Author Topic: 500/550/650's that followed me home (Read 128243 times)

rb550four · « **Reply #575 on:** August 06, 2016, 11:58:34 AM »

I was thinking about Bill B and a Honda centerpiece on the kitchen table...shear genius!
Although my wife puts up with allot of motorcycles first and other inconveniences like bike purchases on a Sunday outing or picking one up during a Mother's Day ride in the truck ...with attached trailer ( she never saw that one coming but, she's onto me now)Hmmm. I did have a notion at one point to decorate a living room corner with a nice 3 foot stainless stand I had bought and put a rebuilt 550 engine on it. Tastefully done I thought, however she disagreed, so it was never brought into the house. The woman is probably right, you got to draw the line somewhere. I guess.
mini progress update:
I took the day off and made the gasket I needed. took 15 minutes, holds oil, no problems. The clutch was looking to be in great shape, so I readjusted the bolt in the actuator a half a turn as my new gasket is just a little bit thicker than stock, seems like it'll work out okay, there is still all the adjustment left on lever. I'll find out for sure after the tank gets an Evaporust cleansing next week .My guy with the dryer with no heating element told me the whole thing finally STB, so I had to use an alternative method to get it rust free. Then it's fire it up time and a shake down ride. And it'll be finished.
This has been like my longest project ever. I wanted to slow down on a project and savor it, but I always thought about it at the strangest times when I could do nothing about it. Savoring a rebuild is a myth. And should not be attempted by those who need results and immediate gratification.
The chain was a little rusty , so while the swingarm was out during paint ,I ditched it and ordered a different one with a master link ...I ended up with an O ring chain. Don't know if I'll like it, if it's better' or if it's just a big mistake. The sprockets didn't have a 500 miles on them yet, looked new , so they weren't replaced. the masterlink was a PITA , I must say , to get on, and hopefully it will remain intact.
Found a nicer set of tank emblems on a tank swinging in the rafters. Put them on this tank and it really is amazing how much better it looks by just doing that.
Just checking in. Think I hear the fave 500 calling me. Yes that's what it is... we're going for a ride.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #576 on:** August 06, 2016, 12:07:35 PM »

Nice! I had to do the same (premature chain replacement) a month ago.

rb550four · « **Reply #577 on:** August 13, 2016, 08:09:53 PM »

Finished the 650 Friday evening. The Evaporust worked great...for those who need to know...that stuff is like 30 a gallon but, it also comes in a 3 gallon container for $60 . worth it.
Put some new 91 octane non alcohol fuel in it and away we went, emptied that and filled it again. it's running great, no hesitations, it's looking good , and we're feeling good. Got home from that and took my fave 500 on a charity run with maybe 50 Harleys and 1 Kawasaki dirt bike. Haven't rode with Harley guys since I was a teenager. The bikes are a little quicker now, they can put a little space between us on the straights alright but they can't get out of the next turn without the 45 year old 500 shadowing them. It was fun. Well, until we got to the 3rd bar and they were doing shots, can't see that, don't need it, so I waved as I took off. All in all a very nice day.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #578 on:** August 13, 2016, 09:05:51 PM »

Quote from: rb550four on August 13, 2016, 08:09:53 PM

Finished the 650 Friday evening. The Evaporust worked great...for those who need to know...that stuff is like 30 a gallon but, it also comes in a 3 gallon container for $60 . worth it.
Put some new 91 octane non alcohol fuel in it and away we went, emptied that and filled it again. it's running great, no hesitations, it's looking good , and we're feeling good. Got home from that and took my fave 500 on a charity run with maybe 50 Harleys and 1 Kawasaki dirt bike. Haven't rode with Harley guys since I was a teenager. The bikes are a little quicker now, they can put a little space between us on the straights alright but they can't get out of the next turn without the 45 year old 500 shadowing them. It was fun. Well, until we got to the 3rd bar and they were doing shots, can't see that, don't need it, so I waved as I took off. All in all a very nice day.

Congrats on completing the 650. Damn nice refresh.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #579 on:** August 14, 2016, 10:07:08 PM »

Your 650 has been nominated for BOTM. Great bike and one of the rare 650s to get recognized! Please accept your nomination in the following thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,159806.0.html

rb550four · « **Reply #580 on:** September 05, 2016, 08:49:13 AM »

Thanks for the nomination. This was a great month for BOTM, the newly finished machines were just beautiful, such quality and care went into each machine by all of the members...all of them, just beautiful.

