Author Topic: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original...sort of!  (Read 9812 times)

Offline AndyH

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CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original...sort of!
« on: May 25, 2017, 10:46:22 AM »
Hi all,

I haven't posted much about my restoration since getting the bike so I guess it's time to provide some info.
I'm in Perth, Western Australia and acquired a CB500K1 which was converted to cafe racer style some 4 or 5 years ago.  The bike was in overall good nick but obviously some things needed to change to bring things back to original.

The duck-tail seat, lo-rise handlebars and mini speedo and tacho needed to be replaced.  Fortunately there were quite a few useful odds and ends that I got with the bike, and a subsequest purchase of a box of bits from another Perth local.  :)

So as it stands now, I have a seat (original base and foam covered with a DSS cover), a new set of RHS and LHS switches (another story... >:( ) , a new handlebar and a bunch of other things like rear footpegs, new headlight and surrounds and a new 2-stay front fender.

I've been cleaning up the wiring loom and connectors, along with some other bits.

A close friend is restoring the instrument faces for me, so they'll be ready before long.  8)

And now to today! 

I removed the “sub-frame” containing the reg, rectifier, blinker relay and solenoid in order to clean things up.
The sub-harness turned out to be an absolute dog’s breakfast….one of the multipin connectors was missing altogether!
Thanks to the CMSNL diagrams I soon figured out that the rectifier module no longer had a multipin connector on it.  Instead, it was sloppily spliced into the sub-harness, with some of the connections just twisted together (no solder) and wrapped with cheap electrical tape. >:(

Once I realised that refurbishment was going to be difficult, I took a heap of photos.  They’ll help with putting things back together, along with the wiring diagrams. 

I tinkered with the idea of getting hold of a replacement harness (which isn’t available anyway!) but then I’d have to source a multi connector for the rectifier.

I’ll strip the paint off the sub-frame tomorrow, respray same then set about putting things back together.  Won’t be too difficult, just not original….oh well!!  ;)

I'll try to remember to take more photos in future.  If you want to see what the bike looked like when I bought it,  here ya go!  8)


« Last Edit: August 08, 2017, 11:29:58 AM by Himble »
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline Seabeowner

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2017, 12:45:50 PM »
As you say "cafe racer style" more than out and out cafe racer which can be very difficult to revert. Australian/NZ models are pretty much identical to UK if I remember.
Will you go for original style paintwork on the tank/side panels? And of course the 4-4 exhausts which I presume are actually made nearer to you than me, but do you have a distributor? Or do they have to go China, Holland, UK, Australia.
Phil
1971  CB500K0  Candy Jade Green or Candy Gold
1973  CB500K1  Candy Ruby Red
1975  CB550F1   Shiny Orange
1978  CB550K     Excel Black

Offline AndyH

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2017, 01:18:07 PM »
It will be restored in the UK style, as you've correctly surmised.
Original 4 into 4 are unobtainium so I'll stick with the 4 into 1.
I kind of like the tank paintwork so will probably match the side covers with the "candy blue".
I should have said from the outset that reverting to ab-original is an extremely difficult challenge so I'm just going to get it close.
I want to ride the thing, not have it in a display cage LOL!

Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline toucheturtle

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2017, 05:37:28 PM »
Someone is selling copies of the four in to four exhausts in Australia on ebay but they want crazy money for them

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB500-Four-CB550-Four-Mufflers-Exhaust-System-Replica-/182588936538?hash=item2a8326115a:g:QTMAAOSw3gJZJLA9

Offline AndyH

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #4 on: May 26, 2017, 01:39:22 AM »
Yes I saw that.  I can purchase a heck of a lot of other bits for that price!  :)

A mate of mine who restores 750s recently priced a set of 4 into 4 from Motorcycle Yamiya......$6000!!!!  ::) ::)
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline Seabeowner

