Author Topic: 1972 CB500 Project. Am I in over my head? (Read 8716 times)

rb550four · « **Reply #25 on:** May 18, 2015, 04:56:31 AM »

Nice project!
That will be lots a fun.
I know that seat is making everyone puke, but don't throw it out, I have a semi chop and could be interested in an ugly seat like that. PM me if interested.

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #26 on:** May 18, 2015, 10:54:38 AM »

Thanks for all the replies. I've decided to use this bike as more of a learning experience throughout the process of building it up, so I'll be tearing it all down to parts and pieces before rebuilding it into a functioning motorcycle.
Once it's disassembled, I plan to go through the motor and carbs and rebuild them, and then go from there.
I rarely ride with anyone and this would be my selfish guilty pleasure. I will probably resist cutting the frame for now, and see how the engine/carb rebuild goes first. If I get inside and the pistons are half eaten away from detonation or the walls are beyond repair, then I'll ultimately end up going away from the bike entirely. Hopefully that isn't the case!
And yeah rb550four, if you want it just let me know, PM me and we can hopefully figure something out

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #27 on:** May 18, 2015, 10:57:14 AM »

Also, I'm not sure if anyone here is an expert on this particular part or not, but these gauges: should I keep them or move to something more streamlined down the road? The reason I'm asking so early into the project is that since this is a smaller and more manageable part, I can work on restoring them inside my house as opposed to in my shed. And I figure since I'll spend a lot of time looking at them, they should be very, very clean. Thoughts?

calj737 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 18, 2015, 11:34:04 AM »

The upside: Stock can be really beautiful if you seek a traditional bike. Mechanical gauges (like stock) rely on cables to calculate speed or revs. Vulnerable to error and wear. Electronic can be more accurate, if calibrated properly.

The downside: electronic gauges are more expensive and create the need for wiring changes. If you plan to re-wire the bike due to a butchered harness, maybe its moot. I like small, sleek, multifunction gauges that incorporate all the stock data, plus offer some others. you can get a single Analog tach with LCD speed, Odometer, Oil etc. You can get a mini electronic gauge in digital, you can even get a replacement handlebar clamp that has both instrumentation lights and a multifunction gauge all-in-one.

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #29 on:** May 18, 2015, 12:11:06 PM »

I think I'll stick with the stock gauges, I love the look of them and to be fair, I'll be spending plenty on other parts to worry about fancy electronic ones. And to be honest, I want it to look as low key and classy as possible. Thanks for the tip sir!

calj737 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 18, 2015, 12:15:57 PM »

Forum member LECRAM (Marcel in reverse) offers a service to fully restore/rebuild them if you so desire. He comes highly praised and every customer seems wicked satisfied. Should you need...

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #31 on:** May 18, 2015, 12:32:31 PM »

Kasper,

I would advise against a COMPLETE teardown to bolts. Rather, remove a system from the bike that you can work on and prepare for reinstallation (such as brakes, forks, wheels). That will keep your mess to a minimum and not get you over your head too quickly.

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #32 on:** May 18, 2015, 12:40:35 PM »

Definitely, Racer Fan. I'm trying to leave most of the larger components on the frame for now, the engine it my main focus. The forks, other suspension, and electrical systems will stay intact for at least a little while.
I was going to just tear it all apart now, but you definitely raise a good point of keeping the mess to a minimum, which I absolutely want to do. Thanks for the tip.

MickB · « **Reply #33 on:** May 25, 2015, 04:07:22 AM »

Cal's right in either getting the gauges restored professionally or attempting them yourself. All comes down to how much time you have or spend the money and have them done for you. They'll come back in beautiful condition if you have them done.
Remember this is a labour of love, don't count the cost within reason else you'll never do it, it's cheaper to get a running bike.

Where are the photos?

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #34 on:** May 28, 2015, 07:59:36 PM »

Sorry for the lack of posts, guys. This past week/weekend was dominated by a wedding I was in and this week I'm housesitting, so no Honda for me.
Hopefully I'll be able to get back into it this weekend or next week!

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MickB · « **Reply #35 on:** June 11, 2015, 01:02:47 PM »

No excuses KT, take the bike with you, I'm sure the house owners wouldn't mind you working on the bike in their lounge.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #36 on:** June 11, 2015, 02:04:16 PM »

Unfortunately, without a running bike it is difficult to ascertain whether you have functioning gauges or not. You may want to hold off on addressing the gauges until you have a running bike again. If they are functioning, cleaning them up can be done by you or by having them restored/rebuilt. If they are not functioning, you can easily switch to reproduction analog gauges, smaller analog gauges or a host of aftermarket meters.

