Topic: CB500 '71 - Amateur Resto Project - Please help!

[EDU]

Ok, a little background info first!

I'm in Sydney Australia and recently bought a CB500F on an impulse! I was shopping for a cheap commuter and stumbled on this bike and as much I knew it was a bad idea and definitely not what I was looking for, I just couldn't get pass it (sort of like I choose my women as well...)!

The biggest problem with this bike at the moment is me! I'm a self confessed newbie when it comes to vintage bikes (I do have a 2009 race bike I work on every now and then) and the mechanical side of it is definitely no my forte (hopefully this project will sort some of that). Also never owning any bike with carbs before doesn't help me much.

The bike:










The good:

- It was cheap. Probably the main reason I bought it. Lowballed the seller so much I thought he'd just turn around and laugh but instead the accepted it there and then. Got me thinking if he's the one who got the best deal...

- It starts, select gears, rides and stops. It doesn't even take much to start it either... 2nd or 3rd attempt usually.

- My idea is to turn into a cafe racer and it seems the previous owner had similar intentions, so at least it came with a nice seat even though the leather is not in the best shape.

The bad:

- Engine makes a weird noise as the bike take off, sounds like something is lose in there. Not sure... might make a video of it if it anyone wants to help me identify it.

- Brakes work but you'd better have a VEEEEEEEEEERY big gap because it definitely won't stop in a hurry.

- Forks need seals and are a bit rusty. Shocks are a joke... they squeak so much you'd think you're in a B porn movie.

- No instruments. So I have no idea how many K's/miles it's got.

- A bit of rust but not much at all and mostly on the parts you'd expect (i.e. chrome, chain and etc)

The mysterious:

-Not sure why but previous owner decided to paint the header white at one stage

-Not satisfied he also painted the oil filter cover red!

Now, what I really need from you guys are tips on restorations, any tips!!! What should I do first? Is there a method to this madness? Is there any one area I should focus on before anything else?

And more importantly, please tell me what NOT TO DO! You know... the things that regular people would know to stay away from but because I have never attempted anything even remotely close to this, I might be inclined to do. And in doing so, I'll destroy something very important or irreplaceable!!

Well, I guess that's it! Looking forward to comments either positive or negative. In the meantime I'll be busy clicking on the search button!

[Greggo]

Looks like you've got a Yoshimura exhaust on there...except that muffler.

The motor is sound (it sounds like), so I'd say decide how deep down the rabbit hole you want to go...

Option A:
Make a reliable rider out of it that won't look perfect, get some enjoyment out of it, and decide if you want to make it prettier down the line.

Option B:
Tear the bike apart, make everything function correctly/look pretty, and reassemble.

Option C: If you're not mechanically inclined, get a little help from a mechanic, or a friend to do a full tune up on the bike, which it probably needs.

I'd suggest pulling that muffler, repainting the 4-1, and see how it runs.  Paint it of course, the original color was an ash gray.  It will probably need a baffle to be a comfortable noise.  It won't need a mount, other than the exhaust collars - that's how they were designed, and they're light enough to make it okay.  It's really a race pipe.  Nice find.

[Greggo]

Here is one of the best links I know of regarding the clutch system in these 500/4's.  It's one of the weaker points to be aware of.  But, it's not usually an issue if the bike has been maintained.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=14273.0

[72500john]

ok first things fist..welcome and cograts on getting a classic bike!
before you do anything go to the main page of this site and download all the manuals you should need. and buy the ones you want. sounds like you are concerned with the mechanics of your machine first and foremost, which is good. what you cannnot find out about in the manuals you can usally find using the search function on this forum. most questions have been asked and lots of good answers given.
as far as your engine noises..do the 3000 mile tune up to get the obvious problems out of the way. or post a video..may be something bad that another member may pick up on. and as far as your brakes go..check and adjust them per the manual. ask question as needed..alot of good folk here willing to help.
good luck!

[Scott S]

 -Do the brakes first. It doesn't matter how well it runs or how fast it goes if you can't stop.

 - Give it a full tune-up. The cam chain, valve adjustments and carb sync can all make the engine sound ROUGH. The CB500 has a little clutch noise that is normal, according to some people. Mine was pretty quiet.