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2017, 09:02:20 AM »
In £ terms that 4-4 is about £100 more than UK. DSS and CMSNL must have ordered dozens of sets and have sold quite well here and are usually the key to sale for someone after after an original looking bike. But if it's a bike to keep and ride, then you won't get your money back, but great to stare at when it's parked outside the cafe.
Phil
1971  CB500K0  Candy Jade Green or Candy Gold
1973  CB500K1  Candy Ruby Red
1975  CB550F1   Shiny Orange
1978  CB550K     Excel Black

Offline AndyH

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #6 on: May 26, 2017, 10:43:45 AM »
My restoration is absolutely not about the money.
Apart from which, I'm retired some 9 yrs now and altho' living a reasonably comfortable lifestyle, I'm not flush with cash!  :(
I want it to look fairly much like it did in '72 and also be able to ride it wherever and whenever! 8)
If I win Lotto however, then the game changes LOL!  ;D ;D ;D
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline AndyH

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2017, 09:35:02 AM »
Things move slowly in WA (Wait Awhile!)  ;D

Just returned from a trip up into the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia.  Now back in the cold hole that is Perth in Winter!!  :-[

Installed the replacement wiring harness, fitted the electrics panel (refurbished & thanks to Cal on sohc4.net for the sub-harness!), rear blinkers fitted/wired and took the front wheel and caliper off in preparation for removing the forks, polishing them and mounting the fork ears.  They've been chromed and ready to go on, but waiting for delivery of top rubber "cushions" from DSS which are now back in stock and should arrive in the next week or so.  8)
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline hairygit

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2017, 09:57:33 AM »
Glad to hear things are movie g along. It always makes me chuckle about this forum and the overseas members, I still find it difficult to comprehend that it's winter down under, while we are all moaning it's too bloody hot here!

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline AndyH

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2017, 10:13:01 AM »
Glad to hear things are movie g along. It always makes me chuckle about this forum and the overseas members, I still find it difficult to comprehend that it's winter down under, while we are all moaning it's too bloody hot here!

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

Well, while we were in the Pilbara and Kimberley, the temps were in the mid 30s....degrees C, that is! ;D
We got within 500kms north of Perth and the temps plummeted.....2°C in the van first thing in the mornings.
It's now 12.6°C outside at home, windy and bloody wet!! >:( >:(  OH well, back to the shed tomorrow to polish up the forks.
 
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline hairygit

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2017, 10:17:37 AM »
Sounds ideal where you are now, I hate the heat! 15 degrees and overcast is ideal for me, just perfect, not too hot, not too cold, and I prefer winter to summer. If it's cold you can put a jumper on or light the fire, too hot and you're stuffed!

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline AndyH

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2017, 10:19:33 AM »
Sounds ideal where you are now, I hate the heat! 15 degrees and overcast is ideal for me, just perfect, not too hot, not too cold, and I prefer winter to summer. If it's cold you can put a jumper on or light the fire, too hot and you're stuffed!

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

No way Jose !  :P  Gimme hot always!!
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2017, 10:21:19 AM »
It's bloody pissing down here and they forecast the same for the next 24 hours. No wonder the farmers have been working 24/7 getting the grain in.....they knew what was coming !!
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline AndyH

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2017, 10:24:25 AM »
It's the opposite here Julie.  Although Perth has had a lot of rain over the past few weeks, it's not going inland.  The farmers are in for a crook season this year.  The worst for some time.  :-\
Andy

1971 CB750K1
1972 CB500 Four K1 (SOLD)
1978 Suzuki GS750E
Previously....
1967 Honda Sports 90
1971 Yamaha CT2 175
1973 Yamaha RD250
1975 Kawasaki KX125
1979 Yamaha XT250T
BMW R65
BMW R80
BMW R100LT

Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: CB500K1. Cafe Racer to Original!
« Reply #14 on: August 08, 2017, 10:28:11 AM »
Haha, haven't heard the word 'crook' for ages. The other farmers around here that grow all the veggies and salad crops are loving this rain, saves them watering the crops. What's good for one is bad for another I suppose.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

 

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