Post by: mickandsej on May 24, 2020, 09:32:49 PM
I’ve recently acquired an original UK 500/4, 38000 miles, original colour (sadly not all original paint). It’s got plenty of patina but it’s very original and running fairly well so I’m tempted to enjoy it as is.
The seller told me it needed a carb clean, which I’ve now done borrowing an ultrasonic bath, but still running badly. Secondhand contact breaker plate acquired with old OEM points fitted but after timing up it runs a lot better than it did on the new cheap points - which were held in with self tappers so had been bodged! Has one new coil and plug leads numbered 4-1 instead of 1-4 so it’s clearly been fiddled with greatly recently. Fuel supply seems ok and the tank is reasonably clean, temporarily ran inline fuel filters and nothing showed up.
Fork oil looks like cold coffee so that needs doing, caliper needs looking at. Starter jammed in yesterday but freed itself off while I had a cuppa. Bench synced until I can afford a proper kit. Stock air box etc, I’ve removed the Motad 4-1 as I got lucky with a genuine period Dunstall 4-2 set up, a 4-4 is out of reach and I’m trying to buy used period parts rather than new copies.
The bike turns heads and I love it! Lucky also to have a ‘96 Triumph Sprint as a daily so the Honda is for fun.
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Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on May 24, 2020, 09:53:18 PM
I love those 900 Triumphs (see Covid thread)
Steve
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Post by: mickandsej on May 24, 2020, 10:17:15 PM
I didn’t think about the tank - it’s a bit bruised here and there - it doesn’t fit quite right, the front rubbers have been cut and the rear rubber won’t pull over the tab. It’s the only green part that vaguely shows another colour beneath the paint, the side panels and headlight are definitely original colour.
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Post by: Nurse Julie on May 24, 2020, 10:47:28 PM
Post by: mickandsej on May 24, 2020, 11:09:28 PM
The story goes that the first owner was in Germany in ‘73 and special ordered it from the factory in this colour. It was delivered new in the UK. Other than that yes I agree it’s not a UK colour. If I were to restore it (doubtful) I’d change it. As I say I think it’s better to enjoy as is, surface rust and all!
Post by: Trigger on May 25, 2020, 12:30:43 AM
If it was first registered in germany, the clock would be in KPH and not MPH and it would state that fact on the V5. Indicators are not german market. The front mudguard has been cut and it has holes in the top were the front number plate would of been mounted and no way was that a factory colour in any country or factory quality ;)
Post by: Bryanj on May 25, 2020, 06:19:29 AM
If you PM me the frame number i will give you an approximate build date as against reg date.
Post by: SteveW on May 25, 2020, 09:04:27 AM
Post by: mickandsej on May 25, 2020, 09:30:39 AM
I’ve seen fuel taps on both sides..
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Post by: mickandsej on May 25, 2020, 09:33:55 AM
As a point of interest though - what was the last price someone paid for a K tank?
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Post by: Nurse Julie on May 25, 2020, 09:36:12 AM
Fuel tap is in the middle, but the sides are smooth not inset for the knees. I’m wondering what this tank is now!SteveW means your fuel tap is on the right side of the tank and should be on the left if it were the correct tank for a 500/4
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Post by: AshimotoK0 on May 25, 2020, 10:27:13 AM
Post by: mickandsej on May 25, 2020, 11:26:47 AM
I'm thinking it could be an early CB250 tank now, would know better seeing a pic of the underside. Could also be a 750 tank, taps on the right side and it looks to be the same tap as the 500/750.It’s just a twin outlet Petrol tap to each pair of carbs, the pic shows the temporary set up which was a bit messy but served a purpose...
Is that pipe running across the top of the engine a link pipe to the other side of the tank?
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Post by: mickandsej on May 25, 2020, 11:34:21 AM
Some of the previous “work”....
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Post by: Bryanj on May 25, 2020, 11:42:57 AM
Post by: simonc on May 25, 2020, 11:51:17 AM
Post by: SteveW on May 25, 2020, 11:55:41 AM
In your pic, see below. It looks like the green earth wire has overheated and melted. This happened in multiple places in my loom. Its caused by a poor battery ground connection, so a lot of current is using the only other path it can, the small green earth wire.
The second pic below is my loom, this is what to look out for:
Post by: mickandsej on May 25, 2020, 11:58:29 AM
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Post by: mickandsej on May 25, 2020, 01:24:16 PM
Check your main battery ground, it looks like you have the same problem as I had with my 74 550.Thank you, I’ll look into that ASAP.
