Topic: Hola...looking for a shop in Houston

[HS]

Been a long time since I had a bike.  Mostly straightline racing a heavy muscle car these days.  Just purchased a '72 CB500.  Under 7K miles and I'll have a better idea of what I bought next month.  Getting things together to freshen her up as it looks like she didn't get many if any miles for a long while.  Supposedly running.



I found Ace Motorworks in the Heights that should be able to help me with the tuneup and anything I don't want to tackle myself.  Any other recommendations would be appreciated.

Finding a replacement air cleaner Stateside has proven to be a bit of a challenge thus far.  Should be entertaining to try to get her up and running and do her justice.

Thanks.

Sam

[kmb69]

JK Performance Center
11502 S Garden St
Houston, TX 77071
(713) 304-1388

Down off the South Belt West. Let him know he was recommended by Keith. He will treat you right.

[Stev-o]

Hey Sam.....I met the owner of Ace a couple years ago, he is a friend of a friend.  He had a CB750 at the time and he knows these bikes well.

Your 500 looks super clean, how'd you find it?

These old Hondas are nearly bulletproof and will run forever with just a minimal of maintenance.  The single most important item needed for a good running SOHC are clean carbs. If gas has been in them for a long period it can clog the jets. 

Along with that is a clean fuel supply.  If unsure how old the fuel in the tank is, may be a good idea to drain it and clean the petcock. 

Honda recommended a tune up every 3000 miles, this may be a good idea to do as well.  Search for the details on it. 

You need an air filter?

http://www.amazon.com/Honda-CB500-Air-filter-OEM/dp/B007N8TFDK

[HS]

JK Performance Center
11502 S Garden St
Houston, TX 77071
(713) 304-1388

Down off the South Belt West. Let him know he was recommended by Keith. He will treat you right.

Thanks, Keith.  Good to have options and that's about 10-15 miles from me.

Sam

[HS]

Hey Sam.....I met the owner of Ace a couple years ago, he is a friend of a friend.  He had a CB750 at the time and he knows these bikes well.

Your 500 looks super clean, how'd you find it?

These old Hondas are nearly bulletproof and will run forever with just a minimal of maintenance.  The single most important item needed for a good running SOHC are clean carbs. If gas has been in them for a long period it can clog the jets. 

Along with that is a clean fuel supply.  If unsure how old the fuel in the tank is, may be a good idea to drain it and clean the petcock. 

Honda recommended a tune up every 3000 miles, this may be a good idea to do as well.  Search for the details on it. 

You need an air filter?

http://www.amazon.com/Honda-CB500-Air-filter-OEM/dp/B007N8TFDK

Damn, Stev-o....that was quick.  I found a few overseas and the shipping and exchange rates were looking a bit silly.  Spent too much time on ebay after the searched and didn't consider amazon.

I found that bike in Michigan after a purchase on ebay fell through....the guy ended the auction after I gave him his offer price...go figure.  The gent in MI has supposedly owned it for quite some time....bought it from the first owner which was a neighbor.  Like most things, I won't know what I got until I get it.  Shipping will take a few weeks at min.

I figure I'll do exactly as you suggest and drain all fuel and do a fuel system inspection.  I'm hopeful it hasn't all gone to gunk.  See what kind of shape the carbs are in...I hate tuning stuff.  Do you simply run whatever fuel's available in yours?  I know I don't want anything with much ethanol in it if it'll sit....attracts too much moisture.

Oil and filter change.  Probably use Rotella diesel 10W40....stick to a conventional given the wet clutch.  Shout out if you prefer something else down here.

I'll check the ignition and see if it's good enough to start.  I'll likely replace the points, cables and plugs as need be.

Brakes next....drain fluid, replace with some DOT 3 and bleed the system...see what's what.

I'll check the air filter...figure it's due for a change.

Tires and tubes look like they're due for a change.

Will be interesting to see what the block sounds like.  The lower mufflers are rusted out.  I'm getting two new ones with the purchase but I'm not sure which of the four I'm getting.  Exhaust change will come at some point.

Sam

[Stev-o]

Looks like you have a good plan. Asking which oil is best is a joke around here, you've picked a good one. 
Ethanol fuel sucks, if you can find gas w/o it, use it.  As long as you run your bike regularly, you'll be fine. 

I think your bike will be worth the wait. 

[HS]

Looks like you have a good plan. Asking which oil is best is a joke around here, you've picked a good one. 
Ethanol fuel sucks, if you can find gas w/o it, use it.  As long as you run your bike regularly, you'll be fine. 

I think your bike will be worth the wait.

Yeah...I gathered the motor oil thing reading through a few threads here...LMAO.  I know more about engine oils than I care to admit...work thing.  Not so much older engines, though, and I'm guessing zinc and detergents are the main points of contention as they can come up on the car side which I'm better read-up on.

Tough to find fuel that doesn't have 10% ethanol around here.  The Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) mess the EPA gifted us with is largely to blame.  I'll see if there's some farm supply or the like somewhere that can be a source.  Worse comes to worse, I'll pop open a can of my C16 leaded race fuel and drop some in there.  Pricey, but it's good stuff

Sam

[kmb69]

Smoking hot Hemi you have there Sam. Did you or somebody local do your engine work? I am looking for an excellent head shop in the area, preferably with a Serdi. Any recommendations?

Keith

[HS]

Smoking hot Hemi you have there Sam. Did you or somebody local do your engine work? I am looking for an excellent head shop in the area, preferably with a Serdi. Any recommendations?

Keith

Hey Keith.  If you want to stay local, these guys do solid work. 

http://www.gtp-racing.com/index.html

I look to Arrington Engines (aka ShopHemi) in VA for my engine and head work.

Sam