Topic: CB500 projcect is complete!

[Spike]

I hesitate to call it finished... they never really are, are they?  Thanks to all the members of the forum that provided insight, ideas, encouragement and parts.  It's been quite a journey.  Experiences filled with "I shoulda", "I shouldn't have" and "what was I thinking".

The plan was to resurrect a neglected bike and mechanically bring it up to dependable service levels without breaking the bank. I reused every piece that I could, even though it may not be cosmetically perfect.  The frame and other parts were all painted at home without a spray rig.  All external mechanical items were cleaned and rebuilt or replaced.  The engine and transmission had 14,000 original miles and were working freely when found.  The suspension was upgraded to accommodate a large sized rider. The end result being a totally ride-able "20 footer" (meaning it looks great from 20 feet away  )

It started like this


Then





Finally











Now, LET'S RIDE !!

[rb550four]

That turned out really nice, you should be pleased. excellent,

[RAFster122s]

Nice job on the 500. Enjoy it and AGATT...

[Vinhead1957]

Oh man! That's just like my old bike but much better! Very nice

[davidtime]

Looks good. how long did it take?

[Spike]

Looks good. how long did it take?

I bought the bike last May.  It sat for a couple of months, then I traced down the electrical issues and had the carbs rebuilt.  After I got it to start it still took awhile I before I worked up the courage to start the tear down process.  Once the bike was in pieces it went fairly quickly.  Real dedicated work time would amount to about five months of weekends.

[spdygnzlz]

nice work!

[Leafshutter]

Beautiful bike, nice work!

[kghost]

Nice job

[Spike]

Thanks for all the compliments.  I especially like the fact that these bikes can be anything that you want them to be.  My plan and vision was to resurrect a classic bike from the dead and bring it back just as the old school hot rodders would do to old cars.  Make everything right mechanically without breaking the bank.  Sweat equity cleaning and polishing parts is part of the experience.  I did add a couple of performance items with heavy duty springs and modern shocks along with a better headlight.  Drilling the disc is questionable relating to performance but it is one of the touches that makes it stand out.  The front fender was sourced at a swap meet and the rear fender was sectioned and re-used.  I did all the work in my garage with the exception of the carb rebuild that was done by a member here.