Topic: 1973 CB500 restore build

[Gfreak]

Hey y'all. New to this forum obviously, but just picked up a project bike for myself this mornin.

Guess i'll be documenting as much as I can on here.

starting pictures:





Bike's sitting on my garage for now until i get some free time to start taking it apart and checking things.

So far, it has fuel delivery. Horn, tail light and electric starter work. No blinkers or headlights turn on, nor does it have spark.

The coil is getting power but nothing going to the spark plugs. Gonna take the tank off and look at that more closely this weekend.

Brake lines are corroded pretty bad, prolly will need to replace that. throttle cable is loose as well ("snaps back" very slowly)

But yea, i'm excited to get started on it!

[Gfreak]

Thanks for the model type, tip.

The F I've seen used stood for "four" afterwards.

I know it's technically a "k2" (I believe?) for this year.

Will definitely be checking that first when I get the time.

Thanks!

[2strokeTrush]

Looks like a late model 550. Motor is not a 500 for sure.

[Gfreak]

I'm curious, what're you using to make that distinction based on thepicture? (the specific differences) Cause every picture I"ve looked up of a cb500k2 looks exactly like what I have (the engine that is)

[2strokeTrush]

I'm curious, what're you using to make that distinction based on thepicture? (the specific differences) Cause every picture I"ve looked up of a cb500k2 looks exactly like what I have (the engine that is)

Clutch, front end, gauges, seat lock, cylinder head pattern.......

[Gfreak]

Y'all are saying that, but the stamp on the Engine block says "CB500E-1006394"

Not 550.

[2strokeTrush]

If that's a 500 that's the first I have ever seen with a clutch like that. I think it's a misprint honestly or something because I have no idea how a 500 motor could have the internals of a 550 because it's a completely different system.

[Bootsey]

Looks like there's a screw above the right side cover (shift drum guide screw?) which might suggest they are 500 cases at least?

[2strokeTrush]

Can also see the 550 clutch holder/engine mount.

[jonda500]

If that's a 500 that's the first I have ever seen with a clutch like that. I think it's a misprint honestly or something because I have no idea how a 500 motor could have the internals of a 550 because it's a completely different system.

Second one I've seen - I believe these are european only models..  John

[2strokeTrush]

That's the weirdest thing I have seen today. Never knew they existed

[Gfreak]

I'll try and get a picture up in a little bit, gotta find a cord for my phone haha.

So assuming the print on the block is to be believed, you're saying this is a European model? That's wierd, wasn't expecting that lol.

But you say it's impossible to have the 500 in a 550 casing? Are they that different, and not just a bored out version of itself?

[Gfreak]

Also for the build: Haven't had a ton of time to work on it with work and all.

But I've taken the carbs out and almost through cleaning them.

Both coils will need to be replaced, as well as most of the wiring. Whoever had it before me spliced a TON of wires and did a pretty #$%*ty job of it.

Cylinders are also fairly low on compression. #4 got me about 55 psi, while 1-3 got me about 35 until I squirted some oil in there and they bumped up to the same as #4.

Gonna clean out the tank and finish cleaning the carbs on friday.

[2strokeTrush]

Clutch System is different completely and yes it is bored out more.

[Gfreak]

Yep that's the plan! The I can see the back of the valves from where it is now, and there's a TON of carbon buildup on em.

Happy thanksgiving y'all, My plan's to head back over to the garage tomorrow morning since i've got the day off work. Should be able to finish the carbs, clean the tank. and start working on some of the wiring. And seeing if it's even worth salvaging (new harness is like 100$)

[Gfreak]

Finished cleaning the carbs and tank today, both looking pretty good. Got the handlebar assembly/wiring harness and all the linkages attached up there off. Wiring harness is in really bad shape, tons of frayed/broken wires. Probably gonna get that harness so I don't have any issues.

Gotta get those coils next as well.

[Gfreak]

got the coils, got the carbs rebuilt (new gaskets and such, reverted back to stock jets as I have the stock airbox for the bike.)

Now just gotta order the wiring harnes, should be able to get that in a coupla days. and it'll hopefully be running in time for Christmas!

This weekend imma take the intake manifold off and do a valve adjustment and change the oil.

[Trad]

The 500 is the picture posted last in the thread has PD carbs. Not sure if anyone mentioned that.

[Gfreak]

Will take a look at those o rings for sure. Thanks man.

As for the PD carbs...is this an aftermarket brand? I'm a bit unsure what you mean haha.

Edit: After a bit of searching, do you mean the carbs that come with the 550k3?

[strynboen]

in North Europa ve have the 500 in 1977 and 1978..but it use most parts from 550 k3 77/78.

.think it vas to/hold... get the lov tax for 500 cc bikes. 550 vas NeXT tax klass
..but not build a expensive 500 model for the last  2 year of this modell..they komes only in 77 and 78..

[Gfreak]

Well, been busy with work. And when I haven't been busy with work I"ve been sick. But anyways, made just a little progress.

Carbs are 100% done, and back on the linkage/manifold. However I need new o-rings/insulator boots so those are on the way.

I took the valve cover off today to inspect everything. and it looks like it was ran a bit low on oil...

http://imgur.com/a/RDNfU

Valve cover itself was also broken in a spot, so need to replace that as well. The costs just keep building! haha

[strynboen]

that cam looks like new...