Topic: CB500 Brake Pedal Interference with Exhaust Pipe

[fnickel]

We bought a '72 CB500 last year that has a CB550 stock exhaust system on it (4 into 4, '77 or newer we are told). We are just getting the bike sorted out and have now noticed that the rear brake pedal has very little room to move. The RH outboard exhaust pipe is immediately under the pedal and does not allow enough room to be operational. The layout of the pipes is different than the original. Has anyone out there dealt with this problem before? Is there another model Honda pedal that would give enough clearance? I'm reluctant to get rid of the exhaust because it is in very good shape, and a correct original would probably cost a small fortune. We have had suggestions to just bend the pedal to get clearance. It is apparently mild steel, and does not even require heat to be able to do this. Another option is to cut and re-weld. Looking for the simplest solution that would keep the bike looking as unbutchered and original as possible. I appreciate your help. I bet someone out there has worked through this before.Thanks.

[Bob Wessner]

Not sure how much more room you need, but can you reposition the pedal on its pivot shaft so it is a little higher?

[puppytrax]

Is there another model Honda pedal that would give enough clearance?

Quite likely. If you've already checked the fiche, and compared the pics/part numbers, you already know that the 77 550K pedal was different than the 550F...and both are different from the 72 500 pedal...

Depending on how much work you want to do, and how many parts you need to change, it should be possible to compare part numbers and find out which pedal (and any other parts) you need for your exhaust system. Here's one of the fiche sources I use -

http://partsfinder.ridenow.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1972&fveh=2936

Already set to 1972 CB500. Just navigate your way around and in no time you'll have an expensive list of parts... 

[jeremiah]

I had this problem when I fitted the 77-78 pipes on my '74K.   I found the 550F pedal to fit the best, but it still needed to be bent out a little (a long piece of pipe helps). 

[bryanj]

Only way i ever found to do this was cut and shut the pedal. If it was me I would sell the 77/78 pipes as they are incredibly rare and not available and then buy the correct 4 into 4 which are still available

[jeremiah]

I would not sell your 77-78 pipes as they are WAY cooler than the OG 550 pipes (the ugliest mufflers ever invented)  If you do decide to sell em, let me know I may want them!