 -Bag and tag EVERYTHING you remove from the bike. Zip-lock baggies and a Sharpie are your best friend. Trust me. Don't throw away anything until you're done. Take pics along the way.

-Get a good manual. I like the older Chilton's or a factory manual.

[Retro Rocket]

Contact forum member Dave500, he lives in the Gold Coast hinterland and is very clued up on the 500-550 bikes....

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?action=profile;u=14739

[EDU]

Thanks a lot for the comments, tips and advices, guys! Please keep them coming!

I'll take the advice of starting with the brakes since there's probably something I can do by myself (hope so!). I'll order some clip ons and matching braided brake lines and maybe pads. In the meantime I'll pull the calipers to see what lies inside!

Hopefully I can get away with just cleaning them properly, I've never had to rebuild calipers and wouldn't even know where to begin.

[EDU]

Looks like you've got a Yoshimura exhaust on there...except that muffler.

Seriously?! Ok then, I was thinking of ordering a new full exhaust but if the headers are supposed to be good I might just have them sand blasted and then repainted. Would that work.

[geminimotors]

Welcome! Looks like it's got some good bones yo can start with. The air filter assembly is interesting. When you remove it, would you mind posting photos of it and any brand or part numbers on it?

[dave500]

Contact forum member Dave500, he lives in the Gold Coast hinterland and is very clued up on the 500-550 bikes....

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?action=profile;u=14739

gday EDU,,ride it up here and ill take a look at it,yeah get those brakes working,by the way you mentioned you had race bikes?well these brakes will never be no where near that good,you have to ride accordingly.
if its running well enough you might just want to tidy up its appearance more than start ripping into it considering your limited mechanical experience and im guessing lack of tools?

[EDU]

Welcome! Looks like it's got some good bones yo can start with. The air filter assembly is interesting. When you remove it, would you mind posting photos of it and any brand or part numbers on it?

No worries, I'll take some pics when I get home!

Contact forum member Dave500, he lives in the Gold Coast hinterland and is very clued up on the 500-550 bikes....

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?action=profile;u=14739

gday EDU,,ride it up here and ill take a look at it,yeah get those brakes working,by the way you mentioned you had race bikes?well these brakes will never be no where near that good,you have to ride accordingly.
if its running well enough you might just want to tidy up its appearance more than start ripping into it considering your limited mechanical experience and im guessing lack of tools?

Hey Dave! She's not exactly in 'cruising form' yet! hahaha

And yes, I expect the brakes to be worse than the ones on the race bike but at moment I haven't gone over 20km/h and the lever hit the bar when I pulled it!!

And you're right about both mechanical skills/experience and lack of tools!! That's why I want to start by doing everything I at least THINK I can do. Like I said, the engine makes a weird noise (which could be totally normal btw, but I wouldn't know...) and I'm not touching that!! After the front brakes I'll try and tidy up the eletrics. Starter button doesn't work and I have no instruments at the moments. Battery still holds charge which surprised me a little. I'll prob get one of those LiPo ones at some point anyway, even if just for the convenience and peace of mind.

I did buy the instruments off ebay, $61 for both and they seem to be in really good nick... only problem is that the speedo reads in miles. Do you guys know if it is legal to have one like that in Australia?

[Retro Rocket]

Welcome! Looks like it's got some good bones yo can start with. The air filter assembly is interesting. When you remove it, would you mind posting photos of it and any brand or part numbers on it?

I think they were called "Ram Flo" filters, made in Australia, i had on about 30 years ago....Memory just ain't like it used to be.....

[EDU]

No idea what they are but they do have a neat closing system... I don't mind the way they look either but the filter is probably in some desperate need of TLC as well.

[Retro Rocket]

Just replace the foam, shops selling motorcross bikes should have the thin foam, ask about filter oil as well....

[EDU]

Yes, oil and filter will be changed soon. One question though, can you use synthetic oil on this bikes? I have a few bottles I bought for the race bike and wouldn't mind using it on the CB for now.

