SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

is it a 500/4 k0 or somit else?

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matthewmosse:
These following my 500/4 sidecar outfit  rebuild will already perhaps realise I have stashed a few spares bikes in the old shed loft in bits. Amoungst the issues I face on my rebuild was a rotten seat pan, and the spares I dug out included what is apparently a 500/4 k0 seat, apparently rare. Came off a k reg bike. Question is have I got an old bitsa, or a k0? Frame number not yet available, it's stuck behind a v twin aircooled honda generator and assorted spare wheels. Same story for the engine and wheels. I did find the headlight braketts, I have 3 sets think the odd ones out have larger refectors at about 2 inches diameter over the others at about 1.5. Sidepannels, missing their badges, definitely very old and far more thin and fragile than any other 500 or 550 side pannels. Front muddy was drilled for a front blade number plate I seem to recall. Switchgear had a thumb screw to lock the throttle at whatever setting you choose, like a criuse controll I geuss, not by the looks of it as a modification but factory fit. Wiring routed through the bars, I seem to recall the rear wheel spindle was different to my others too. Is it sounding like it is a k0. I know 500 k0 are nowhere near the leauge that 750 ones are, but am beginning to think if the bike is not common then it may merit different treatment, especially as things like the warning sticker on the chrome rear muddy were still present and intact when I got this. I was probably going to just rebuild it on minimal budgett trying to keep rust at bay with an oily rag, and re pack bearings with fresh grease. I noticed the seat still has a sticker on there, but seemed to be in japaneese. Trouble with doing anything with it, is it has surface rust, if I repaint I destoy these details, if I leave as is it cannot be used without risking it rotting. If it is not too special then acf50 might be ok to preserve it.

Trigger:
Matthew, I have a UK CB500K0 and can not find another one in this country. Mine was made in Japan in June 1971, came to the UK in November 1971. A 500KO has a different seat, seat lock, wiring loom, sub harness and the frame and engine number will start with 10......
All the other CB500 four's numbers start with 20..... or 21...... That are the main differences.
The KO seat is not that rare as you can find them in the USA.

matthewmosse:
I think it might just be one then, engine and frame number begin 1015xxx. Just spent the last 2 hours digging the things out.

Trigger:
Do you have a V5/ logbook for it?

matthewmosse:
Nope, number plate, frame and engine numbers, no paperwork. It was a minimal description job on ebay, 2 poorly focused photos, 2 lines of description and about 2 inches of dust. I only just found that the rear exhaust was chromed this afternoon, the dust was that thick on it. Proper barn find. It will need an engine rebuild as it has not had the rocker cover fitted for about a decade probably 2, so need to clean it out. Other than that under the dust it still has the helmet hook sticker by the seat and stuff. Not often one finds a classic that un molested. Bad bit was the price, £100 maiden bid. Happy to pay that for a solid Dunstall exhaust and sound brake caliper.

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