It's been weird around here, I picked up an 83 550 nighthawk in very poor condition, been sorting it all out little by little
( PO got into everything and did it all wrong....Surprise right?) It's a little different than our cb's and the learning curve (for me) took a little longer than expected. Finally got the engine and carbs dialed in and took it for a ride.
It's quicker than our cb's, it a 6 speed but 6th may be too tall, it just acts as an overdrive. But the other gears will get you there in a hurry.
The ride: It's a similar feel and stance to 81 650's, strange upright position,long forks, funky handlebars... it's just weird and I feel it is hard to handle. So changes will be made. And it's a shaft drive, that adds an even stranger feeling when accelerating , especially if you've always been a chain drive kinda guy.
I've been checking around on the night hawk forums, and it seems that the nighthawk 650 shares the same engine bay configuration as the nighthawk 550. The 650 tranny is geared differently and will climb through all 6 and not act boggy or in overdrive. The 550 frame is not as heavy as the 650 frame ,making a transplant a decent idea if one wanted to shed some weight and use the excess hp. The only thing that needs to be changed over is the airbox boots, everything else works.
As luck would have it, a year or so ago I picked up a NH 650 that had so much rattlecan flat black paint on it, I couldn't tell that it wasn't a 750 that the seller claimed it was....and it came with a bent front rim ( I didn't catch that) so it's been disgracing the corner of my garage ever since. But I might be thinking upgrade the 550 with it. I'm not ready for that yet only because the 550 night hawk needs some work to be attractive (to me) and handle better than it does now before it gets any more power.
The 550 NH was a one year wonder here in the US and the lack of parts availability is horrifying. So I wonder if it can all be made into something decent and in the end , will it all be worth it. I guess I'll be making up my mind about soon, but for now, that's what 's been going on here. Didn't fall off the face of the earth.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #581 on:** September 05, 2016, 04:18:30 PM »

Quote from: rb550four on September 05, 2016, 08:49:13 AM

The 550 NH was a one year wonder here in the US and the lack of parts availability is horrifying. So I wonder if it can all be made into something decent and in the end , will it all be worth it. I guess I'll be making up my mind about soon, but for now, that's what 's been going on here. Didn't fall off the face of the earth.

Always good to hear from you, rb!

CBJoe · « **Reply #582 on:** September 05, 2016, 08:02:06 PM »

Quote from: rb550four on July 21, 2016, 03:16:06 PM

David , thank you for asking. I did get to frame up and roof my daughter's house, she does however , expect me to get back to put up some Adirondack siding (Live edge kinda stuff) she likes it , I hate it so I'm not feeling prompted to go and do it yet.
In other news here on the homefront, the falling down barn, this winter's project

Kudos to you on the barn rebuild....I have a 1920's house that I have started reglazing/repairing/refinishing all the windows on and it's a pain. Each window gets easier, but it's for sure not to scale with what you did there. Classic Wood Double Hung windows...also looking to build new 2 light storms before winter hits if I'm lucky.

rb550four · « **Reply #583 on:** September 08, 2016, 05:07:02 PM »

CbJoe,
Yeah , I was a stickler for original windows , trim and hardware in every old house I went into for years...especially in my own house... we did the storm windows on Columbus Day Weekend every year and the cleaning of the glass in May when we it was time to take the storms off...30 years of that. One year my daughter only wanted a vinyl window with screen for Christmas because the old style were drafty, frosted all winter and the flies snuck in in the spring.
Reluctantly I changed them all out a few years ago. Saves all kinds of $ on the heating bill, Much quieter in the house with closed windows now, and no more flies,lady bugs or mosquito .
No more changing storms,screen, They're efficient , and I don't have to paint them every year. It's like getting 2 bonus weekends a year now

rb550four · « **Reply #584 on:** October 03, 2016, 03:56:51 PM »

So in the last few weeks I've been pecking around between that one year wonder , the 83 550 and the other 83 650. Both machines share the same engine except for bore and stroke, same transmission except the gears on the 650 are cut for progressively better top end (I like that) . the 550 has a collapsed lifter (non available of course)....runs like a sob even so.
The 650 , I've found has ignition switch issues and a different wiring harness than the 550....Oh and bigger carbs...I haven't had it running yet. But I'm thinking the day I hot wire it and see if it turns over nicely, Both motors come out , the 550 will be the spare parts engine and the 650 goes in the lighter 550 frame.
I changed out the 550 bars ,which are allot like the 80's cb 650 bars. You know, I just can't see why the factory sent bars inside the crate if they were sending those bars....just so lame. Anyways, I put on a 3" rise, should have gone 3 1/2 or 4"...controls just touch the tank when fully left or right...but the entire machine looks sooo much better and control is less of an issue, seating seems better too. So if any of the stuff above works , I can see running this machine a bit. Pics when I actually do something.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #585 on:** October 03, 2016, 08:51:43 PM »