[dingo]

Welcome to the SOHC4 world EDU. I have always started with the safety issues first.
I have always rebuilt the brakes, both front and rear. Changed the fork oil and fitted new seals. Replaced the wheel bearings and stearing bearings, greased the swing arm and check for side movement. I notice the rear brake arm is adjusted well forward so I would suspect there is not much left in the way of brake pads.
As suggested give the motor a good service and tune. I also drain the old fuel from the tank and carbs and when replacing the fuel I add a carb/injector cleaning additive.
The speedo reading MPH would be legal having been manufactured prior to 1975.
Best of luck, lots of experience here to help you. 

[EDU]

Welcome to the SOHC4 world EDU. I have always started with the safety issues first.
I have always rebuilt the brakes, both front and rear. Changed the fork oil and fitted new seals. Replaced the wheel bearings and stearing bearings, greased the swing arm and check for side movement. I notice the rear brake arm is adjusted well forward so I would suspect there is not much left in the way of brake pads.
As suggested give the motor a good service and tune. I also drain the old fuel from the tank and carbs and when replacing the fuel I add a carb/injector cleaning additive.
The speedo reading MPH would be legal having been manufactured prior to 1975.
Best of luck, lots of experience here to help you.

Thanks mate!! Good check list you gave me there! I've never played with drum brakes so I think I'll 'consult' with a mate, first! hahaha But glad you could point out their wear!

Also not sure about how to drain the carbs but I'll give that a go.

[Retro Rocket]

The oil I mentioned is for the air filter foam. Check the synthetic engine oil for "friction modifiers", remember that these bikes have wet clutches and the modifiers {teflon and the like} will make the clutch slip....   Be aware, mentioning oil round here usually starts world war 3.....

[EDU]

Yes, oil and fuel are usually big no-no's on any engine related forum! hahahaha I'm thinking my oil won't work then... Will pick up a bottle of semi-synth and some clutch plates (recommend me a brand if you know a good one) so I can do it all at once.

[Retro Rocket]

Yes, oil and fuel are usually big no-no's on any engine related forum! hahahaha I'm thinking my oil won't work then... Will pick up a bottle of semi-synth and some clutch plates (recommend me a brand if you know a good one) so I can do it all at once.

I only have 750's mate, talk to Dave500 about the 500 clutch....

[dave500]

if the clutch isnt slipping dont buy plates,if it is it might just need an adjustment,download the workshop manual from here and read how to adjust the clutch first!just above the gear shifter is a circular jigger with a big slot in it and its locked with that smaller allen bolt,and you can use castrol rx super 15/40 diesel oil in these no worries,and its cheapish,,there ive done it now.,your front brake might just need a bleed or an overhaul.

[EDU]

Thanks Dave! Great that I can talk to someone who knows about this bikes!! After buying it I spent a good 2-3hs thinking "and now what?" hahaha

[Really?]

That is a nice start EDU!  Lucky U!

You already have some sharp folks on this thread and they are in your neck of the woods.  Welcome 2 the forum.

[Greggo]

Looks like you've got a Yoshimura exhaust on there...except that muffler.

Seriously?! Ok then, I was thinking of ordering a new full exhaust but if the headers are supposed to be good I might just have them sand blasted and then repainted. Would that work.

Yes, that's what I suggest.  Pull that crappy muffler off the end and you've got yourself a very nice pipe mate!

[EDU]

Ok, so I manage to squeeze out a 1½ hour lunch today so I finally had some time to take the bike out in the sun and take some more pictures! Still using the phone camera but hey... better than nothing, right?!

First things first. I'm an idiot. Spent a good 5min trying to start the bike (pedal 'cause the starter button ignores my every touch) only to realize I hadn't turned the right hand switch to the ON position. Fine, sorted that... then another 5min of swearing and I realized I flip the petcock.  This carbbed bike thing will take some getting used to! hahahaha the bike started on the 2nd attempt after that, so I was happy again.

Anyway, this is the filter thingy someone here asked me about (sorry, can't remember who it was):




Now I knew the muffler was leaking but today after leaving the bike running for a few minutes I notice a bit of smoke coming from one of the headers and yep... you guessed it! It leaks it! Just at the gasket apparently.




I'm still at work but I'll post some others I have at my phone when I get home. There's something leaking fuel around the petcock/carbs area. Not sure what it is but it's there...