The owner’s tale: Kenny Howden
I first saw this machine on ebay being sold by a guy in Sheffield who imports from America. Having owned and restored six 400/4s I fancied the 350 version. It was January 2015 when I went to see it so I didn’t get to test ride it as there was snow on the ground but it started easily from cold and everything seemed okay so I bought it. The bike had apparently been under a dust sheet in an Oklahoma garage for about 35 years hence the mileage of only 7000 and this is completely original. After getting it home on my trailer I gave it a good check over everything looked fine except the tyres which I changed as a matter of course as the side walls were cracked and I did not know their age. Oil and filter was also changed. One other thing I noticed was the front brake seemed a little sticky so I gave it complete overhaul the piston was in good condition so replaced the seal and pads and it seemed much better but these disc brakes were never that good anyway. When I eventually rode the bike it was excellent and great fun to ride. It’s no road burner but I love it and it always brings a smile to my face. After one ride out a friend noticed that the top yoke had a piece missing at the pinch bolt fork top. It looked like the bolt had dropped out and the forks had flexed slightly and broken the casting. Trying to track down this casting proved to be the devil’s own job but I eventually found one at DK spares. This is the only problem I have had with the bike and it continues to give much enjoyment.