Author Topic: New member UK 500  (Read 2532 times)

Offline mickandsej

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New member UK 500
« on: May 24, 2020, 09:32:49 PM »
Hi everyone
I’ve recently acquired an original UK 500/4, 38000 miles, original colour (sadly not all original paint). It’s got plenty of patina but it’s very original and running fairly well so I’m tempted to enjoy it as is.
The seller told me it needed a carb clean, which I’ve now done borrowing an ultrasonic bath, but still running badly. Secondhand contact breaker plate acquired with old OEM points fitted but after timing up it runs a lot better than it did on the new cheap points - which were held in with self tappers so had been bodged! Has one new coil and plug leads numbered 4-1 instead of 1-4 so it’s clearly been fiddled with greatly recently. Fuel supply seems ok and the tank is reasonably clean, temporarily ran inline fuel filters and nothing showed up.
Fork oil looks like cold coffee so that needs doing, caliper needs looking at. Starter jammed in yesterday but freed itself off while I had a cuppa. Bench synced until I can afford a proper kit. Stock air box etc, I’ve removed the Motad 4-1 as I got lucky with a genuine period Dunstall 4-2 set up, a 4-4 is out of reach and I’m trying to buy used period parts rather than new copies.
The bike turns heads and I love it! Lucky also to have a ‘96 Triumph Sprint as a daily so the Honda is for fun.






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« Last Edit: May 24, 2020, 09:34:27 PM by mickandsej »

Online SteveD CB500K0

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #1 on: May 24, 2020, 09:53:18 PM »
That Dunstall looks loud…

I love those 900 Triumphs (see Covid thread)

Steve


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Offline mickandsej

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2020, 10:17:15 PM »
The Dunstall is surprisingly quiet! It’s a genuine used 1978 system right down to 7/16” bolts on the clamps. Bit disappointed really...
I didn’t think about the tank - it’s a bit bruised here and there - it doesn’t fit quite right, the front rubbers have been cut and the rear rubber won’t pull over the tab. It’s the only green part that vaguely shows another colour beneath the paint, the side panels and headlight are definitely original colour.


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Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2020, 10:47:28 PM »
Welcome to the Forum. Not an original Honda 500/4 colour, they only came in Gold, black and brown in the UK and the head lamp shell was always black, never painted in the tank / side panel colours. Not sure what the tank is from but it's not a CB500/4 K1 tank. Sounds like you have a sensible plan of action for it though. Enjoy.
« Last Edit: May 24, 2020, 10:49:33 PM by Nurse Julie »
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 mickandsej

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2020, 11:09:28 PM »
Thanks for all your input so far :-)
The story goes that the first owner was in Germany in ‘73 and special ordered it from the factory in this colour. It was delivered new in the UK. Other than that yes I agree it’s not a UK colour. If I were to restore it (doubtful) I’d change it. As I say I think it’s better to enjoy as is, surface rust and all!

Offline Trigger

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2020, 12:30:43 AM »
Defiantly looks like a CB500T tank  ???
If it was first registered in germany, the clock would be in KPH and not MPH and it would state that fact on the V5. Indicators are not german market. The front mudguard has been cut and it has holes in the top were the front number plate would of been mounted and no way was that a factory colour in any country or factory quality  ;)

Offline Bryanj

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2020, 06:19:29 AM »
That green to the best of my knowledge was never a Honda motorcycle colour, i saw it on ebay but didnt message the seller as from the write up he didnt know what he was on about.
If you PM me the frame number i will give you an approximate build date as against reg date.

Online SteveW

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2020, 09:04:27 AM »
Isn’t the fuel tap on the wrong side?
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Offline mickandsej

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New member UK 500
« Reply #8 on: May 25, 2020, 09:30:39 AM »
Fuel cap is in the middle, but the sides are smooth not inset for the knees. I’m wondering what this tank is now!
I’ve seen fuel taps on both sides..

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« Last Edit: May 25, 2020, 09:35:53 AM by mickandsej »

Offline mickandsej

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New member UK 500
« Reply #9 on: May 25, 2020, 09:33:55 AM »
Ref the running, I’ve already had to lay a bypass wire for the front brake switch, I think there are problems in the front part of the loom from the headstock to the coils. The kill switch isn’t instant so I’ve bypassed it in the headlight for now. The new coil has a blue crimp on it so I’m going to sort that out. There’s plenty of twisted wire connections here and there so it’s seen some greasy paws over the years.
As a point of interest though - what was the last price someone paid for a K tank?

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Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #10 on: May 25, 2020, 09:36:12 AM »
Fuel tap is in the middle, but the sides are smooth not inset for the knees. I’m wondering what this tank is now!


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SteveW means your fuel tap is on the right side of the tank and should be on the left if it were the correct tank for a 500/4
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 AshimotoK0

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #11 on: May 25, 2020, 10:27:13 AM »
Welcome.. that Asahi Denso fuel flap is worth £££   ... The plastic always yellows but I found a clock lens that fits perfectly and bonded it in with super clear epoxy. They sell all day long for at least £100 in Japan... dunno why.  :)  (that's where mine went and sold within a couple of hours after listing on eBay for £100).


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Offline mickandsej

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #12 on: May 25, 2020, 11:26:47 AM »
I'm thinking it could be an early CB250 tank now, would know better seeing a pic of the underside. Could also be a 750 tank, taps on the right side and it looks to be the same tap as the 500/750.

Is that pipe running across the top of the engine a link pipe to the other side of the tank?
It’s just a twin outlet Petrol tap to each pair of carbs, the pic shows the temporary set up which was a bit messy but served a purpose...


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Offline mickandsej

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #13 on: May 25, 2020, 11:34:21 AM »


Some of the previous “work”....


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Offline Bryanj

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Re: New member UK 500
« Reply #14 on: May 25, 2020, 11:42:57 AM »
Orrible with a capital O!!!

 

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