine is a cheap Amazon one and it’s leaking.. haha.

272051

I have the parts to rebuild them. I used to list them on Ebay and included the 3mm tap. You have to grind out the rivets and replace them with screws. Far better than the China petcocks.

[J!m]

Yep. I bought a new one for my trike as it was missing completely.

Also, the parking brake cable (also missing from mine) but my throttle cable is fine to continue using.

I think the parking brake cable I had to scrounge for (NOS) but the parking brake cable is still available as Steve says.