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

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

On the subject of brake lever travel, I (and a good few other riders that I know from our evening bike meets) have found that replacing the original Honda master cylinder (smooth reservoir) with a pattern type (fluted reservoir) reduces lever travel immediately, for reasons that I am unsure of, but assume that perhaps the piston sizes differ slightly?

My 400 has the fluted type that I bought from DS they list the same part for the 500. Clearly the lever on the DS part is right up against the piston when the lever is at rest with no floppy movement. The 500 piston is more rcessed plus the lever flops back as well. For a trial ride the brakes are solid enough but for the rebuild I will go for the DS one methinks.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Beware of non oem grips. Check the length before buying.

So far I've priced up via DS for some bits they are in my view not always the cheapest but they usually fit.

[Sesman]

Mine didn’t…too short by 10mm. Not a problem in my opinion, but some folk are really obsessive about such things.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Mine didn’t…too short by 10mm. Not a problem in my opinion, but some folk are really obsessive about such things.

I'm not obsesive. repeat after me, I'm not obsesive, I'm not obsesive,  sorry OCD tripping in - just need to check I locked the front door won't be a tick.

[Sesman]

Good news though. He only stocks genuine now it seems. So probably worth the expense.

[Sesman]

😀😀😀

[Oddjob]

Ted, for the throttle pipe I'd recommend buying one off a CB1300, 2003-2010. The ears where the cables connect is bigger so you get more pull for the same action, I tested it when trying to reduce the throttle movement the 500 is plagued with. It reduces the amount of twist you need to make by around 14% IIRC.

You could find one cheap on Ebay and the grips are good as well, don't get the 500 genuine grips, they are frankly awful, uncomfortable even with gloves on and without sheer agony to use. The 550F grips are far better and the 1300 grips look just like them.

If it has any cables coming out of it don't buy as it's hand heated grips fitted and you'd need the other side to match and the 500 couldn't run them anyway.

https://www.bike-parts-honda.com/honda-motorcycle/1300-MOTO/CB/2009/CB13009/Frame/LEVER--SWITCH--CABLE-2-/75361/F_03/2/722

[Sesman]

Nice tip. I shall try that….herald run on cB1300 throttle parts😀

Definitely agree with 550F2 grips.

[Oddjob]

The 1300 throttle pipe comes with grip already attached so even though it's pricey if buying new at least you get both pipe and grip and buy the matching grip for the left side and it's acceptable for what you get. Plus the grips are nice, stylish and comfortable.

AND,

You don't need to order from DS, any Honda dealer will get them for you.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

The 1300 throttle pipe comes with grip already attached so even though it's pricey if buying new at least you get both pipe and grip and buy the matching grip for the left side and it's acceptable for what you get. Plus the grips are nice, stylish and comfortable.

AND,

You don't need to order from DS, any Honda dealer will get them for you.

Presumably they are the same diameter handle bars the, do you have a part number for the 1300 option by any chance?

The bike is taxed & insured from  today only cost £26.99 to add the 500 to my Policy with Peter James.

Just fitting a spare horn as the existing one just clicks - tried the adjuster screw - result a louder single click.
Can't dismantle as it's rivetted together.
Throttle routing sorted using existing cables just need to sort the horn so it's road legal.

First ride before the weekend hopefully.

Amendment:- Spare horn fitted & operational. (Gawd it does sound a pathetic beep).

[Oddjob]

Yes Ted, same diameter bars and I also checked the extra height of the pipe ears fit the existing switches without fouling.

Part number is shown on that link I posted but just in case, part number 5 is 53140-MFP-N00 £28.55 and the corresponding grip to match is part No6, 53166-MFP-N00 at £15.90. Prices include VAT. Total £44.45. You can ring any local Honda dealer with those part numbers and pay over the phone, they'll advise when in stock and just one trip to pick them up.

As comparison, throttle pipe, 53141-300-010 is £16.08 , R/H grip 53165-390-780 is £12.12 and L/H grip 53166-390-780 is also £12.12. Total £40.32 plus £7 P&P DS charges. Reasonably comparable I'd say.

I was lucky in mine, I fitted genuine Honda heated grips to the 1300 and it came with throttle pipe included so I removed all those parts, thus my upgrade is free.

[SPR]

Ted, for the throttle pipe I'd recommend buying one off a CB1300, 2003-2010. The ears where the cables connect is bigger so you get more pull for the same action, I tested it when trying to reduce the throttle movement the 500 is plagued with. It reduces the amount of twist you need to make by around 14% IIRC.

I thought it was just me thinking the twist was ridiculous !! Cheers

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Sorry missed the link - I've made it in my basket from the link as follows.
Complete RH unit £28.55
LKeft hand |Grip £15.90
Transport £7.90

Total £52.35 incl VAT still cheaper than DS will it work with the existing cables?

[Oddjob]

Fitted my test rig Ted. Why not order from your local dealer via phone.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Fitted my test rig Ted. Why not order from your local dealer via phone.

The local Honda dealer was Bob Minions in Derby who is now selling Royal Enfields - nearest dealer is a good 20 miles away (None in Derby itself now) so cost more in fuel to drive over.

What is the test rig you refer to Ken?