Back with a 500 ....

[Nurse Julie]

Here's how the seat/ tank line up on our 500 K0. Maybe the seat lock plunger just needs adjustment on yours which is a simple job. I bet you can't wait to get your hands on it.

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[Seabeowner]

Looks great standing still. Looks like original tank trim, or someone has arranged some joints in the right positions. Quite unusual on a refurb. All the new pipe supplies had about dried up when I looked in 2015. Although I do have a receipt from 1998 when they were £88 per pipe from DSS.
The Honda genuine fork shrouds are pricey, but last and last.
There were clips attached to the top of the breather cover originally for the 1 and 4 plug leads.
Even on dry days it can take some time to get dirt out of all the surfaces to keep it looking smart. Something for the winter.

[Oddjob]

Is the kidney splitter a pressed metal one of a reversed engraved or Perspex one?

I've got to say I disliked the metal ones when they were fitted in the 70s but a nice single sided plate that's easy to clean makes a real difference. Even though my front guard is ABS plastic off a Cb900FZ I may think about getting some brackets and fitting one now.

Plus a perspex one would shatter rather than maim like the metal versions in the event of an accident of course.

[SPR]

Thanks everyone ......

Yep the bike was from Bill Lomas and he had taken it to Scarcliffe.

The front plate is the pressed metal double sort - two piece back to back.

I'll check if the HT lead clips are present ... there are a few bits I've noticed that require some fettling - half the fun as long as it runs OK

It was refurbed some years ago - probably why the seat and pipes are originals - but doesn't look to have done much mileage since.

It's not mint by any stretch but should be rewarding riding and improving

Cheers

Simon

[philward]

What a great bike! Brings back memories of my black 500 I bought new in 1972. Enjoy!

[deltarider]

If you will allow me, what is a kidney splitter? To make Cornish pie?

[bruxby-clive]

That's a really nice looking 500, enjoy.

[Laverda Dave]

Very, very tasty

[SPR]

If you will allow me, what is a kidney splitter? To make Cornish pie?

The front number plate on the front mudguard ....

[deltarider]

Ah... thanks. Not a very good thing for sidewinds, I assume.

[Oddjob]

It got the nick name Kidney Splitter because it was reputably causing major internal damage to pedestrians in the event you collided with one. How true this was I can't say but there must have been some truth as the government banned them from new bikes in the mid 70s. Still legal to have one fitted if it had one before though.

[Matt_Harrington]

 have to great looking bike and rather grand in black. Enjoy...
Matt

[SPR]

So arrived at last ...... that's a long wait to change some fork gaitors !!

Overall having time to look round it I'm pleased .... there are a couple of bits ofcourse that could be better - the obvious being the alternator cover and the rear light / plate holder .... tyres are 2014 on rear and no date on front so these need to be swopped asap ( any recommendations greatly received)

I was annoyed slightly when it was dleivered and I could hear a squeak / metallic rattle as it came down the drive ..... took it out and it was definately brake related. Obviously something to do with removing forks and the caliper to do the gaitors. I took the caliper off and no grease behind pads and they were crusty !! clenaed up and applied some copper grease and adjusted / bled brakes and fingers crosssed a ride round the block would suggest the noise has gone. I will order some new pads to swap.

Some pics below of random angles so any eagle eyed experts can point out anything amiss

I'll update more after a proper ride tomorrow

Simon

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[SPR]

More

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The bad bits

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[K2-K6]

Bike looks very good.

Tyres, Continental k112 & RB2 if available in the right size for modern tyres with a classic and fairly original look.

Front brake if dragging, check free movement of caliper arm on pivot with caliper removed. Also dismantle and properly clean the piston seal groove then reassemble with silicone grease in seal and pad side of piston. Properly clean and set like this makes significant difference to operation, power and pad glazing. Many of these caliper are never cleaned in any serious way and the performance shows it.

Bet you're looking forward to getting out on it.