Teds new project a CB500 K1 mostly version 0.5 circa 1972.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Firstly thanks to Bryan(j) for parting with his long owned yet unrestored  500 plus a huge thank you to (Laverda)Roo for his part in delivering the bike to me here In Derby today.
On the plus side it runs.  I'm sure Bryan would agree it needs some restoration / tlc.
I know there are several ongoing 500/550 builds but I feel the need to add my journey to the list. I will post a before photo shortly.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I could not wait until morning so tonight I fired her up - she sounded so much better than my 400 did on first time start up - somehow I could feel the extra power when I blipped the throttle.
So many decisions to make - I'm minded to sort out some insurance cover & ride it to decide if the engine need to be taken apart as part of the restoration.
Lots of pimply chrome etc as you would expect for a 50 year old bike - I love the rear grab rail arrangement.
Lots of work to do - lots of time to spend sorting her out - I'm going to be a little more sensible about costs on this build but those signature gold alloy rims are already pecking at me to be fitted.lol



.Ted's CB500 project bike by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

[Oddjob]

It's a good start.

I have noticed though that it looks like the D washer is missing from the N/S top yoke pinch bolt, they might both be missing. You need these in to stop the top yoke breaking when the bolt is tightened.

Looks to be a US K1, the left hand switchgear isn't correct for that model, looks to be off a 550F.

Top hat missing from headlight screws, Graham does some nice stainless ones Ted.

Shame the tanks dented, looks nice.

Not being critical or picking holes in it Ted, just pointing out some small things you would be advised to fix. You can keep the left hand switchgear though if it works, does it have the headlight flasher?

Let me know if I can help with anything.

[Johnny4428]

Nice project Ted! Good luck, we look forward to updates. (Check clock mounting bracket, bent or loose) maybe just the angle but look as if they are sitting flatter than the norm.

[Sesman]

You probably want to check the bottom yoke and lock stops; it looks as though the headlamp ears have clouded the tank?

[SPR]

Looking good Ted and I'll be following with interest so I can pinch a few tips for my own

Simon

[Bryanj]

Tis a UK one but got a US rear mudguard as i had more decent ones of those and grab rail as i couldnt find the handle or uk indicator mounts at the time.

[Rozabikes Tim]

Nice one Ted. Loads more tricks to learn.

Did you fetch it yourself, courier or what?

[Sesman]

Is it a USA model? The clocks look like the ‘small type’ flatter presentation with odometer adjustment on the side rather than underneath. My comparison is based on a 1973K2, which may not be relevant. Dunno. Bit it looks to be substantially all there more or less. Definitely a good start.

[Bryanj]

The clocks are correct for the K0 and 1, the K2 was a US model with bigger clocks and the trip knob downwards. The US K1 had a bracket that angled the clocks more towards the rider and full chrome backs instead of the open ones.
I explained to Ted that this was not a restored bike and was built for a specific reasom with the most useable bits i had acess to at the time and we were both happy with the bike and price.
Roo was very kind in transporting it as i no longer have a vehicle with towbar and even when his initial reason for going that way fell through still transported the bike for Ted.
I am more than happy to give reasons for anything seen and me and Ted have agreements that we wont discuss here.

[Sesman]

I should think Ted is well satisfied with that. An honest, unpretentious example ripe for strategic attention. Wish I’d bought a more substantially complete 550- Finding some parts was a real headache.

I was responding to the earlier suggestion it was a US model….not that it really matters IMHO- they are all Japanese exports.

Good luck Ted. You have got to take the motor apart….it’s mandatory 😀

[gary123]

 Looks great Ted, looking forward to seeing this progress. Split that engine, you know you want to. 

[Laverdaroo]

Great lttle bike, really honest and Ted was super chuffed with it. Also, for somebody buying one of these old bikes, he fired it last night and it ran on all four!!!

Ive only ever bought two bikes that have run on four when I bought them. And one of those was a Ducati



Great to meet Ted and Wendy yesterday, I had a fantastic couple of coffes there and a good giggle.I know who wears the trousers (sorry Ted)


What great folk, brilliant to meet them both. I'd have bought that had I the dosh and a shed not full of machinery in bits I know Ted will love working on that this winter its a lovely little bike that.

Cant believe that Bryan threw the cobwebs and arachnids  in FOC, he's obviously mellowing in his old age

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

It's a good start.

I have noticed though that it looks like the D washer is missing from the N/S top yoke pinch bolt, they might both be missing. You need these in to stop the top yoke breaking when the bolt is tightened.

Looks to be a US K1, the left hand switchgear isn't correct for that model, looks to be off a 550F.

Top hat missing from headlight screws, Graham does some nice stainless ones Ted.

Shame the tanks dented, looks nice.

Not being critical or picking holes in it Ted, just pointing out some small things you would be advised to fix. You can keep the left hand switchgear though if it works, does it have the headlight flasher?

Let me know if I can help with anything.

Thanks for your observations Ken you are correct neither D washer is in place -  wow aren't they pricey at £8.88each at DS.
No pass switch fitted but everything works - well I can hear the horn click once but not sound.lol
No top hats on headlamps.
The tank needs painting as it has some scratch marks on the top & elsewhere.

A promising start I also cant see a fuse box just one added in line blade fuse ??

[SPR]

A promising start I also cant see a fuse box just one added in line blade fuse ??

Mine only has one inline fuse I think  ....

Simon