Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: simonster on August 05, 2013, 11:52:08 PM
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This isn't day one on this project...it's actually day 365, but it's still as it arrived in the back of the sellers van a year ago. I wasn't ready for a new project as I was still midway through renovating my 1960 Triumph bathtub and that has just gone through the MOT so job done and nice she looks too! So looking ahead to the 500k my idea is to start again from the tread up. It's obviously had some work in the distant past as the rear swing arm has been braced for additional strength so possibly been raced but not for many years as it was in someone's shed since the early nineties so the story went. I have started tracing the electrics and marking these up for easy reference for when it all goes back together which I'm hoping will be this time next year or earlier if everything goes to plan and i get plenty of time on what will be my Saturday morning project....work and home life permitting. I have a definite idea how things are going to look on this bike. The frame will be reworked with short tighter upright onto a loop saddle to fit the contour of a fibreglass single seat with hollow seat hump. I want an extended and knee contoured tank ( will look at 500t to see how this fits the frame as these have a longer profile) I want the bike to look bare from the engine back so inventive designs in the electrics dept will be the order of the day ( any suggestions here are welcome) as this will make the project either a success or not. I will post pics as the bike hopefully progresses.
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sounds interesting get some photos up
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My photo files aren't loading..!! i think too many bytes.. any ideas??
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compress the photos first ... save them .. and then try posting ? Microsoft Office Picture Manager can compress them via the Edit Pictures tab
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Pics before the work begins.
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The Triumph bathtub is a recently finished project and the garage is the workshop. Further pics to follow.
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I took a gamble and sourced this fuel tank on fleabay. It is untouched and the inner lining is rust free. This tank has a similar saddle to the standard 500 but the mounting shroud on the inner saddle sit about 1 inch closer together. It was a simple job of cutting back the pins on the frame by 1/2 inch each side and trimming the rubber boots to match. The tank now sits in a perfect position on the frame about 1/2 inch further forward but still clear of the full rotation of the handlebars. It is also about 1 inch longer in total length than standard and sits further back from the rear mount. A mounting lug will need to be welded to suit.
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The 500t fuel tank in position.
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OMG!
Back in the 70's, having a 500T was almost as bad as having a scooter...
I've never seen one of those tanks on a 500/4.
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I know they were always seen as the poor cousin to the Honda range, but they seem to be having a resurgence in popularity, especially amongst the import market! If i'm honet, i do prefer the 500t tank over the 500/4 with its larger dimensions and sportier knee contour. i think it will help with the stretched tank look on this conversion.
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The 500t fuel tank in position.
wow , I just bought a 500T tank exactly like this on fleabay ... minted inside, same colour and looks like same kind of marks on the paint, same pinstripes, same sticker above the petrol cap, came nicely wrapped in a towel ... is it yours ? ... you've changed your mind about your build ?? ;)
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I had to just check it was still in the garage...but can safely say that it isnt mine!! nice to know t
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....that they are still original though. I'm interested to know if your tank is playing a part in your 550/550 mongrel?
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compress the photos first ... save them .. and then try posting ? Microsoft Office Picture Manager can compress them via the Edit Pictures tab
Worth downloading Google Picasa (free) - great for exporting photos at good quality / low file size.
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A member of this forum did a 550 café using a 500t tank a year or two ago, cant remember who but it looked good when finished
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It was member stidds last post with pics august 2012.
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I had to just check it was still in the garage...but can safely say that it isnt mine!! nice to know that they are still original though. I'm interested to know if your tank is playing a part in your 550/550 mongrel
Snap !!!!
Got the tank for when the time comes to do my other 500 (The Basket Case)... will either take the stock tank off the cafe and put the 500T on it , so I have the standard 500 tank to use on The Basket or use the 500T tank on The Basket ... 500/four tank prices are just way too dear so made a cheeky offer on the 500T tank and won it ;).or .. may sell the 500T tank later once I know what I'm doing with The Basket Case
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I have looked back over Stidds 550 cafe build using a 500t fuel tank and the finishing pics convinces me that this tank will give my build the lines I'm hoping for. Thanks for the reference.
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:))
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Here's a picture update on how the tank is looking. The bike is almost there pics showing the progress to follow.
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Also..
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The end result on the tank and seat panel.
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Very nice
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Getting the right length and look for the seat loop is the first and in my opinion was the biggest decision on the build ( second to the paint ) as it was to determine the overall lines and longer length to the frame. I had to cut 30mm out of the loop to lessen the arc as I wanted it to sit exposed but to follow the shape of the seat pan.
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All brackets and other useful additions have been hand made and fabricated out of 3 mm 6k grade aluminiun, which is strong but workable under a little heat, corrosive resistant qualities and can be polished to give a chrome like appearance.
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More of the same.
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Frame painted
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Aluminium base plate with ally welded battery pod with strap and rubber mount for the starter solenoid and space for winker unit.
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hi simostah..... is that longer rear shocks you've put on the baack ?, if so what length and what's the plans for the front end ?
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360 centres on the new rear shocks. I've tried to compensate the forks by placing a 1inch collar/ spacer to reduce the spring sag and 160cc of sae 20 as per the book. I may need to tinker with the levels after my first run out tho. I know messing with the geometry can bugger the handling but I'm willing to compromise a little to keep the rear end lifted that extra inch or so. I would welcome any thoughts gods or bad!
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360 centres on the new rear shocks. I've tried to compensate the forks by placing a 1inch collar/ spacer to reduce the spring sag and 160cc of sae 20 as per the book. I may need to tinker with the levels after my first run out tho. I know messing with the geometry can bugger the handling but I'm willing to compromise a little to keep the rear end lifted that extra inch or so. I would welcome any thoughts gods or bad!
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ah, same as mine then. I've put a steering damper on ....which was just as well as it hits tank slapping tendencies at about 85mph to 90mph. The damper just about makes it manageable. I'm going to try a custom made yoke set next (with 10mm les offset) next, I think that should sort it ... but mucho spondoolies so wont be happening in a hurry.
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I haven't planed for a damper unit hoping that the steering wouldn't be effected too much. If it is just too twitchy I'll probably start researching the easiest and best unit to fit, costs considered.
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i found it a bit further on than just twitchy ... and thats with the damper fitted ! I've used an NHK ODM 500, about £75. GSXR also fits but sits a bit high. First two photos are GSXR, other three are the NHK. Might be okay if you dont plan on exceeding the national speed limit I suppose
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It would have to be rideable at any speed or I won't be happy. Then definitely go with something similar to yours if it's needed, which I'm guessing it will if it effected yours that much. I may go for something second hand like the ginxer which will be easier to pick up at a second hand price. I know it sits high in your pic but I may extend the mounting pin to drop it under the tank if possible.
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really interested to hear how you get on Si 8)
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I will report back how it handles and I reckon the bike should be ready for its first start in the next three weeks. I have the carbs waiting on the spring washers to arrive before assembly on the bike and the clocks to mount which I've just refurbed finished in their natural ss.
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Before.
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I like the look of those clocks simon
pete
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Yes you'd never guess they were forty odd year old. The quality in their parts and assembly puts the new stuff to shame and i'm sure you would never be able to refurb a modern clock to nearly new in forty years time.
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