Teds new project a CB500 K1 mostly version 0.5 circa 1972.

[Rozabikes Tim]

Well done Ted. Great to hear your news after such a well documented build we have all followed. Expect to see you with the knee down when we get a warm Derbyshire!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Well done Ted  . Crack open the bubbly whilst you trawl Ebay for that CB750 Project you've always promised yourself (or a Maico  )
Happiness is turning on the fuel and the carbs don't flood  .
Post some photos of the complete bike wearing it's newly painted suit

Sadly the 750 is far too heavy for me - I've pretty much decided the Maicoletta idea will be too much pain due to the lack of parts.

I'll never say never but - this 500 might be my last build - if I am tempted it will be something smaller or even another 400 at a push.  Space issues would mean my existing 400 would have to go. Not sure I could handle the separation it would be like getting a divorce.

[mickwinf]

well done Ted, a great feeling when they burst into life.

[DomP]

Great news Ted, I'm not far off getting mine on the road now, just some small tweaks and cosmetics.

[davidcumbria]

Great news Ted. When you’re knee deep refitting the kickstart mechanism and primary shaft this moment seems an age away. Well done and let the tweaking begin 👍

[Seabeowner]

Well done Ted. It's been some journey post 800 on page 54. Just look and admire your work but I'm sure the ride will be equally rewarding.
The 750 always was too heavy for me. Even the 500 is a lump to heave onto the main stand for me now. (the foot lever is not well angled as it has to avoid the pipes.)

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

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.

[Johnny4428]

Well done Ted, always big relief to hear it running as it should. Looking forward to some pics, and it’s a bit refreshing to see an alternative interpretation as to what your bike should look like. I have never done a build other than what the book and manuals say it should look like. But I will be attempting my first one in the near future so looking forward to it. Will start gathering bits and pieces soon. Good luck with the finishing touches.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

The oil light switch decided to stop working when I was going to set the static timing - it just stayed off so replacement via NJ fitted today.
Due to a raft of household type jobs & Wendy's Freelander decided it did not want to crank over I've been distracted. Thank goodness I had Home Start on her Insurance. Iffy starter motor so RAC Smart Service are fitting it on our driveway on Monday.

It will be after the weekend now before I can do any more on the 500. Not sure how it's affecting members here but we had the CH on again last night & this evening.

[DomP]

What doesn't Julie stock!  Took me a while but now realise you meant central heating, I'm determined not to load our pellet boiler until September at the earliest.

It's annoying that summer comes along and so many jobs need doing but good to see the 500 is pretty much done.

[Johnny4428]

Weather has been a bit average here Ted still having to flick the heating on couple of times a day. Hopefully warmer weather on the way!

[Spitfire]

Very strange summer weather, hot sun, rain, cold and rain and just cold, our central heating is on and off quite a bit with all this, mind you my boss gets cold if the temperature drops below 20c, she reckons it's due to her thyroid.

Cheers

Dennis

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I must be super nesh Dennis my minimum in the house is 71 F - 21.6 C, the Gaffer complains about it giving her hot flushes.

[Bryanj]

Our heating is set at 17 c and trips in ocasionally but the stat is right by the front door. The bedroom on the third floor of a middle semi needs aircon, was up to 27 c 10 days ago!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

In the summer Bryan we are a cosy 74-80 F in the lounge. Upstairs as the main outside walls and roof is super insulated (since our fire) we can regularly  tip into 88 F so all the upstairs windows will be open if we actually have a summer this year!