Knowledge base and parts available?

[tpbeebejr]

New member here. Is there a knowledge base website for the Honda XL350R (I have a 1984)?

Also, is it still possible to buy OEM and aftermarket parts for my 1984 bike? What are the best few online sources for a Honda of this age?

Thanks

 

[RM_guy]

Maybe nothing for a 1894 bike...

Bike bandit has parts but not everything will be available. http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1984-honda-xl350r/o/m9697
Service Honda will also have parts but will have the same availability issues. http://www.servicehondapsn.com/fich...=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1984&fveh=131784

There are other out there too. If one of them doesn't have an OEM part that you need you can always call and they may be able to direct you to a place that does.

 

[tpbeebejr]

Thanks, RM _guy. Having a hard time finding float bowl o-rings.
Tom (tpbeebejr)

 

[12120]

bowl orings

I had to buy complete carb kits to get the bowl o-rings. Probably need some of the other little pieces anyway if you take the carbs all the way apart.

Chris

 

[tpbeebejr]

I will soon be posting a simple method to measure what size a regular old cheap o-ring needs to be to substitute for a float bowl gasket when you can't buy the gasket. Much better than buying TWO carb gasket kits for about $25 each.

 

[Rich Rohrich]

It might be worth noting that the o-rings used in Japanese carb are typically made from fluoroelastomers with Viton being a common one in my experience.

You're a chemistry guy so I doubt I'm telling you anything you don't know, but for anyone else reading this, the above is important because Viton is well known for its heat resistance and stability when subjected to aggressive fuels and chemicals. Generic o-rings made with natural rubber or other less suitable compounds will tend to break down and leak when subjected to the heat of engines and the solvent properties of the hydrocarbons, ethers, and alcohols in modern fuels.

Good carb kits and the o-rings in them are usually worth the money even it the cost seems high.

Just thought I should pass that along.

 

[tpbeebejr]

Rich, you are right on all counts. I study polymers as part of my research and indeed one must match the o-ring material to the application. Viton is excellent for its chemical resistance to petroleum-based fuels, as is BUNA-nitrile at about half the cost. The PDF that I referred to above is now ready for posting, but I was disappointed to find that the size limit for PDF files here is 73kB or something incredibly small. Can I please send you my PDF file (1.7 MB) so that you can read it and decide if it is useful for this forum? Then you can use your administrator privileges to override the posting limit if you see fit. Please tell me how I can send the file to you.

Thanks,
Tom (tpbeebejr)