CB500Four answers from the experts please!

[philward]

My K2 arrived from DK today and really pleased! Loads of work but unlike my previous (and present K6 project) projects, its all there and main components are a good basis for rebuild to standard,
Tank refurbable, frame good, fork bottoms/stantions good, engine very clean, looks not to have been apart, oil as new and show decent compression.
From the frame number its a K2 but Cert of title shows 1972. Its my intention to rebuild back to UK spec in Black (just like my 72 K1 when I had one new in Aug 72).
Questions - Did the uk get the K2? If so, whats the cosmetic difference to UK K1 (not much info on UK models online).
At this stage I'm in the planning stage and intend to start the rebuild when I finish/sell the K6 Cafe Racer project - hopefully next spring - which will fund the return to standard for the 500.
After the last 2 build from a frame (CR750) and boxes (K6), I'm really looking forward to a standard spec build (like my K2 - although that stated as a frame and crancase!).
I intend to change oil, filter, plugs and rebuild the carbs then start it up the see what it sounds like before stripping - something I haven't had the luxury of with previous builds (so just rebuilt all the engines!)
Thanks in advance

[Nurse Julie]

Sounds like a good 'un Phil. No UK CB500/4 K2. Only the K1 and the unofficial K0. Trig has a stunner of a UK K1 he has restored, if you need any reference pics etc just shout....
Edit....a late 72 manufactured USA model will be a K2. Where the UK still had the K1 up till about 1975 ish.

[florence]

In the 90s I bought an engine from DK.  It might be worth taking off the sump and having a look inside.  The first engine they sent was full of crud so I sent it back.  they then sent another which was much much better.

[philward]

Thanks Julie, that makes it much easier!
Florence, my thoughts two - gives me chance to also have a look at the primary chain situation that I have read so much about on here!

[deltarider]

Congrats, Philward. Why you want to make it a K1 is a mystery for me however. I have owned a K2 (1976) myself since 1980 and IMO it is the best of the 500 serie and you will miss some refinements. IMO it has the nicer tank paint scheme too. Anyway our fratelli Italiani have listed the differences between the CB500, CB500K1 and CB500k2 (ED, F, G). http://www.honda4fun.com/home/faq/generali/111-cb500-differenze-k0-k1-k2
Note that the American K2 which was traded years before (1973) was a different model.
In case you're to ditch the standard grabrail I'm interested. And if you need more info like wiring diagrams and Owner's Manual and articles, I have collected it all over the years .

[Bryanj]

K2 differences that i remember
Bigger clocks
Diff clock mount bracket
Diff bars
Diff switchgear
Diff rear light and mount(best of luck finding a UKrear guard they are more difficult to find than chtomed rocking horse poo)
Diff colours
US had sealed beam headlamp and no front sidelight
Indicator mounting especially rear as UK had no grab rail

[Trigger]

different ears, indicators and stems front and rear to add to the list 

Don't just rely on the primary chain looking good. Every USA unit I have stripped, the primary rubbers were as hard as rocks.

[philward]

Only reason I want K1 is the nostalgia of me owning one new - will probably end up with K2 in Black with UK handle bars! We'll see!

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[Seabeowner]

Well done Phil, that looks a good buy. Interesting that you want to get back to black. My 74, shown, was brown and after a year I got it re-spayed as I went off it. Now I have a set of panels and tank I am going to get it sprayed..., you guessed it, brown.
And don't forget the metal plug caps for UK K1s!!!
Primary rubbers can be replaced without splitting the engine if you don't replace the chain.

[deltarider]

And don't forget the metal plug caps for UK K1s!!!

Oh no, they were the worst! Honda abandoned them as they caused problems.
The K2 also had an improved swingarm bearing. Tell me if you need specific wiring diagram.

[philward]

Thanks for offer and will defo take it up - I did 42000 on my k1 with no problems - loved it!

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[philward]

Not with metal plug caps though!

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