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Topics - florence
1
« on: March 07, 2026, 05:13:20 PM »
Oh dear, just trying to order a replacement for my front tyre and found Avon Speedmaster no longer made.
I have Avon SM on rear. What alternative would suit for the front that would be safe with the rear tyre currently fitted, or am I going to have to buy a pair of something else?
2
« on: January 02, 2026, 04:37:27 PM »
I am, for the first time in about twenty years, having a bit of a tidy up in the workshop, following an adulthood of terrible hoarding. I have several CB250k and 350k engines and carbs and various 70s Honda nonsense, including 500/4 wheels and forks,(don't even get me started on the Sachs Dolmar chainsaw parts  ), taking up space and have decided to build one spare engine and then sell the rest of the bits so I can afford to buy two tyres which is all I need to get my 350 back on the road. In fact, if anyone has part worn tyres, happy to swap for things. If anyone needs any cheap bits, please let me know via PM before I start taking pictures and listing on ebay. (not my forte) Happy new year fellow forumites. Steve x
3
« on: December 11, 2025, 01:15:14 PM »
Does anyone know where we can get spare brass screws that go into the float bowl to allow fuel to be drained? Yesterday my bike was being annoying and misfiring on one cylinder. I decided to drain the carbs because even with E5, moisture can be present in the float bowls when left too long without running. The draining procedure worked and when I went to town today it was running perfectly. I did note, however, the drain screws are quite chewed on my bike and next time I'm doing some maintenance it might be sensible to fit new ones.
4
« on: October 03, 2025, 04:57:37 PM »
I am offering some 250/350K parts here before putting on ebay. (It's almost completely the contents of two engines, although I want to keep the crankshaft) CB350 barrel with matching pistons and rings, very usable. £120 CB250 barrel with matching pistons and rings, also very usable. £120 CB250 Carbs, complete apart from one float bowl, offers CB350 carb bodies. Offers various carb bits. Offers Several gearboxes, clutches and miscellaneous bits, again, offers. Camshaft, rockers, end caps etc. If you need anything, please PM (I'm only selling these bits because I want to buy some tyres to get my 350 back on the road  )
5
« on: September 18, 2025, 04:45:13 PM »
I noticed this week there was a tiny amount of play in the swing arm; something felt slightly wrong. I did apply grease earlier in the year and have ridden about 1000 miles since.
I put some more grease in this afternoon and now, when manipulating the rear wheel with the bike on the centre stand, the play appears to have gone.
My question is, should there be play when grease is needed or is it a sign that I will have to replace the bushes this winter?
6
« on: September 05, 2025, 06:16:57 PM »
Last week I fitted a new gasket on my fuel tank lid and despite it being ethanol proof, I don’t think it is thick enough. Today I filled my tank, but when I got home noticed my trousers were doused with petrol.
Does anyone recommend a good replacement, preferably ethanol safe.
Glad I’m no longer a smoker!
7
« on: July 28, 2025, 10:56:49 AM »
My friend's Norton Commando has a newer and different front disk and calliper, I think from a modern Honda. I have seen that this is quite a common practice and having ridden the bike I can confirm that it is a massive improvement to braking performance.
Has anyone seen or know of a suitable conversion that can be applied to 500/550 that does not require changing the front forks, i.e. a disk that can be fitted to the standard wheel and a calliper that can go on the standard forks using a bracket as an adapter?
8
« on: May 28, 2025, 11:23:14 AM »
I have decided not to park amongst cars from now on.
Last week, I parked my bike outside a shop, at an angle with my rear wheel towards the kerb, between two parallel parked cars. While I was in the shop, a car reversed into my bike and knocked it over. According to a bystander, they hopped out of their car, had a quick look and then drove off leaving my bike on it's side pouring petrol onto the road. The bystander very kindly picked up the bike and put it back on it's stand. The damage included, very bent front brake lever, scratched master cylinder, bent handlebars and scraped silencer.
This was of course very annoying but luckily no one was hurt. People at the scene who witnessed what happened did not manage to get the registration number so I have no way of finding out who it was. It has left me feeling quite sad.
Anyway, I have repaired everything now apart from the handlebars which seem very hard to find these days.
