Author Topic: Old but newbie  (Read 781 times)

Offline Tryinghardbut old

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Old but newbie
« on: June 14, 2021, 05:32:29 PM »
Hey everyone
I have joined after being alerted by a member on FB yesterday and frankly I need all the help I can get.

Basically I am old enough to have more bits falling off me than the 1978 Import CB550K I aquired last year, every time I do tinker with it a new issue seems to be thrown up.
To be honest I am a Triump lad of the 60s, passing my test on a Tiger Cub, then to a T90 and finally a T120 (1967 what a beautiful machine that I couldn't even get £300 for in 1970). I've also borrowed a Norton Interstate, Suzuki GT550 and Kawasaki 750 Triple.
So why a Honda? My best mate had a 550F new in 1977 and, when I had a go I was blown away by the smoothness, ease of handling and the mod cons I wasn't used to on my bikes - electric start, indicators and disc brakes.
So, fast forward to 2020 and I thought - why not? I have to say the first few outings were more than a bit fraught. Instead of hopping on without a crash helmet and T-shirt and jeans, Mrs made me buy all the gear. It took me half an hour, sweating to get it all on and I looked like Michelin man. I even had to get on the bike with the side stand down as getting my leg over hurt my hips (I'm used to it now). And where did all the traffic come from, why do they always put manhole covers in the middle of the carriage way on a corner and were the roads always this bumpy?
Having said that, just been out today and the confidence is back, my arms don't ache any more from hold on so tight and I have learnt to smile again.
One thing I have found though is, posting on FB, there are a LOT more knowledgable people out there and I hope they will continue to be equally patient when answering my ever more ludicrously basic questions.
It is my first foray into Japanese ownership so treat me gently - I am a sensitive soul.
Anyhoo - here it is last August before my first trip out - yes I know the colour is 'wrong' (although I confess I think it looks pretty), the indicator stalks are probably wrong, the side panel should have a 'K' but at least it does have a chain guard now and a centre stand! Also, it does ride nicely.

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
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Re: Old but newbie
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2021, 05:51:07 PM »
Hi Colin 👋👋👋👋👋
I'm pleased you joined us and welcome to the Forum.

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

Online andy120t

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Re: Old but newbie
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2021, 10:12:17 AM »
Welcome aboard - good to have another one in / around the East.  Important thing is that it runs so don't worry too much about indicators and colour!
andy120t

CB550f/k
Zephyr 550
ZX6R G1
GSXR 7/11 - I need to sell it
Triumph 5TA - and this..

Offline Moorey

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Re: Old but newbie
« Reply #3 on: June 18, 2021, 10:17:18 AM »
Welcome to the forum and have fun.  ;)

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Old but newbie
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2021, 11:26:09 AM »
If you could keep a 67 T120 on the road you can sort a Honda, just bin all your tools and buy metric, except the 3/16 or 1/4 whit socket. I can explain that later if you wish!!

Offline philward

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Re: Old but newbie
« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2021, 11:59:19 AM »
Welcome to the forum - that is a nice looking bike. Don't worry about the basic questions, loads of genuine helpful guys and girls to help you out on the forum - and lots of banter too!
Enjoy the forum
Current Bikes:-
Honda CB750K2 (1975)
Honda CB500K2 (12/1972)
Honda CR750 Replica (1972)
Honda CB350K0 (1969)
Kawasaki ZZR1100D3 (1995)
Kawasaki ZZR250 (1990) Project (Going on eBay ASAP)

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Old but newbie
« Reply #6 on: June 19, 2021, 01:04:09 AM »
Welcome to the forum I am currently rebuilding a 400/4 that I chose as a sort of  lock down project in June 2020.

I moved from a Triumph 21 in the 60's (sold for £45 102ETF)  to a Honda 250 Dream in 1970.
I liked the smoothness of the later Japanese 4 cylinder bikes I previously owned a Suzuki 750 GS then a Yamaha XJ900 but the XJ was eventually  too heavy for me to pull onto the centre stand so a lighter 4 cylinder bike was what I wanted.

Yours looks a tidy example, not sure of the age profile here but I'm 73 and certainly not the oldest member!
Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html

Offline mickwinf

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Re: Old but newbie
« Reply #7 on: June 19, 2021, 11:59:19 AM »
welcome to the forum, i too am a born again biker and yes i am sure the roads are bumpier and more dangerous but mainly its the older you get the more you think about the consequences of accidents so it slows you down a bit. Still fun though!
Love the 500 and 550 have a 500 called Lazarus under restoration

 

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