I think that your CL360 is beautiful. Heck, I even like the Orange paint job (though I know it is not for everyone...). That gas tank is also a keeper -- the offset gas cap is really cool. Look at most bikes and their cap is right in the middle of the tank. I think that you would be really happy if you repainted the tank and laid a line of checkers right down the middle of the tank. It would look great! Very cafe.
The high pipes are what makes this bike so cool. No matter what don't get rid of those.
Almost any bike can look cafe with low handle bars and a solo seat. From there comes rear fender/ tail light mods, front fender, paint job, rear sets.
But looks are only looks. Performance is also important. IF you plan on riding the bike hard, you first need to make sure that your brakes, tires and then your suspension are up for it. Engine mods should always come after making sure the other three are up for it! You should be able to lock both wheels with a nominal effort. If you can't do this they need some love. Likewise, it is paramount that those skinny tires stay on the ground. The only advantage that your little bike has is that it is small and light, and thus easy to throw through the turns. If your tires and suspension suck then you might as well be riding a Vespa.
That front drum break can be kind of wimpy/scary. I recently revived the front drum for my '70 Suzuki T350. Before the work I could grab a whole handful of leaver and barely slow the scooter down. That was with everything adjusted correctly. I know something had to be done! I ended up taking the front wheel assembly to one of those places that works on 19 wheeler brakes and clutches. For $60.00 they replaced my shoes' 30+ year-old friction material with some amazing modern stuff. You don't need me to tell you haw much brake technology has improved over even the last 10 years. (It was called the "Green Grabber" compound.) Anyway, they cleaned my old shoes, bonded the new stuff, checked the drum for round, then put the assembled hub with the shoes installed into a lathe and custom shaped it (radiused it) to fit my drum. The result was unbelievable! I now can do more with just one finger than I used to be able to do with all my might. Amazing. I now have almost no fade, and it will stop me on a dime.
So even your old drum brake can be brought up to speed.
Having said all of that, looks are up to you, but as you consider how to spend your hard urned $$, be sure to remember the important stuff. Tires, brakes and suspension, then make her pretty.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Peace and grease
-fang
'70 Suzuki T350
Download The Fang.mp3
HERE