The point of mentioning here is as a precaution. I think I shall just have to park somewhere where it is less likely to be bumped into, for example taking up a car parking space in the car park. Motorcycle spaces are very limited around here and there isn't one in my nearest village.
9
« on: May 19, 2025, 04:09:35 PM »
My insurance is due for renewal and a friend pointed out to me that I would struggle to find another usable SOHC4 for £1200 which is what I currently have it insured for.
Before I take out my renewal, what do we think is a reasonable insurance amount for me to give to the insurance company? 1974 UK 500/4, good working condition, low mileage, oily rag scruffy condition.
10
« on: May 15, 2025, 02:41:40 PM »
After suffering the dreaded clutch slip I have at last got round to addressing the problem. My bike needed an oil change and I had a day off work, so I thought I would just go for it.
Having drained the oil, and removed the oil filter, I then undid all the fasteners feeling really pleased that I had used Allen screws when I built the bike all those years ago. I found taking off the footrests made life easier and was quick to do. Kick starter off, then, with finger in oil filler hole and a small tap with a mallet, despite being undisturbed since 1995, the cover popped off easily. Worth noting, there is a crevice between the crankcase and the clutch cover which collects road grit, I wish I had noticed before it was deposited on the sprocket but with careful work using oil and a paint brush, I was able to clean up to my satisfaction. The annoying part of removing gasket residue came next, gentle and careful use of a flat metal scraper worked well and no damage or marks to the gasket surface.
I replaced the clutch plates with EBC CK1135 and controversially opted for EBC heavy duty springs as I gambled that a heavier clutch was worth the risk to avoid having to strip down once again.
Now, the next day, it is all back together and I have to say the results are extraordinary, it feels like a different bike. Despite using the heavy duty springs, the feel from the lever is excellent, feels 'springy' and not heavy at all. Happy to hold in in traffic and most importantly of all, no slip whatsoever, crisp take off and when changing down and opening up the throttle, such as when overtaking, instant power right through the power band.
I thought I would share this because it has been a fault I have just been putting up with for many years and I was surprised how easy it was to do and also not terribly expensive. My bike is transformed.
11
« on: April 01, 2025, 11:12:37 AM »
Hello all,
I am about to put new oil and filter in my bike and thought it might be a good idea to look at my clutch at the same time.
Can anyone recommend where to buy clutch plates, springs and gasket. I was thinking EBC might be a good choice but keen to seek opinions here before I part with hard cash. I've been meaning to do this job for ages as my clutch slips and I want to get it right first time.
Many thanks,
Steve
12
« on: November 19, 2024, 03:59:32 PM »
My speedometer has developed an annoying squeal as soon as it reaches 30MPH and remains noisy at any speed above. It is incredibly noisy, enough to make pedestrians look on aghast. I wondered what on earth was happening the first time until I pinned it down to the offending gauge.
My question is, has anyone else experienced this fault? I tried squirting some oil inside but it has not helped. I'm not sure I can face the effort of taking it apart unless I can be certain of success
13
« on: September 23, 2024, 11:21:17 AM »
Having battled with slipping clutch for many years and having eliminated oil and outside factors such as cable and adjuster, and reading road tests from the seventies that all mention the dreaded slippage, can anyone recommend a good supplier for reliable plates? Perhaps I might fit plates from a different model? I read an old article recently that suggested the clutch plates from the 450 were less prone to slipping and the chap in the article claimed he was able to do a 'wheelie' once he had fitted them. I don't know whether this is true. Also, my CX500 had a very similar clutch which did not slip. https://www.cb500fourcollection.com/post/low-buck-clutch-cure
14
« on: August 27, 2024, 10:00:03 AM »
Changing my clutch cable this weekend, I found the steel guide plate inside the sprocket cover is bent and won't sit in the correct place. When I got the cover back on the guide catches the drive chain.
My question is, can I just remove the guide and run it without Has anyone done this and found it is fine?
Thanks,
Steve
15
« on: August 21, 2024, 03:57:58 PM »
Does anyone know if there is a Honda clutch cable which would fit 500/4 but is about 1.3m in length? The cable on mine has gone a bit sticky and I cannot remember what I used, it was so long ago. Might have been XL500? I was hoping not to have to take it off so I can carry on riding until a new cable is ordered.
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