MickB · « **Reply #37 on:** June 11, 2015, 02:42:39 PM »

If you have the cables for the gauges you can put the end into a hand held drill and give them a spin to see if they work.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #38 on:** June 11, 2015, 03:09:08 PM »

Quote from: MickB on June 11, 2015, 02:42:39 PM

If you have the cables for the gauges you can put the end into a hand held drill and give them a spin to see if they work.

Yep, I should have thought about that. Very good point, Mick.

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #39 on:** September 22, 2015, 07:41:58 AM »

Man, it's been a minute since I've been able to mess around with the bike.
Quick progress update with a few pics to come later.
A friend of mine decided to spend his day off helping me dismantle the bike. We have it tore down to pieces and I'll be slowly working through some of the parts, hopefully before it gets too cold out here in STL.
First is the engine, as this is the part that intrigues me the most. I'll be going through that myself, but I'll most likely have the carbs rebuilt professionally so that I don't screw them up.
We'll probably paint everything in the spring, assemble it all sometime around there (assuming I actually stick to my timeline) and hopefully have it in riding condition by summer.
I really only plan on keeping a few parts. The engine, the frame, wiring, and a few other parts. So as I'm building this ideal bike in my head, I'd love to hear from you guys where you purchase wheels, headlights, seats, handlebars, and the like.

Sorry for not posting hardly at all. We lost our dog recently and with work and friends, plus the heat, this project sort of fell by the wayside. I'm glad to be back in it though!

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calj737 · « **Reply #40 on:** September 22, 2015, 07:48:46 AM »

If you strip the frame to bare metal, and need to wait an extended period of time to re-paint it, then I'd encourage you to treat the metal with a rust converter to protect the bare metal. That treatment can be primed and painted over later.

As to where to buy parts, it depends entirely upon your budget, style, and preferences as where is the best place. Stock, custom, racy?

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #41 on:** September 22, 2015, 07:57:41 AM »

That's a good idea, thanks for the tip. What product do you recommend? The frame is already pretty rusty, but the paint is still on it. I was planning on leaving it like that until we would be painting it, and just sand, prime, and paint all in a short amount of time.

And parts wise, I'm looking to go with a cafe racer style on it. Something inconspicuous rather than flashy. Simple is best, and the cheaper the better. I probably won't have any chrome on the bike when I'm finished. I attached a picture of a different build that I really really like. Hopefully that gives you somewhat of an idea of where I'm going with it.

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calj737 · « **Reply #42 on:** September 22, 2015, 08:00:46 AM »

You can use Prep N Etch found readily at your local Home Center. It converts the rust and creates a barrier of protection. Leaves a slightly "gritty" surface that you'd want to knock down gently with sand paper before or after priming, but before painting.

Choose different tires

Looks are one thing, safety and handling is another.

Dime City Cycles is a popular retailer of inexpensive parts. Amazon, eBay, too many to list.

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #43 on:** September 22, 2015, 08:02:36 AM »

Haha yeah, tires may look cool, but I like my body too much to risk it sliding all over the ground just to make the bike look a little better.
I'll definitely look into that stuff from Home Depot when it comes time to sand it all down. Thanks for the tips! Much appreciated.

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flatlander · « **Reply #44 on:** September 22, 2015, 11:26:33 AM »

sorry to hear about your dog. i went through the same thing last year

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #45 on:** September 22, 2015, 11:28:49 AM »

Thanks flatlander, sorry to hear about yours too. She was old and had a good, long life so that softened the blow a little bit. Still sucks, but that's life.

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flatlander · « **Reply #46 on:** September 22, 2015, 12:40:56 PM »

it is hard, you basically loose a family member.

2strokeTrush · « **Reply #47 on:** September 22, 2015, 03:10:44 PM »

Good project, Im in

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #48 on:** September 22, 2015, 03:14:46 PM »

Thanks 2strokeTrush, hopefully I actually finish it and don't disappoint all of you guys haha.

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2strokeTrush · « **Reply #49 on:** September 22, 2015, 05:04:15 PM »

Quote from: kasper.tyler on September 22, 2015, 03:14:46 PM

Thanks 2strokeTrush, hopefully I actually finish it and don't disappoint all of you guys haha.

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Get on it then!

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Author Topic: 1972 CB500 Project. Am I in over my head? (Read 8716 times)