Author Topic: Other brake set ups that will bolt right up to a 1973 CB500K?  (Read 1350 times)

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Offline JamesM

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Other brake set ups that will bolt right up to a 1973 CB500K?
« on: December 10, 2012, 05:19:32 PM »
Hey all, will a caliper and rotor from any other years/ members(550,750, etc) of the CB family bolt right up?

Thanks in advance.
Current Stable:

1972 CB750
1973 Shovel
1978 CB750
1977 KZ750T
1996 Shadow VLX

Offline scottly

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Re: Other brake set ups that will bolt right up to a 1973 CB500K?
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2012, 08:44:52 PM »
The 750 parts are different, as the disc is larger in diameter. The 550 parts might work, but I can't say for sure. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable about 500/550s will chime in.
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Offline geminimotors

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Re: Other brake set ups that will bolt right up to a 1973 CB500K?
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2012, 10:32:38 PM »
Unless you're into adapting forks from another bike, the only 'bolt on' option is adding a second disc and caliper to the right side of your existing front brake. It takes some trial fitting and machining/shimming to get the caliper arm true, and you'll need to replace the master cylinder as well. My 550F has dual stock discs, calipers, and a sportbike MC of unknown origin. It stops on a dime with excellent feel and modulation from the lever.
 I can't speak from experience, but perhaps a later 750 or early Goldwing with dual discs could give up its MC to a 550 application

Offline JBMorse

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Re: Other brake set ups that will bolt right up to a 1973 CB500K?
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2012, 07:49:03 AM »
Older members can correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems in 1973 the brakes that came with your Honda were pretty much the best available at the time. Therefore there won't be much out there that will work and be an improvement.
My major improvement was to simply rebuild the caliper, install new pads and new Stainless brake hoses. For a street going bike, the brakes are good.
If you're interested in upgrades beyond that, it will take a little research, but plenty of members here have retrofitted dual disc setups or drilled their discs. I would suggest setting aside some time to do some searches on this site.
1971 CB500K

Offline JamesM

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Other brake set ups that will bolt right up to a 1973 CB500K?
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2012, 09:05:45 AM »
I'm not looking for an upgrade. I ran the bike without a front brake. I'm selling it and trying to find out what options there are as far as bolting right up without modification for the buyer.

Thanks.
Current Stable:

1972 CB750
1973 Shovel
1978 CB750
1977 KZ750T
1996 Shadow VLX

Offline bryanj

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Re: Other brake set ups that will bolt right up to a 1973 CB500K?
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2012, 09:20:53 AM »
Any 500 twin or four plus any 550 will all fit
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

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Offline JamesM

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Other brake set ups that will bolt right up to a 1973 CB500K?
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2012, 01:42:10 PM »
Thanks man.
Current Stable:

1972 CB750
1973 Shovel
1978 CB750
1977 KZ750T
1996 Shadow VLX

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Other brake set ups that will bolt right up to a 1973 CB500K?
« Reply #7 on: December 11, 2012, 06:58:38 PM »
pretty sure '73-76 750 calipers will bolt on but you have to use the 750 rotor also
If it works good, it looks good...