Author Topic: After testing the waters....I am back.. (Read 2495 times)

robdrobd · « **on:** June 01, 2012, 05:58:36 PM »

Well, after fours years and four SOHC projects, I thought about changing it up. My first thought, an XS650. What, you want $2000 for that hunk of bolts. Not gonna happen. Then I bought an a 1974 RD250. What? You want $300 for used carbs...time to sell the RD. Then it was the Brit's chance. A 1974 Triumph Bonneville. What's that? You want $5000 for kick start only, gas all over my cases, yearly rebuilds, no signals, and a "vibromatic" ride. I'll pass, thanks. So, after my three month sabbatical in search of the perfect project, I bought this today...it's good to be back

72500john · « **Reply #1 on:** June 01, 2012, 06:06:07 PM »

always loved that color..didn't have the sack to repaint mine in it. maybe next bike. project hell. restore that one. keep her stock and enjoy it!! what year? how many miles? details dude. and congrats! great pics.

Really? · « **Reply #2 on:** June 01, 2012, 06:27:48 PM »

What took so long?

Stev-o · « **Reply #3 on:** June 01, 2012, 06:41:39 PM »

Looks nice. Is it in running cond? What's the plan?

Whatever you do, don't buy a seat from Vietnam on eBay!

robdrobd · « **Reply #4 on:** June 01, 2012, 06:44:29 PM »

It's spotless. The plan is to ride it all summer and maybe tinker a little in the winter..NO VIETNAM SEAT!!

Really? · « **Reply #5 on:** June 01, 2012, 06:45:24 PM »

I am happy with mine. I must be one of the lucky ones.

robdrobd · « **Reply #6 on:** June 01, 2012, 07:07:45 PM »

Yeah, I was more disappointed in the service than the seat, but that's besides the point!! What do you think of my new ride. I've never owned a 500. Is it pretty much the same as the 550's?

72500john · « **Reply #7 on:** June 01, 2012, 08:04:29 PM »

pretty much..except the clutch mechanism. the reason they made the 550.

robdrobd · « **Reply #8 on:** June 01, 2012, 08:09:45 PM »

Whats wrong with it?

72500john · « **Reply #9 on:** June 01, 2012, 08:15:18 PM »

nothing.. just made different. has a rod going all the way through the case and some extra monkey motion in the left side cover. if adjusted right will be a dream. this link may help.

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

Stev-o · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2012, 08:39:36 PM »

The 500 is a great bike, just don't abuse the tranny.

And not the reason they made the 550. Suzuki came out with a 550 and Honda had to keep up or lose sales to a bigger, quicker bike. The trans was also improved.

robdrobd · « **Reply #11 on:** June 01, 2012, 09:19:53 PM »

The bike has 16000 very easy miles on it. Should I pull it apart and check the rod in the tranny?

chewbacca5000 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 01, 2012, 10:37:12 PM »

Congratulations! Sweet ride!! Love the color too.

kpier883 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 01, 2012, 10:47:44 PM »

Quote from: robdrobd on June 01, 2012, 09:19:53 PM

The bike has 16000 very easy miles on it. Should I pull it apart and check the rod in the tranny?

Probably similar to my KZ which also has a rod through to the other side to operate the clutch. Unless you experience problems I wouldn't take it apart.

lostinthe202 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 01, 2012, 11:25:31 PM »

Quote from: robdrobd on June 01, 2012, 09:19:53 PM

The bike has 16000 very easy miles on it. Should I pull it apart and check the rod in the tranny?

The clutch rod can get bent, but if it's working properly then I'd go with the old adage "if it ain't broke..."

dave500 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 01, 2012, 11:48:16 PM »

ive been looking at xs650s aswell,,just like you said though ,,too much money for stuff,,when i win lotto this weekend im doing a rephased 650.

robdrobd · « **Reply #16 on:** June 02, 2012, 05:45:40 AM »

Quote from: dave500 on June 01, 2012, 11:48:16 PM

ive been looking at xs650s aswell,,just like you said though ,,too much money for stuff,,when i win lotto this weekend im doing a rephased 650.

Yeah, I don't know why either. I guess they reach the bobber crowd and the cafe crowd. Very customizable.

Deltarider · « **Reply #17 on:** June 02, 2012, 07:44:30 AM »

Quote

The bike has 16000 very easy miles on it. Should I pull it apart and check the rod in the tranny?

You do no such thing, you hear?!
Read this: http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,4434.0.html

bjatwood · « **Reply #18 on:** June 02, 2012, 08:20:44 PM »

Nice I almost bought a 500 in that color, ended up with the 750. Looks nice and cared for.

robdrobd · « **Reply #19 on:** June 02, 2012, 08:27:36 PM »

I love the color. I can't get to anything until next weekend. I am hoping it cleans up really well. No rust on those pipes at all

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #20 on:** June 02, 2012, 08:40:04 PM »

Welcome back to sanity.

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 02, 2012, 08:45:55 PM »

Welcome back to insanity...

robdrobd · « **Reply #22 on:** June 02, 2012, 09:13:03 PM »

In either case, its good to be back.

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Author Topic: After testing the waters....I am back.. (Read 2495 times)

72500john

72500john

72500john