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

[EDU]

Brief update ('cause not much happened really)!

Swapped batteries with the race bike thinking that might be the problem (no lights etc), same thing. Then pulled the side cover and wiggled some wires and 'voila'! Tried the bike again and it started on the first go. YAY!

Well, not really... The smoke I referred to on my previous posts is back and this time I recorded it on video. In the video it looks like it has a much more blue tinge to it than I noticed in person... so now I'm thinking it is DEFINITELY burning oil. That sucks.

I'm posting the videos now 'cause I won't have time to do it later. I need to be at work in 40min and vimeo will take another 35min to have them running:



and



Also I found the wire that is causing the problem and it is the one with the 15A fuse. The fuse gets so hot once I turn the key that it melts the black tape... Not sure if it's shorting or if I need a different fuse but whatever it is, it isn't good and I don't know how to fix.

I'm starting to think (more like realize) I'm in over my head with this bike... 

I really want to fix the bike and get this project going but there more I work on it the more it seems I don't have the skills or the knowledge necessary.

Ps:
The difference in sizes never ceases to amaze me! That black little thing on the left is my 4cell LiPo from the race bike.



Any comments or ideas on where to take it from here would be appreciated.

 Thanks!

[dingo]

EDU, I think your next step should be a compression test.

"Also I found the wire that is causing the problem and it is the one with the 15A fuse. The fuse gets so hot once I turn the key that it melts the black tape... Not sure if it's shorting or if I need a different fuse but whatever it is, it isn't good and I don't know how to fix."

Dave suggested earlier that you should remove the tape and check the connections. You obviously have a loose wire there and that will be causing it to heat up. You will need to replace the connectors and preferably solder them.

Don't get to despondent over the bike and where you go next, most first timers would have been there after the joy of buying a vintage bike only to find that it will not be up and running as quickly as they think, because of issues that you are finding.

[EDU]

to be honest I don't mind if this takes more than a year... just wondering if it isn't too big a task for me.

If compression is low I'm assuming I'll need to open the enigne right?

[Retro Rocket]

to be honest I don't mind if this takes more than a year... just wondering if it isn't too big a task for me.

If compression is low I'm assuming I'll need to open the enigne right?

Don't let time worry you mate, i have been collecting parts for my 750's for 10 years now, and every time i get to the stage that i want to start assembling bloody life gets in the way.....   You will have no problems getting all the advice and help in the world here mate so keep your head up and it will happen....

[EDU]

I'm seriously hoping it won't take me ten years!!! I want to ride it at least till the end of next year's summer...

I'm already considering buying a big bore kit and a 650 cam if it turn out I'll have to get the engine out. I mean, if I'm gonna have to do it, might as well get some ponies out of it, hey?!

[EDU]

Ok, some of the little things I'd ordered when I first got the bike started to arrive! That makes the whole process a lot less painful I must say!  Nothing special, just some tank emblems and a set of clip ons...

I did try the the adjusting the grip but the throttle is still sticking so I want to order some new cables. I think I'll just change the throttle and clutch at the same time even if just for the piece of mind.

One question though, can I use the OEM ones (or even the Motion Pro replica) or do I need them custom made? Just wondering if the length will be the same with the clip ons and all. 

[dave500]

have you checked the throttle lock screw underneath between the two cables is not turned in?this is used to hold a fast idle for warming up if you wish.

[EDU]

You're a wealth of knowledge mate! No I didn't check that (I didn't even know they had that!). I've been trying to keep my hands off the bike because I was supposed to take the bike to a mechanic today to have its engine assessed but he bailed when I called him this morning...

Now I'm headed to the garage once again and will try to remove and empty the tank (time for some fresh fuel at least) and spray some carb cleaner even if just for the psychological effect... hahahaha I'm highly doubting it will do much unless I take the carbs apart. Worth a shot though, right?!

[Retro Rocket]

EDU. i don't know where in Sydney these guys are but they do nice work and have all the right machinery, they have built some very hot 750 Honda's and even custom make rods. Check them out for your engine work mate, even if its just for advice....

http://www.robinsontoolmakers.com.au/big_bore.htm

[EDU]

EDU. i don't know where in Sydney these guys are but they do nice work and have all the right machinery, they have built some very hot 750 Honda's and even custom make rods. Check them out for your engine work mate, even if its just for advice....

http://www.robinsontoolmakers.com.au/big_bore.htm

Thanks mate! That's not actually in Sydney... a bit far from me but if I'll give them a call to see what they say! If they're rate is reasonable it might be worth the drive.

Now, can anyone tell me where to get these in Australia (or even overseas, if I can order them)?  I tried Jaycar and a few other shops and got nothing... most said they'd never seen one!!



It's one of the bulbs for the idiot lights, in case you're wondering! It's also the only one that came with my bike.

[dave500]

repco/supercheap/autobarn etc,the glass might be a little bigger but so long as it fits in the tube and bayonet its fine.

[EDU]

Sweet! Once the guy at Jaycar gave me the 'what the hell is this you bring me' look I thought SCA would never have them... I'll try them tomorrow since there's a shop a block away from work!

Thanks!

Can anyone tell me where I can get 520 sprockets for my CB500? I'm about to order a chain and would obviously like some matching sprockets. I'm thinking +2 on the back sprocket since I won't do much cruising with it at all. And even when I do I'll be surrounded by 250/400 mono's so there's no point on focusing on top speed other than having lower revs at cruising speed.