CB 500 resurrection

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Interesting perspectives on the cost of restoring old bikes.
At my age it's more about the joy of the build than the ride.

[Sesman]

Absolutely…..at any age actually.👍

[Sesman]

Gary. Out of pure interest, is that a 550 motor in your 500 chassis?

[Johnny4428]

Nice work Gary! Just a joy to see another saved from the metal shredder. I do think that this bike restoration game should be prescribed out of health and historical interest. It’s definitely a tonic. Had the 550 out yesterday for a 30 mile round trip before the rain came and it never fails to make me smile.

[Sesman]

I was out on the 500 last night;I had some errands to run. I was parked outside A&E when I was approached by the visiting police. He asked out of interest if the bike was one of those modern retro jobs made in Taiwan! I explained that “no, it was one of those retro jobs made modern in the UK”.

He then went on to ask about MOT and Tax……

[Oddjob]

Gary. Out of pure interest, is that a 550 motor in your 500 chassis?

Looks to be a 500 Phil, seal inside sprocket area looks to have a hole for the pushrod. The cam cover is pure 550 though, you can see the rocker shafts clamp nuts.

I can also see the engine number and it looks to say 500 not 550.

[Sesman]

I know it’s thrown me. I can’t see the gear selector drum bolt on top of the engine casing?

[gary123]

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

The bike came with a set of exhausts, 2 honda and 2 lord knows what. They are far from perfect but will do to start with.
When I started the project I had three possible outcomes in mind.
1) sell it
2) start again and go concurs
3) start again and customise to my taste (flattracker style)

Im going to need a project so as its a bit too good to chop about I think Ill sell it and start again with a rough 550. Especially as Im now an expert (not)

[gary123]

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!

Lucky you, spent many happy years in the deep south. Dont miss the grits though.

[gary123]

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.

I agree with just about everything here, except for me its more about the tinkering, I still ride modern bikes but need something to do. Especially in the long winter evenings

[gary123]

Gary. Out of pure interest, is that a 550 motor in your 500 chassis?

No def a 500, least it was till trigger rebored it.
The reason the drum bolt is missing is cos it wont change gear with it in .
Ive done the walk away and ave acup of tea for now.

[Sesman]

Aha. That explains it.Sorry I can’t help with the gear change issues.

[gary123]

Nice work Gary! Just a joy to see another saved from the metal shredder. I do think that this bike restoration game should be prescribed out of health and historical interest. It’s definitely a tonic. Had the 550 out yesterday for a 30 mile round trip before the rain came and it never fails to make me smile.

Thanks Johnny. Your right should be available on the NHS.

[Oddjob]

Gary. Out of pure interest, is that a 550 motor in your 500 chassis?

No def a 500, least it was till trigger rebored it.
The reason the drum bolt is missing is cos it wont change gear with it in .
Ive done the walk away and ave acup of tea for now.

If it won't change gear with it in then there's a problem that needs addressing.

[Sesman]

Mmmm. If the guide screw aperture is clear from above, then you have to suspect the guide screw assembly? Is it locking up the change drum solid as you screw it down?