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46

CB500/550 / The 500 exhaust conundrum.

« on: October 14, 2023, 09:34:22 PM »

I need to start thinking seriously about an exhaust stystem for the 500 I'm minded to go for the Dekelvic system as it's not daft money plus it's stainless as well.
I like a longer silencer so the Mega looks good plus they do Black Ceramic for a bit extra not sure what it will look like in a couple of years.........but.

When these bikes were new in the 1970's I thought the exhaust system was very dated across the range compared to other bikes of the period (the word bulbous comes to mind) - I thought Goldstar silencers looked great on my Triumph 21 - now I think the original Honda four pipe system looks right on a 1972/3 era bike. Such a pity that Dekelvic do not make a four pipe system.

Are there other new options on the new market that I am missing?

47

Recommended Sources for Parts and Services / Carb vacuum gauges for 400 & 500

« on: October 14, 2023, 05:27:20 PM »

I'm hoping my BiL has a set I can borrow in the new year so I can improve on bench sync process on the 500.

I've looked at previous posts as to reasonable quality gauges but quoted item numbers are out of date. My Ultrasound Bath is a Vevor - still going strong so wondered if anyone here has used these?

.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204051398442

48

CB500/550 / 500 petrol pipe options/considerations.

« on: October 13, 2023, 05:57:46 PM »

The existing petrol pipe on my 500 is clearly marked as 6mm i/d - it measures around 11.5 mm external diameter. The two pipe lengths are aroun 12" & 9" in length for the twin outlet Petcock.
It does not leak & there were no clips on the pipe that seems to fit quite well. The T piece on the carbs has a diameter of 5mm at the narrow centre section with the two built in flanges/olives measuring 7 mm.
I am minded to replace the pipe as it has gone quite stiff not being as supple as new hose.

I've done a search on this site regarding petrol pipe diameter on the 500 the consensus being it is usually 5.5mm i/d DS does a metre length for £25.90 including postage under p/n 95001-550-0160M no details as to material used.

Trawling e-bay there is Nitrile Braided Hose 5.5 mm i/d 10.5 approx @ £6.02 per meter.

.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203502702708?var=503870585945

There is Ethanol Proof E85 Bio Hose (Silicone?) suitable for Diesel or Petrol etc 5.mm i/d @ £27.70 per meter.

.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251726976282?var=550653085114

I am at a loss as to what to buy.

49

Tricks & Tips / A small tip when replacing carb needles or moving the circlip

« on: October 13, 2023, 11:21:30 AM »

I have had to move the circlips to the central position 3 on my 500 carbs. I was able to remove the two screws at the base of the slider/plunger without the need to remove the plunger arm from the slider first. I just removed the bolt at the pivot end and slid out the the gubbins.

Many folk here will know how fiddly it is putting the two screws back in place with the arm still in place so thought I would share my tip here. As a former Tropical fish keeper I still have odd bits of Neoprene & Silicone air line pipe (5.5mm ish o/d) in my garage. plus an old bit of steel similar to a barbecue skewer.

The Silicone tubing I found best as it was easy to push the head of the screw into the pipe so you have a length of tubing that will easily reach the bottom of the slider. I then placed a metal rod that was a loose fit inside the pipe to give the pipe a little rigidity.

This enabled me to place the screws visually in line with the thread in the slider - by turning the pipe with my fingers it was very easy to screw them in with no fear of a crossed thread. When both were in place fully screwed down by just using the pipe I was able to easily nip them up with a JIS tool. The Silicone pipe is easily pulled off the screw head when it is done with.

This tip is for us amateurs not the former professional here.

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PXL_20231013_095540299 by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

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50

CB500/550 / 500 Exhaust system v Needle position on carb?

« on: October 11, 2023, 10:02:50 AM »

My 500 has the standard air filter system - it had a 4 into 1 Motad I think it was that has been binned as the silencer was rotted out on the wheel side plus the downpipes were not in great condition.

The needles were all set with the circlip on the second position from the bottom - slighty rich setting rather than the standard middle position.

I will most likely fit the Delkevic system as the four pipe system is a big leap in cost though I would have liked some sort of twin exhhaust system at the very least for visual balance. I am now uncertain if I should return the needle position to standard or leave it in the second groove position.

As there are quite a few 500 owners here I wondered what impact the different exhaust systems have on the carb needle position/fuel mixture requirements. I would be interested to read of owners experiences on this issue.
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51

Misc / Open / Re: 41211-323-000 plate (rear sprocket cover) cleaning.

« on: September 30, 2023, 02:45:28 PM »

Is there an easy way to remove the coating on my rear wheel sprocket cover at home?

Not sure tbh but I think it is Chrome but could be BZP would Harpic 10 remove the coating?

52

CB500/550 / 500 Tappet cover head size

« on: September 29, 2023, 03:56:37 PM »

I know its a pretty basic question but are the Tappet covers an odd size as 16 mm is too small and 17 mm is a very sloppy fit even on the flats never mind any rounded corners?

53

Humour / This made me laugh my brother saw it on a birthday card.

« on: September 28, 2023, 07:20:47 PM »

s-l1600 by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr
Bike Restorers biggist fear:

When you die, your wife will sell your bikes for what you told her they cost.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

54

CB500/550 / Camshaft Cover fastners question?

« on: September 25, 2023, 08:47:38 PM »

When I came to re-fitting my camcase cover the left side hex socket headed screws do not clear he valve cover caps properly. I have used hex head SS bolts for the remainder without issue.

Do you have to fit JIS headed screws for the front four fastenings.

55

Desperately Seeking!! / 41211-323-000 plate (rear sprocket cover)

« on: September 23, 2023, 02:32:20 PM »

The rear sprocket plate on my 500 has rusty chrome as well as being a tad out of shape in a few places.

Anyone here have one that is still undamaged - if the chrome is poor might look at powder coating though I assume they would have to remove the chrome first - all sounds costly.

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41211 323 000 plate by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

56

Misc / Open / Cosmetic options for these clamps.

« on: September 23, 2023, 02:00:41 PM »

I know there have been discussions to the effect that re-chroming does not last on exhuast pipe clamps - never mind the cost.
I am undecided when it comes to the replacement exhuast - the Delkevic comes with SS I think so I would not need to restore them.
The original four pipe system is not completely out of the equation as yet.

Is there a coating finish that can stand the heat that works without running into treble figure costs?

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front pipe clamps by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

57

Misc / Open / Decisions decisions - with my history of wanting a Nut Brown frame ?

« on: September 20, 2023, 04:22:14 PM »

In the next couple of weeks I plan to drop my 500 wheel hubs off at CWS to have a pair of wheels built - Ceracote hub finish with SS spokes most likely Valanced alloy rims.
Rims will be Front 1.85x19, Rear 2.15x18. .

My frame is matt black, the tank & side panels are now gloss black so not sure what colour if any to have my alloy rims anodised.

My original plan was to go for gold as per my 400 but I've started to think black might be a better alternative.

Any words of wisdom for what finish to choose - saleabilty/resale is not in my equation ?

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