RB, the NightHawk 450 was punched out to make the 550 and then again when they made the 650. If I recall correctly the 650 motor was not as reliable and they had problem from taking it too far with the bore job. The 700 and 750 NH were a new engine and were much better overall. The NH have a strong following and were popular...last few years of production were just slim on color choices, red or black....some years both and then it became one year red and next black. I was not a fan of the chopper like stance and handlebars...
I guess I am a snob only liking the adventure bikes and std bike configurations...cruisers really don't interest me.
It isn't like people are forcing a bike on you...you pay your money and you buy what you like.
was looking at NightHawks before choosing to look at even older bikes liking the CBs the most.
Glad you have had some fun with the bikes... guess you need to be spraying soon before the weather makes you do it indoors or wait for good weather. It probably will be a snowy winter for us since the last one was almost a nonevent.
David

rb550four · « **Reply #586 on:** October 06, 2016, 05:41:02 PM »

David,
I was starting to panic about the 650 maybe not being as reliable as the 550. Then I remembered, I don't do big miles, I ride my fave 500 and the 80 650 most of the time so's not to beat up all my machines at once. This upgraded 550/650 nighthawk would only bridge my history with the 550/650 implants in the cb's. Kinda , maybe ,sorta....well anyways, it should be a blast to ride. And cb's will always be my favorite.
I got some side covers and painting coming up that will finish 3 bikes that didn't have covers when they were mechanically finished. Hoping the cold weather will hold off a bit longer, like March would be nice.
Last year, well , we're gonna pay for that.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #587 on:** October 06, 2016, 05:58:51 PM »

rb,
Something you said made me curious. You prefer your 500 over your 550's?

Ron

RAFster122s · « **Reply #588 on:** October 06, 2016, 10:06:52 PM »

RB, probably like the PRV V6 (Peugot-Renault- Volvo) joint venture to develop a 6 cylinder put in the Volvo 264 that developed a reputation for eating camshafts and having liots of other bad raps. Had a friend who bought one that had ate its cams and he had the head reworked and oil passages cleaned and new cams installed. He had nonee of the problems because he changed the oil on time and it was a reliable car he had years of enjoyment from. The problem related to insufficient maintenance of oil changes every 3k miles and the dirty oil would coke in the head oil passages that should have been a little larger to have lessened this risk, but proper maintenance was proven to prevent it.

So, the rumors of their demise maybe greatly exaggerated.

It is possible that information on the Nighthawk 650 was false.
The motor evolution is correct though...that the 650 began with strong roots in the 450 version.
That is common practice and often Honda developed motors that were not pushing the envelope in performance to trade for longevity and reliability.

rb550four · « **Reply #589 on:** October 07, 2016, 02:14:23 PM »

Ron,
It's a strange thing, I have had a beat old cb 500 stored hiding in a corner of my barn for years, which was a no-no since I agreed and sold all my other bikes when I had kids .... a common agreement made between man and wife while holding their infant child. A piecrust promise...easily broken but hard to admit to. So it stayed under wraps in the corner for years. Sometimes (when she wasn't home ) I'd work on it. especially when it was nice and I could hear the Harley guys riding to local bike meets.
One day, after my kids got out of college, I was in the barn tinkering on this old 500 and it fired. She was home..heard it and wasn't happy. After the " right of passage speech", the" to be a man is to decide his own destiny argument", and then the" tough $hit I'm gonna do what I want proclamation" . She had an understanding.
This little 500 was the machine that brought me back from being an over worked , bored out of my face, empty nest syndrome Dad who's idea of big fun for the past 20 years was going to an antique show. It reopened the door to what I loved about motorcycles not 25 years earlier. Risky perhaps but a chance to live again. I know allot of you guys know what I'm talking about. Yeah, that. So it has it's place in my heart for that reason. That and it's probably the most customized bike in my shed , and it's just comfortable to ride.
Don't get me wrong , the 550's , oh, I really like them.... allot. but there is no shame in loving the 500s, and maybe a 650 or 2 on the side.
Yes Ron, you have a keen sense for reading between the lines, and that's the story of my fave 500. Thank you for asking.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #590 on:** October 07, 2016, 05:31:02 PM »

rb,
Great story! Thanks for sharing that.

Ron

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #591 on:** October 07, 2016, 08:14:43 PM »

Quote from: Restoration Fan on October 07, 2016, 05:31:02 PM

rb,
Great story! Thanks for sharing that.

