MT350 Restoration Project

Show us what you're working on (MT or very very closelyy related subjects only please).
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Kickstand
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 26, 2024 12:35 pm
Location: Cambridgeshire

MT350 Restoration Project

Post by Kickstand » Fri Dec 27, 2024 9:13 pm

I’ve just finished an MT350 restoration with good results I think. I’ve posted videos on YouTube in case it might help anyone. Link to the first one here:

https://youtu.be/9bbj75BYukE?si=cjYiZsWstvwFW52J

I’m no mechanic - just an enthusiastic amateur. Feel free to comment, criticise, take the piss as you see fit
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Wirralman
Posts: 7298
Joined: Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:45 am
Location: Wirral, Merseyside

Re: MT350 Restoration Project

Post by Wirralman » Sat Dec 28, 2024 1:02 am

I've just looked at your videos , use forum Search, top right, to find a thread called Initial Servicing Guide.

I would soak the new filter in oil before fitting- not perfect but far better than fitting it dry as per the video.

Also clean the drain hole in the cambelt cover. Check cambelt pulleys for wear and renew if necessary. Renew the cambelt regardless.

Things you may consider if you're keeping the bike,

Strip clutch, (holding tool needed) file out any grooves in the clutch basket, check stack height in tolerance, renew if required, renew springs. Fit new clutch cable and keep old cable pre-routed and tape up the ends.


Coat the inside of the tank with POR15
Renew sprag spring.
Renew inner tubes and rim tapes. Check age of tyres using the code on the sidewall. There's no legal requirement but Public Service Vehicles cannot be more than 10 years old
Renew non- return valve in the base of the filter bowl
Drain fork oil and renew with the correct quantity
Clean main earth behind the horn
Strip and clean fuel tap
Fit inline fuel filter (it's belt and braces but it may avoid a breakdown)
Break and clean all electrical connectors then spray with water repellent
Split and clean calipers then reassemble with new seals Renew wheel and sprocket bearings

There are a lot more detailed items to renew for a 'restoration ' . For me, going through the mechanical parts is far more important than paint, I'd rather have a bike that gets me home than looks good
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Kickstand
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 26, 2024 12:35 pm
Location: Cambridgeshire

Re: MT350 Restoration Project

Post by Kickstand » Sat Dec 28, 2024 6:52 pm

Hi Wirralman and thanks for your comments. I’m posting a video each day and if you get time to look at the ones you haven’t seen yet I think you’ll be reassured that I’ve done plenty of mechanical work on the bike (and incidentally most of what you suggested in your post). The bike is through MOT now and working well but the tank is booked in to be lined (Sureseal rather than POR15) in January. You make an interesting point about soaking the filter in oil before fitting. I followed the Harley Service Manual and the MT350 Oil Change Tutorial that Josh produced and published on this site. Neither suggest soaking the filter in oil. What’s your rationale for doing it - always happy to learn.
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Wirralman
Posts: 7298
Joined: Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:45 am
Location: Wirral, Merseyside

Re: MT350 Restoration Project

Post by Wirralman » Sat Dec 28, 2024 7:41 pm

Rationale , a filter bowl with a wet filter will take a shorter time to fill than a dry filter. Good practice on engines with a vertical filter bowl is to part fill with oil when fitting. It was standard practice when I was taught how to maintain armoured cars.

When I bought one of my MT350s it had a brand new front tyre. As it wasn't my first MT350 I thought I'd just check - the rim tape was largely gaffa tape and the tube well past its best.

I once rode with an MT owner who had just bought his bike after a few miles we reached an off road trail. After a mile his rear tyre was flat. Upon removing the wheel we found the old tube in tatters.

One MT owner had a wheel bearing fail, he'd done lots of work on his bike but hadn't renewed the bearings - it's far easier to change them at your leisure than be forced into doing the job.
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Kickstand
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 26, 2024 12:35 pm
Location: Cambridgeshire

Re: MT350 Restoration Project

Post by Kickstand » Sat Dec 28, 2024 9:41 pm

Interesting stuff. I already have a customer for the bike (with deposit paid) - he’ll take delivery once the registration is sorted and the tank lined. I’ll see if he wants the bearings doing on spec (they feel fine) and take a look at the tyres while I’m at it. Thanks for the advice
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670Racing
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Aug 04, 2024 1:42 pm
Location: Hampshire

Re: MT350 Restoration Project

Post by 670Racing » Sun Dec 29, 2024 5:02 pm

Nice work there sir, well done.
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MT500 Flat Track.

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