350x questions

[HONDA_ATC_FREAK]

I am having trouble finding a 350x in my area in a good price or even find them period. So i'm thinking of just building my own, I though i'd ask those that have done it some questions. What year frame should i start with I'm a welder and i will be gusseting it in the corners and on the motor mounts that i've heard crack. Which year is better the 86 or 85 if i go with one year am i limited to using only that years parts, I know parts interchange but how many? I consider myself a fair knuckle-buster so piecing it together doesn't scare me except for getting all the bolts. What should a decent frame run me i see some on ebay but shipping seems ridiculous. So any advice on building one and information would be much appreciated thanks.

[dustrunner]

86's are more desirable, the 85 parts will work but the clutch cable routs a different way, the rims are differnt, the rear brake calliper and mount is different as is the color of the plastic, seat markings, etc ive had a few and the frames seem to crack behind the engine on the left side if they were jumped any distance. ive heard of cracks under the seat but havent ever had a frame broke there. so good luck in your project , but allways remember u can always find a complete bike for less than u can piece 1 toghether......

[Dirtcrasher]

Late 86 had the best frame, early 86 did not have the frame gusset for the motor mount. I've seen the seat mounts crack on many of them, maybe it's from riding double or being overweight?

[TennesseeATC]

I agree with 123456q!!!!! It will be wwaayy cheaper and alot less hassle. I believe you are in IL, if so you are fairly centrally located and within a days drive (round trip) of sooo many places. Yes, you could buy this frame and those forks and those wheels etc, but I think you are much better off buying a good solid ATC that yiou can immediately ride and THEN you can makes changes as you want to. When I was 12 or 13 I was car crazy, have some cash from allowance and mowing grass and I wanted an old car to start working on and fixing up. I probably had $600 or $800 bucks and knew I could find an old car to start fixing. My dad took me around and showed me what kind of car that amount of money could buy (I was fine with it) BUT then he priced everything that it would need and I realized it was not the best way to go. I keep saving my money and bought a 67 GTO when I was 15 that only needed waxing, oil change etc, that was the better route to go. My point is keep looking and get you a rideable 350X and then modify it as you want. I actually posted a "wanted ad" on craigslist and that how I found mine.

[HONDA_ATC_FREAK]

I've had wanted adds up on craigslist and trade adds up got a few nibbles but no good ones. I know it will be more expensive and more time to build one up but I figured by the time i'm done i'd have something that i could be proud of. I would be putting new bearings and parts in it as I went so i'd have a trike that'd last another 25 years. I just got a hit on one that needs a topend so the problem may solve itself.