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Topics - florence
106
« on: November 05, 2010, 01:32:27 PM »
Does anyone have a list of known frame numbers which are pre 1973 to offer as a guide before sending precious money to Honda, only to discover that one's motorcycle is not as old as one might have thought?
For example, my frame number is CB500 - 2069xxx
According to SOHC4.net K2 frames start 210 but according to Honda, mine is a K2. I am confused. Has anyone known Honda to get their dates wrong? Interestingly, there are bike companies around who claim they can issue dating certificates without using Hondas database. What would happen if a dating certificate is issued by one company or club which differs from what Mr Honda says?
I have noticed a lot of imported CB500s turning up which have age related plates for 1972. Are these accurate datings or just a considered opinion? As an expert on CB500s I know that my machine is identical to a 1972 machine even though it has a 1975 registration plate.
I only ask these questions because these things seem to affect the value of our machines quite significantly.
107
« on: November 01, 2010, 02:54:59 PM »
Well, it's November and the salting season is about to start.
Time to get out the LM grease and the EP90 and splodge it over everything to keep the salt out, taking care, however, to avoid the saddle, tyres, brakes and anything that gets really hot. Might I also recommend that dried on mud should never be removed as it is an excellent carrier for oil. The resulting oil/mud combination forms an invaluable protection against the elements. It is good practice, also, at this time of year to carry out basic maintenance and check one's vehicle most thoroughly. A breakdown at the side of the road in sub-zero temperatures is a demoralising experience at the best of times and handling spanners in mittens is close to impossible.
Careful thought should be given to one's attire during the winter months. Long-johns are an absolute boon to the motor-bicyclist as is tweed; being a natural fibre it offers one the greatest protection from the cold and is at the same time very stylish. A leather riding coat should be sufficient as a top layer. At this time of year breeks should, of course, be put away in favour of long trousers, unless you are travelling to a shooting party. A thorough application of dubbin to the boots is recommended as well as to your shotgun case. (I am sure the reader will not want his matching pair of Purdeys to get damp)
108
« on: October 18, 2010, 01:22:56 PM »
Someone paid over
109
« on: October 13, 2010, 11:16:43 AM »
I've noticed that CB550s seem to be fetching very high prices now, often more than CB500s and yet there are many more of them around. I have heard that they are a lot sportier than the 500. Is this true? Perhaps I should look for a 550 engine for mine and give it a try. What do people here think, which is best or are they more or less the same?
110
« on: September 27, 2010, 08:57:42 AM »
Are these designed simply to trap condensation thus aiding the rust growth on the stanchions or do they have some hidden and important purpose? I ask this because mine are split and I am trying to decide whether it is worth the trouble to replace them.
Any thoughts?
111
« on: September 27, 2010, 08:54:52 AM »
My bike just flew through another MOT. I was very glad to discover that the Laser exhaust pipe was not even commented upon, so it can't be as loud as I had feared.
112
« on: September 08, 2010, 11:44:38 AM »
Has anyone here owned a Yamaha XS1100 and, if so, what did you think of it? I'm thinking of getting one, any thoughts anyone?
113
« on: July 21, 2010, 03:58:57 PM »
Well for no particular reason really other than my friend took them.
114
« on: July 19, 2010, 11:02:23 AM »
My CB500/4 has a painted steel tail light/number plate holder. Is this correct for UK model? Some 500/4s seem to have a chrome unit; is this US only?
Also, can anyone clear up manufacturing dates? Honda tell me my bike was made in December 1974 but I thought they stopped making 500s in 1973, although still available to buy in UK. Bike was registered in 1976. (Frame number 2069XXX, engine 2106XXX)
115
« on: July 12, 2010, 04:25:48 PM »
Why do so few motorcyclists wave these days? I've watched this friendly practice decline over the years. Now all I seem to get is the very occasional and barely perceptible nod. What do others here do? I feel like giving up waving. Maybe that's what has happened to everyone else.
Of course, it is completely unimportant realistically but I feel that the camaraderie that used to exist between motorcyclists is fading. Perhaps I'm just getting old and curmudgeonly.
116
« on: June 11, 2010, 09:47:28 AM »
I was out on the bike yesterday and as I went into a corner it felt a bit strange and stodgy. I thought I would stop and check the bike even though the stodginess was very subtle and I had no idea how it was caused. As I came to a stop I realised what was wrong, there was virtually no air left in the front tyre and seconds later it was completely flat and off the rim.
I'm sure you've all had this before but I was just very glad I listened to myself instead of pressing on and have it go completely flat at speed. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
117
« on: April 26, 2010, 03:22:38 PM »
I have seen a CB500/4 frame on ebay, frame number CB5002045862. Is there any way to find out if it is pre '73 and what it's registration number is likely to be? The DVLA said I would have to build the bike first, then register with local DVLA office, then apply for age related plate.
According to Honda, my bike, frame number cb500206....etc is Dec 1974. Does anyone have 204ish? I don't want to send the number off to Honda and spend
118
« on: April 12, 2010, 06:18:09 PM »
After riding my 500/4 for fifteen years with a motad I have fitted a different exhaust. This move was prompted by the shocking price that Motads seem to be now and the lack of availability of down-tubes. (Motad now only supply the whole system).
Anyway, I was shocked and stunned to discover that the machine has suddenly more low-down and mid-range power. Overall the bike responds better. I can only conclude that the Motad was suffocating the poor thing. The 'new' system is an old Laser 4-1 which I think is from the early eighties and has been lying dormant in someones garage, the sort of thing we always used to fit and now I can remember why.
119
« on: April 09, 2010, 06:13:23 PM »
Rebores, crank regrinds, repairing brake calipers with fused nipples etc etc.....road and racing, in fact, just about anything bike engineering related, plus extremely knowledgable and helpful.
0117 941 2300
120
« on: March 31, 2010, 10:20:42 AM »
I know it's a very un-sohc4 topic but when I was in the states a few years ago I rode a cb450 which was great fun. I am very curious about the CB500T. Everyone says they are rubbish but is this really true?
I like twins, I have a cb350K which is very enjoyable to ride but I find is just a little too small and I always end up thrashing it and breaking the engine. I was hoping someone here owns or has owned CB500T and can give me their views.
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