Post by: speedbrace on January 20, 2020, 09:53:39 PM
I have been biking since age of 17 but owned only a handful of bikes during all these years. I am now at an age where I love to be surrounded by my 'collection' of bikes (have 7 Hondas), going to shows and learning to restore.
I would like to tap in to the combined experience and knowledge on this forum, and will be more than happy to share my experiences and knowledge to other forum users of the bikes that I am familiar with.
I would be very obliged if anyone would be kind enough to give me some guidance in what to look out for on the CB500/4 and the right questions to ask before I part with my hard earned cash.
Thanks.
Post by: mick on January 20, 2020, 10:03:29 PM
Post by: JamesH on January 20, 2020, 10:22:17 PM
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Post by: Moorey on January 20, 2020, 10:29:56 PM
Post by: Nurse Julie on January 20, 2020, 11:08:13 PM
Post by: paul G on January 21, 2020, 08:02:57 AM
Post by: Johnwebley on January 21, 2020, 10:17:29 AM
welcome to the fun forum,
lots of help and advice,
nice to have another 500 here
and lots of pictures please
Post by: philward on January 21, 2020, 10:57:06 AM
Loads of 500Four experts on here that will no doubt expand on the subject for you
Post by: Laverda Dave on January 21, 2020, 11:24:36 AM
Post by: speedbrace on January 23, 2020, 11:36:48 AM
Welcome to the forum. Do you have a specific CB500/4 in mind and if so, tell us about it, or just a general wish to buy any 500/4?
Thanks for your welcome messages.
Attached is a picture of the 1972 model (K1 ?) I intend to purchase.
Any guidance in what I should look for or ask about before I purchase on the weekend would be more than welcome.
Further pictures of my bikes to follow.
[attach=1]
Post by: Nurse Julie on January 23, 2020, 12:01:58 PM
Post by: Bryanj on January 23, 2020, 04:39:45 PM
Post by: Trigger on January 23, 2020, 06:36:48 PM
Its a mix of parts, looks like a K0 with a K1/2 rear mudguard and light
I think that rear end is off a USA 750, look at those weird reflectors on the ears. It is a bitsa, need more close ups but I can see at least 3 different models ;)
Post by: speedbrace on January 24, 2020, 09:12:54 AM
Also, despite it being a bitsa, how easy would it be to get it into the correct specification. i.e. is the rear fender with correct tail light and the reflectors still obtainable, and at a reasonable price.
I am guessing the answer is no otherwise the previous owner would have fitted the correct spec parts unless, of course, he/she didn’t know what they were doing !
Post by: speedbrace on January 24, 2020, 09:16:23 AM
Post by: speedbrace on January 24, 2020, 09:18:47 AM
Post by: Nurse Julie on January 24, 2020, 09:42:23 AM
Post by: speedbrace on January 24, 2020, 10:28:22 AM
It's just a typical American import that someone has cobbled together to be able to sell it. It depends on what you are intending to do with it, if you just want it as a riding bike and are happy with a mish mash of parts, the value is whatever you are happy to pay. On the other hand, if you buy it with the intention of getting it back to original spec and in a very nice condition, it would cost a lot of money. It may be more cost effective in the long run to pay more for a really nice bike that needs minimal work on it.
Looking at the photos, it looks as though it has already been brought up to a good standard. My concern is originality and that is what I am looking for in a bike of this type.
Are you saying, from viewing the photos I’ve posted, that there are some big issues to overcome before getting it back to original standard ? The rear fender and reflectors have been mentioned but are these a real headache to obtain and replace ? Is there something more concerning that Could help me make an informed judgement on its suitability ?
I am not looking to purchase a concours bike but I do want originality or something close to original which may not need too much work and effort on my part.
BTW, the asking price for this bike is £8,449.
Post by: Nurse Julie on January 24, 2020, 10:33:08 AM
If you are looking to spend that sort of money, I have a fully restored, I mean 100% restored including engine, UK K1 CB500/4 that is stunning and you could have some change back as well.
Post by: hairygit on January 24, 2020, 10:34:17 AM
James H on here had a really original very early K0 on offer last week. He finds and imports really clean and nice ones, and he was offering it for around £5,000 LESS than that one you are looking at!Sent from my POT-LX1 using Tapatalk
Post by: speedbrace on January 24, 2020, 10:53:03 AM
Thank you Nurse Julie, and others for your guidance. At least now my eyes have been opened, a bit, and I am now very much erring on the side of maximum caution with the purchase.
Nurse Julie, can you send me a couple of pics of your K1.
Post by: Nurse Julie on January 24, 2020, 10:56:15 AM
Post by: Trigger on January 24, 2020, 11:08:03 AM
Post by: speedbrace on January 24, 2020, 11:48:58 AM
If you are looking to spend that kind of £ and you want a original bike. There is a forum member putting a very rare UK 500K0 back together that has a original new seat, exhausts, paint etc,etc and it will be a top bike if woodside finishes by the spring ;)
I will keep myself posted on how this develops. Thanks.
Post by: taysidedragon on January 24, 2020, 07:08:15 PM
If you are looking to spend that kind of £ and you want a original bike. There is a forum member putting a very rare UK 500K0 back together that has a original new seat, exhausts, paint etc,etc and it will be a top bike if woodside finishes by the spring ;)
I will keep myself posted on how this develops. Thanks.
Hi Speedbrace, I wondered from your avatar if you worked at Boscombe Down, or are you a TSR2 fan?
Gareth
Post by: Woodside on January 24, 2020, 09:04:20 PM
Post by: Andrew-S on January 25, 2020, 12:43:27 PM
You know, that’s the real benefit of forums like this with genuine people who are willing to help the less informed, like me, to at least try and find a clear path through a minefield.
Thank you Nurse Julie, and others for your guidance. At least now my eyes have been opened, a bit, and I am now very much erring on the side of maximum caution with the purchase.
Nurse Julie, can you send me a couple of pics of your K1.
Welcome from me too, you have hit the nail on the head with your comments above and you have come to the right place to start your search. The members of this forum helped and advised me when I was looking for a CB750 K1. I bought an original US survivor CB750 K1 (20,648 miles) off a fellow member (UK Pete) which needed some TLC. Personally, I would sooner buy a classic bike (or car) from trusted like minded club enthusiasts rather than some of the unscrupulous sellers out there and on eBay.
Good luck with your search.
Post by: speedbrace on January 25, 2020, 02:13:30 PM
Hi Speedbrace, I wondered from your avatar if you worked at Boscombe Down, or are you a TSR2 fan?
Gareth
Hi Gareth
No, the TSR2 was before my time but I did spend 22 years in the RAF.
Post by: JamesH on January 26, 2020, 02:53:24 PM
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Post by: simonc on April 18, 2020, 05:42:45 PM