CB 500 resurrection

[gary123]

Looks like a 500K1 seat. Not a 550 as that has a tool kit holder on the rear.

I've not seen one with rubbers fitted in the air holes before though, probably fitted to stop the edges from rusting

Oh and to answer your question about the camchain, it's 88 links for the 500/550 although you've sorted the problem now.

O if it is 500 thats why it fits well so Ill keep it unless a better one turns up.
I put those grommets in - thought it looked better.
yes, sorted on cam chain thanks.

[gary123]

That is a genuine 500 one Gary, the ones DS sells are replicas and don't fit as well as that will. Remove the cover and the foam and get the pan powder coated, just fit the 5 standard cushion rubbers. Check the bolt holes for the seat bracket aren't stripped out before having it powder coated. If they are get 2 nuts welded to the inside after removing the captive nuts Honda used.

Cheers oddjob thats good to know

[Sesman]

Yes, I’ve just checked my 550 F2. It’s a 500 seat pan.

[gary123]

About ready to go in. started to get the clutch in order and seem to have everything but the push rod. DS have them used for £15 or I can by silver Steele 8mm rod in the correct length for £7.50.
What do you think is the best option?

[Nurse Julie]

About ready to go in. started to get the clutch in order and seem to have everything but the push rod. DS have them used for £15 or I can by silver Steele 8mm rod in the correct length for £7.50.
What do you think is the best option?

You should have said last time you were here, we have NOS ones in the draw and very good used ones🙄🙄🙄 Silver steel is good but you need to have the ends hardened.

[gary123]

Well its in the frame and spins over on the starter, so far so good. [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Laverdaroo]

Top work Gary, nice one. Looks great, I bet youre chuffed?

[gary123]

Cheers Roo, where are you.

[Sesman]

That’s looking really nice.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Thats brilliant prgress Gary, how is the budget going?

[gary123]

cheers guys. Budget is up around 3.5k

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

What Exhaust system are you planning to fit?
I'm at the very start of my 500 ownership - trying to cost stuff to get some sort of handle on expenditure well before I start throwing money into the pit.
My 400 rebuild was my first ever & tbh it's real value today compared to what I spent  is what supermarkets call a loss leader. I don't begrudge the cost as it was a life saver during lock down. I very much doubt I will ever part with it as it's a very personal specification.

The 500 will be a very different story when I get going - at least I think it will.lol

[Laverdaroo]

Cheers Roo, where are you.

South Carolina in a place called Estill. For 7 weeks so hurridly chasing goodies around. Currently needing the exit pipe size for a 550 F2 so I can get the right end can Im after whilst out here. Saves me about 175 quid if I can pull it off in my luggage again

The actress said to the bishop.............sorry!

[Laverdaroo]

What Exhaust system are you planning to fit?
I'm at the very start of my 500 ownership - trying to cost stuff to get some sort of handle on expenditure well before I start throwing money into the pit.
My 400 rebuild was my first ever & tbh it's real value today compared to what I spent  is what supermarkets call a loss leader. I don't begrudge the cost as it was a life saver during lock down. I very much doubt I will ever part with it as it's a very personal specification.

The 500 will be a very different story when I get going - at least I think it will.lol

cant begrudge the cost, it's soul restoration in my eyes. 

[Sesman]

Yup, I’d say the average cost/value/pleasure/satisfaction/achievement/enjoyment equation is net zero. However the cost Vs value equation always seems to be in the region of 20% loss for us mere mortals. It really depends how brutal/fastidious you are during the build, the initial base bike purchase cost and access to ‘spares’. A complete engine refurb for example rarely costs less than £800-£1000 (seals, gaskets, chains, rubbers, shells, guides, case cleaning, rebore, pistons, rings, paint, clutch, head work, goo...). Add £1k for exhausts and another £600 - £1000 for a good or very good paint job and the writing is on the wall. That’s before we get into chrome, seats and ancillary items. Now if you want concours…..£££££. The route to a good value build is really dependent on acquiring a cheap, straight and substantially complete machine, ready access to a stock of spares, a good outsourcing network and a willingness to trade skills and goods.

Me, I’m a convert and in the future will buy the finished article with evidence of work done so I can focus on riding and a little tinkering.

I justify the overspend with foolish notions of the ‘depreciation’ I’d suffer buying a new bike and call it evens after a couple of years.

And what do you do with your money?. I just blew £1500 on a 10 day blast through France and Spain. Great fun and great memories, but a £1500 overspend on my 550 is tolerable if it gives me a few years of pleasure.