Honda-SOHC

I visited the Bike Shed Show in Shadwell (or The Bike Beard Show) in East London last night. To me this is the best motorcycle show as its all one-off builds and some of the ingenuity has to be seen to be believed.

One particular bike was based on a 650 V-Twin Honda and it is a Steam punk build called Isambard. It was built as homage to Brunel and is based on one of his locos. When you first see it looks ugly but looking at it closely the build is pretty special especially the copper work for the water cooling and the sight glass used for the fuel tank level. The cockpit resembles a steam train as do the front forks and the throttle cables!

Some other really nice bikes were there as well including a really neat 500 Honda and a unique Kawasaki Z900 for those who want to keep biking on four wheels when they can no longer manage two!

The show is on over the next two days and really worth a visit. They show the MGP in the cinema, there are live bands, craft beers, food and a really nice vibe.

Hi all, I am after 2 x cylinder studs for my CB500 and can`t find any anywhere? does anyone know of or has a couple that they would sell please.
#thank you

I am getting close to starting up my CB360 after stripping and reassembling, the top end has been off and rebuilt.

I know this is a basic question but it’s the first engine work I have undertaken.

I know that I need to make sure that I have oil getting to the top end but how long should this take roughly?

I don’t want to panic and convince myself there are problems too quickly but also don’t want to have it running for too long and do some damage.

Nice photos. I've always like the colour blue and the 750 is a great colour combination. The gold and black of the 500 tops it though👍.

I have tried to put some detail into what I have done on this project Phil in the hope of sharing my journey including any  setbacks to help others who want to have a go at a 500 so it soon turns into 54 pages (to date).

That's not counting the raft of individual questions I posted on the CB500/550 section to help with the build when I was unsure what went where etc. It still surprises me that I have forgotten some of what I learnt on the 400 build.

The build so far covers some 18 months with obvious static periods due to the winters. I am delighted that I have had the engine running - if this build is like my 400 one I will slow down as it nears completion as I do not want it to end.

I have a check list on my detailed spreadsheet for items that need to be torqued up, checked etc. It is by no stretch of the imagination all original nor concourse  or "finish perfect" like the one Ive seen on the USA site.

It's a keeper for me to enjoy whilst I still have the health to ride a motorcycle - I will probably never sell it. Purists will not like my LED front & rear lights or my lack of the original fork ears & gaiters to mention just a few items.

I really do appreciate all the advice, pointers, tips plus some free spare parts given to me by generous members here. When I fit the tank & panels I will upload some more photos. Lastly my thanks to the suspended member Oddjob/Ken who continues to help me outside of the forum.