In your pic, see below. It looks like the green earth wire has overheated and melted. This happened in multiple places in my loom. Its caused by a poor battery ground connection, so a lot of current is using the only other path it can, the small green earth wire.
The second pic below is my loom, this is what to look out for:
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Post by: Green1 on May 25, 2020, 08:01:11 PM
Wasn't the tap on the 500T on the left and the tank had a slight indent for your knees and looks a bit more bulbous
Post by: mickandsej on May 25, 2020, 10:03:52 PM
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Post by: Menno on May 25, 2020, 11:25:26 PM
Post by: mickandsej on May 26, 2020, 12:11:13 AM
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Post by: Menno on May 26, 2020, 08:57:18 AM
I am looking for a k2 tank anyway...
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on May 26, 2020, 09:11:23 AM
Especially Menno’s gold.
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Post by: mickandsej on May 26, 2020, 09:50:53 AM
I think the question is this:
I traded an old classic car for this bike, so I could free up space and still have room for a project. When the bike arrived I instantly changed my mind from full restoration to fix, ride and enjoy as is, warts and all, because of the seemingly genuine patina. I wrote off the idea of sourcing a 4-4 system as a new one was unaffordable and decided to go for good used parts even if not OEM, eg I’ve already put used chrome rear shocks on. The wiring is a mess and needs doing piecemeal. I’ve been over the engine with petrol and a toothbrush and it’s greatly improved (whatever happened to the old Gunk formula!? The new one is crap!).
Does anyone see anything else that suggests this bike is a bitsa/mongrel or do you think it’s better served being restored as a genuine UK bike?
And thank you all for the constructive input received so far!
Mick
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Post by: Nurse Julie on May 26, 2020, 10:08:06 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200526/9312efe14089c4584dcfaa549c569f47.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200526/cb4728d645adb37ef6826a09dd7d1112.jpg)
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Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on May 26, 2020, 10:47:13 AM
Small world...
Post by: mickandsej on May 26, 2020, 10:54:24 AM
Here’s a bit more local history for you then....
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Post by: Bryanj on May 26, 2020, 11:00:11 AM
Personally i would put the proper tank on it, UK colours would be Gold, Brown or Black, painting tank and panels as and when and correct all the "wrong" parts as you go and have both time and cash.
Firstly give it a full service and mot, even though you dont have to have one, gives a good idea of what is worn then start on the rest. For example rear indicator brackets are wrong, no rear grab handle, fork gaiters look odd but resolution not best so cant be sure, front mudguard wrong(thats the dearest bit!)
Post by: sye on May 26, 2020, 11:23:50 AM
Thanks for all your input so far :-)I wonder if the original purchaser was in the army at the time. I bought a new car in 1972 whilst stationed over there. Built to UK spec in Paris and delivered to Celle.
The story goes that the first owner was in Germany in ‘73 and special ordered it from the factory in this colour. It was delivered new in the UK. Other than that yes I agree it’s not a UK colour. If I were to restore it (doubtful) I’d change it. As I say I think it’s better to enjoy as is, surface rust and all!
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on May 26, 2020, 12:23:44 PM
Last time I walked past his house he had a rather nice Rickman parked out the front...
Post by: mickandsej on May 27, 2020, 12:13:40 AM
That frame number ties up with other 73 reg K1 UK models, unless you go to Honda UK and pay about £30 its dificult to give an exact date as Honda were building K1 models for the UK and at the same time K2 models for elswhere plus just starting the 550 K0 for the US.The bike came with a bodged-on wide grab rail which was getting in the way in my small garage, not strong enough for purpose, so I simply bracketed the indicators on quickly to retain them. New stubs on the shopping list (by new I mean good used.!) Front mudguard is good and solid so a low priority, I think the tank is first due to the poor fit as-is. I’m still minded to retain the green as I getting to like it (so does Mrs..) so I’ll try an get a match at the local paint suppliers. Rest of service items obtained and in hand.
Personally i would put the proper tank on it, UK colours would be Gold, Brown or Black, painting tank and panels as and when and correct all the "wrong" parts as you go and have both time and cash.
Firstly give it a full service and mot, even though you dont have to have one, gives a good idea of what is worn then start on the rest. For example rear indicator brackets are wrong, no rear grab handle, fork gaiters look odd but resolution not best so cant be sure, front mudguard wrong(thats the dearest bit!)
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Post by: mickandsej on June 01, 2020, 12:16:51 AM
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