Ron

Indeed! I wish mine was as understanding.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #592 on:** October 08, 2016, 03:16:22 AM »

Oh come on, Don. You live the rock star lifestyle. The only one who might have it better is your dog.

Ron

Stev-o · « **Reply #593 on:** October 08, 2016, 07:46:39 AM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on October 07, 2016, 08:14:43 PM

Quote from: Restoration Fan on October 07, 2016, 05:31:02 PM
rb,
Great story! Thanks for sharing that.

Ron

Indeed! I wish mine was as understanding.

+1..well written story, rb. My story is similar to yours, got out of bikes during the early marriage years and missed it (boating filled the void). Then when I wanted to get back into it, the wife was against it for safety reasons. Well, we know who one out on that one!

rb550four · « **Reply #594 on:** October 08, 2016, 01:30:25 PM »

StevO ,
When it comes to this kinda stuff, it's just better that we get to do it. We all resent the ones that tell us that we can't do what we love. Even if they think it's in our best interest or because it makes them nervous. We're only on this earth for such a short time ,we have to do things we love, just to get even with all the stuff we don't like to do. It validates our existence .
In my case, I'm not off somewhere else doing who knows what with a bunch of stray cats. I'm in the garage putting together the next bike, going for an occasional ride when I can. I'm in earshot of her beckoning call, what could be better than that? Right?
I love vintage Hondas (and this has always been a good selling point at my house) and not Harleys. If I did , the cost of my collection would have left us in the poor house ,dressed in black leather chaps with no a$$es, Boots with buckles so big a Pilgrim wouldn't where them, and a dirty bandanna collection that would stretch a closeline down to my neighbor's house. Of course all the antique furnishings in the house would be traded off for anything that is black and orange with HD on it....Oh the HD bar stools , the giant black wallet with 2lbs of chain cause it don't fit in your pockets, the empty HD oil cans on the top of the refrigerator as a memento from the last oil change, and the overweight, haven't seen a bar of soap in a week kind of new friends that come over any time of the night to drink all your beer and piss on the bathroom floor. Yeah baby, it could be that kind of life. But it's not..... because I like Honda ,and you meet the nicest people on a Honda.
There is no pirate clown persona to live up to here, we still lead a normal unassuming life the way we always have . I know I'm happier with bikes then I was without them. And she can still go to the antique shows with her friends any time she likes. It's all good isn't it?.

Stev-o · « **Reply #595 on:** October 08, 2016, 02:00:12 PM »

Agreed!

rb550four · « **Reply #596 on:** November 19, 2016, 11:26:57 AM »

So , we 're expecting our first real taste of winter to come blowing in tonight. It's hard to believe considering it's 63 degrees now. Took the day off and took my favorite 650 out for it's last ride this season...it was just the right thing to do. On the way out I spied my fave 500 looking all sad that it didn't get to go out too ( they seem to act like dogs sometimes), so I gave it a little rubbin' behind the headlight ears and stroked the seat a couple times, before I locked the door told it "I don't want to find any oil on the floor when I get back. Good girls."
My wife thinks it strange to feel connected to a machine, I don't know ,maybe. But I'd wager there are a few of us that have a connection and do similar things. Yes?

Stev-o · « **Reply #597 on:** November 19, 2016, 11:52:12 AM »

Quote from: rb550four on November 19, 2016, 11:26:57 AM

My wife thinks it strange to feel connected to a machine, I don't know ,maybe. But I'd wager there are a few of us that have a connection and do similar things. Yes?

If you're a betting man, you would win, rb. Wives just dont get it.

rb550four · « **Reply #598 on:** November 20, 2016, 09:26:57 AM »

It's snowing and the bikes are put up. Nothing to do and I just found this.

Even when things were simpler. Who wouldn't want to be a tester?

RAFster122s · « **Reply #599 on:** November 20, 2016, 10:24:40 AM »

The guy who took a spill going through the water might have thought about not being one when recovering from that spill.

Wonder what the lives of those motors were? Recall hearing stories of long distance trips in early cars where bearings would need to be replaced on side of road on bottom end of motor, they would drop the pan and change them on the side of the road, refill the oil if not dry sump and continue trip. Bearings didn't last back then.

We dropped 30 degrees for daytime high between Friday and Saturday ...but snow only was seen at high elevation mountain altitudes and not a lot of snow. Stay warm and enjoy the sight. Barn, work area should be warmer with work on it recently I hope.

Do you have any photos of the 650 work you had underway?

David

David

News:

Author Topic: 500/550/650's that followed me home (Read 128243 times)