Topic: 1973 cb500 4 cyl. speed vs rpm

[docoffey]

Shifts through all 5 gears very nicely.  In 5th gear, 3000 rpm, speedo says 38mph. Is that about right? feels like I'm going faster that that.  should I be?

thanks

[Stev-o]

feels like I'm going faster that that.  should I be?

Yes.....you should be going much faster, at least 70!

[docoffey]

It's certainly not doing 70!  I'm on the city streets and not passing anybody.  What's wrong?

[goldarrow]

3k tune up done?

[TwoTired]

12.65 MPH per 1000 RPM

3 X 12.65 = 37.95 MPH

[docoffey]

That chart is what I need!  Thanks!

it has new plugs, carbs have been bench synched and cleaned (Many times) It's been sitting 15 years,  finally got it stop dumping gas and overheating #2 cylinder, and got the idle under control.  Starts and runs nice.  Bumpy though.  Needs new tires and wheels balanced, maybe spokes adjusted??

Thanks for all the help and advice from you guys!

[dave500]

that speed sounds about right,3000 is lugging the engine,5000 is around 60 mph.

[Mo]

Anyone else's buzzy at 70 mph+? Just the nature of the beast?

[TwoTired]

Anyone else's buzzy at 70 mph+? Just the nature of the beast?

Stock sprockets, wheels, and tires?

70 is about 5500 RPM.  9200 red line.  Which is about 60% of red line.   You may have a perception issue.  ...Or, what you really want is a big displacement long stroke Harley.

[strynboen]

last i dit the ton..the rpm caunter didnot work... so is it abaut 9000- 9500 rpm ,165 kmt/ 100 miles/auer??

[docoffey]

Ok two tired, you're right about the big Harley.  My usual ride is a 2001 Road King w/sidecar. This is ny first Honda and I am enjoying the restoration.  The little guy is fun to ride.

Getting new tires now.   Might have to take it to a "Wheelright?"  I think the rear wheel has a wobble.

[TwoTired]

The stock rims were made for tube type tires.  If the tubeless tire mounter  doesn't pay strict attention to bead seating, the tire won't seat the bead center by itself.  There is usually a molded line in the tire rubber near the rim, and that should be even for the whole circumference on both sides.  It need wrestling sometimes.  If it doesn't seat correctly the tread wobbles as it spins.

One thing to look at anyway.  There's also spokes, bearings, swing arm pivot, etc.

[docoffey]

OK, thanks Two tired.  They are stock rims and spokes.  The bearings looked ok when I pulled the rear wheel and greased them.  It only has 8000 miles on it so the other stuff shouldn't be worn.  I did not grease the swing arm yet.  My grease gun won't fit it and after the CF with putting a grease fitting on the clutch adjuster I'm a bit hesitant to try that again.  They are putting tubed tires on it now.  should be ready today.
   Is adjusting the spokes to straighten the wheel something I can do or should it go to a pro?

[TwoTired]

   Is adjusting the spokes to straighten the wheel something I can do or should it go to a pro?

Make sure it is the wheel that is the problem rather than the tire.

Wheel truing is a skill that can be learned like any other.  I don't have a reason why you can't learn it.  Like any skill, it takes time and effort to master depending on your abilities.  I expect you CAN do it.  Whether you wish to spend the time and effort is up to you.  If not, pay a professional.

I've done it.  I don't think it is hard.  Seems logical and straightforward to me.  But then, I've done many things that others have described as hard.  Vice versa is also true.  I think playing a violin well is hard.

[docoffey]

Sounds like  a plan. Thanks for the advice fellows.

[BobbyR]

Anyone else's buzzy at 70 mph+? Just the nature of the beast?

What condition is your chain in. Old chains and or sprockets can get buzzy at speed.

[Don R]

 I felt that way when I started riding 750's again. They just need RPM's especially the smaller 4's. My 73 500 was awesome. It loved to rev and that's where the power band is.

[Mo]

Anyone else's buzzy at 70 mph+? Just the nature of the beast?

What condition is your chain in. Old chains and or sprockets can get buzzy at speed.

Hmm I think it's really just my perception as TwoTire mentioned. I have nothing to compare to except for my car. Wind noise doesn't help much either.

[flatlander]

last i dit the ton..the rpm caunter didnot work... so is it abaut 9000- 9500 rpm ,165 kmt/ 100 miles/auer??

that's about right. when my gps shows 150kph the speedo is at about 165, tach at about 9000 rpm.
speedo and tach on these bikes are not that accurate.

[strynboen]

yes mine spedo are on the positive side vith +10..i think..but then im safe for speed kontrols....but all the old men vith soft hat"s overtaken me vhen in a 50 kmt zone

[BobbyR]

Anyone else's buzzy at 70 mph+? Just the nature of the beast?

What condition is your chain in. Old chains and or sprockets can get buzzy at speed.

Hmm I think it's really just my perception as TwoTire mentioned. I have nothing to compare to except for my car. Wind noise doesn't help much either.

With the overdrives in our cars allowing 80mph at 3K RPM our bikes sound like they are screaming.