Topic: First Bike - 71 cb500 - clean up and mild cafe

[zurke]

thanks a lot for the replys! I'm busy the next few days so won't get a chance to look at it until after work sometime next week... I will take your advice and drain the tank, check the petcock again, and check the bowls. That makes me feel better that rust shouldn't gum up the carbs... hopefully its getting suffocated somewhere before the carbs and its an easy fix. That would make sense since last time I drained everything and it ran well for a while.

Are there any local meetups or cruises that take place? Just curious cause I'm also a VW guy we meet up once a month to chat and do a cruise..

[Stev-o]

Def do that first.  You missed the Harvest Classic last weekend in Luchanbach, it was a great bike show and we camped the weekend. Great roads to ride in that are too.
Here is last years report...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=111515.100

[zurke]

Well good news, I took advantage of the warm weather this weekend and got the bike running  . Yalls advice was superb, much appreciated! I put 30 miles on it yesterday cruising around and gave it a good bath. Can't wait till it warms back up.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The Patina bike rides again!

[Stev-o]

Good to hear Zach. Ride on!

[zurke]

I forgot to mention.. my brake light was out and I replaced it this weekend. The brake light works correctly, however when my headlights are off the running light stays on... and when my headlights are on my running lights are off (brake light still works). I have yet to fuss with it but am not sure where the issue would be. I figured the headlight switch but maybe not because it functions properly (headlights are on when switch is on). 

[zurke]

So I'm guessing my next question has been answered here many times before but I can't seem to find a thread. I inspected my rear tire this weekend and noticed it's dry rotted... pretty bad in some areas.

So I have no clue of what tires I should go with. I would like to keep a classic look to the bike but still have good performance. A buddy recommended avons but the ones i have seen online look newer and more like they would be for street bikes.. Anyone out there have any suggestions? I really have no clue at this point.

[Stev-o]

Avons are great tires but dont have the vintage look. 

I recently ordered IRC's for my RD350, made in Japan [not cheap chinese crap] nice vintage tread pattern and reasonably priced.
Havent had them on the road yet, but we're not racing, right?

http://www.amazon.com/IRC-GS11-Tire-Application-Construction/dp/B005UGETZQ

Pretty sure this is the stock inch size for the 500...4.00-18.  Buy through Amazon but they ship from Cedar Park, you will get them quick.  Get tubes and rim strips too.

Bridgestone BT45's are real good tires too, have them on my K4.

http://www.amazon.com/Bridgestone-BATTLAX-BT-45H-Touring-Motorcycle/dp/B005J8XAZU/ref=sr_1_13?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1428530706&sr=1-13&keywords=bt45

Again, doesnt really have the vintage tread pattern though.

Good luck, it's not always an easy decision.

Did you get the cover I sent you installed?