Topic: Café/brat CB500 K3 -77, can't hold my fingers from it

[AlBundy]

Hi,

I have already started a thread earlier for my bike where I asked for some tips and facts about my bike. I don't know so much about bikes and this is my first.
See: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,157022.msg1801488.html#msg1801488

In this thread I want to ask questions regarding my build and the first question is about gauges. I have understood that the speedometer gauge for CB500 -77 has the ratio 100KPH = 2330RPM. Correct me if I'm wrong. What about the tachometer? Which ratio does it have?

[AlBundy]

Okey.

This speedo will work then: http://www.dimecitycycles.com/2-5-inch-black-mini-speedometer-with-black-face-and-led-indicator-lights.html

But what about this tacho?: http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-parts-mini-chrome-tachometer-15-0031b.html

The ratio is 1:7 and not 2240:1? Will it work?

[AlBundy]

Thank you for the info. Will search the forum when it's time for the gauges!

[AlBundy]

Anyone who has experience of these spedoos/tachos?

https://www.louis.eu/artikel/t-t-multifunction-instrument/10034806?list=175889329

https://www.louis.eu/artikel/t-t-multifunctional-instrument-with-black-dial/10036500?list=175889329&filter_article_number=10036500

I think they look good. I have looked at them on youtube but there are not so many videos of them. It seems that the tacho can't get synced with older cb:s but there must be a solution?

[AlBundy]

Okey.

The videos I was referring to was these:

Problem:

Solution:

I'm curios why the tacho is like in the first video.

A complicated question maybe but it's good to know if other has the same problem like in the first video.

[AlBundy]

Thank you. You are very clever man!

[AlBundy]

Anybody who knows if a exhaust from a CB550 F1 fits my bike? Some modifications are ok.

Have found a nice 4-2 system on ebay Germany.

[AlBundy]

The head section of that exhaust will fit, you may encounter some interference with the rear brake lever. The F1 should be a 4:1, running down right side rails.

Thx m8. Will order it then. I'm just out after the headers. The price  of the system is to good to not buy. I prefer 4-2 system over 4-1.

[AlBundy]

Time for some new tires and I have been looking at Continental Classic Attack in original size. These tires are radial and made for classic bikes but they are also tubeless. Do I need to use tubes or not? Also, can I use tubes with these tires? I want safety to be in first place!

[70CB750]

The rule of thumb is lower speed rating by one for using tube in tubeless tire.

[AlBundy]

You need to use tubes as the spoke penetrates the rim and creates voids for air to escape. Cover the spokes with rim tape first, then a tube.

Tubeless tires can be used on tubed rims, but the tire itself is designed for a taller side walled rim, so full seating of the tire can be an issue. There are many great tube tires on the market that you can consider also.

Do you have a link to some tube tires that are good? From what I've read the classic attack have been praised to the skies by vintage bike riders. Isn't it better to use radials that are designed for vintage bikes than biased? 

[AlBundy]

Sorry, I wasn't suggesting they're not great tires, but if you are concerned by them being "tubeless" in their design, I was pointing out there are options. You can also run a tube in a tubeless tire, so the spoke issue is mooted.

Oh okey. But which is the "safest" alternative of these two? Radial tubeless tires designed for vintage bikes with tubes, or non radial tube tires?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Time for some new tires and I have been looking at Continental Classic Attack in original size. These tires are radial and made for classic bikes but they are also tubeless. Do I need to use tubes or not? Also, can I use tubes with these tires? I want safety to be in first place!

It all depends on how you ride.  If you want a period correct, restoration or if you want a performance-oriented tire.  There are a LOT of options.

[Bankerdanny]

The Classic Attacks are designed to also be used with tubes.

Don't obsess over tires. For general street riding just about any tire will do. I had Shinko 711/712's on my 550K and was very happy with them. The performed well in the rain and I think I paid $100 for the set including shipping.

Motorcycle tires have short lives, often well under 15k miles. For low tech, relatively low performance bikes like our 550's spending big money on tires is not necessary.

That said, I am thinking about the CA's for my new F because I have also read great things about them.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Many newbies also do not know that tires have a shelf life, too. 

Avons, Bridgestones, Pirellis, Continentals all make good tires that will work well with tubes for these classic bikes.  If you are looking at Classic Attacks, you are not likely looking to do a restoration.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The best advice we can give you is to avoid Firestones!!

[AlBundy]

Many newbies also do not know that tires have a shelf life, too. 

Avons, Bridgestones, Pirellis, Continentals all make good tires that will work well with tubes for these classic bikes.  If you are looking at Classic Attacks, you are not likely looking to do a restoration.

What do you mean eith not likely do a restoration?

I have read that the Firestones are bad. They only look good and that is that. They are also very expensive.

Think I will order the CA, just because they are a safe card and it's my first bike.

[AlBundy]

Does anyone know if a fork from a BMW K75S 1992 fits my bike? I can get one for a very good price and its with dual discs and brembo brakes.

Edit: The fork comes with the tripple tree and the whole kit thats on the fork.

[70CB750]

Did you check AllBalls?

http://www.allballsracing.com/index.php/forkconversion

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Many newbies also do not know that tires have a shelf life, too. 

Avons, Bridgestones, Pirellis, Continentals all make good tires that will work well with tubes for these classic bikes.  If you are looking at Classic Attacks, you are not likely looking to do a restoration.

What do you mean eith not likely do a restoration?

I have read that the Firestones are bad. They only look good and that is that. They are also very expensive.

Think I will order the CA, just because they are a safe card and it's my first bike.

AlBundy,

The Continental Classic Attack tires are more of a performance tire for classic bikes, and they were not an OEM supplier or clone for the bike's original tires.  That indicates that you are not trying to do a by-the-book restoration but something else  -- custom, restomod, etc.  That's what I meant.

[AlBundy]

Anyone who can tell me which of these shop manuals I should use for my bike?  http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/shop-manual

CB500 K3 -77

[AlBundy]

I have been doin some work on the bike. The front fork tubes has been painted in black and the oil and seal is on its way to be replaced. I am also working with the seat pan which I will take to car interior maker so he can make fine work with seat. What do you guys think? Is the seat too long? Will it look weird? The yellowish on the seat pan is made out of Styrofoam just to see how it could look like.

[AlBundy]

The seat is now finished! Ordered also some new candy for the bike. Will pick it up today after work Will update the post as soon as i get the parts on the bike. The mudguard on the pic is just hanging loose. Will paint it in black and cut it to fit nice!

[AlBundy]

Bad and good news. The Swedish post has lost my package they are searching for it. Since the government sold the postal services it have become (excuse my language) #$%*! I hope they find it so I can continue with my work. The good news is that I have taken my driving license we did the polygon driving on Koenigseggs test track so we saw and listened to some prototypes. Very cool! We were not allowed to take any pictures though.

To be continued!

[AlBundy]

It's been a while since I posted last time but now I have some materials to share with you. I have been on vacation for four weeks. Three weeks in the southern Europe and the last one in the garage. We traveled by car to southern Europe and to not lose time with my project I took some parts with me for painting.

This is what I have done (plus extras) with the bike:
New All Balls steering bearing.
Painted the rims to black with spray ( they will be PC on the winter and the spokes will be replaced)
New speedo/tacho Tumbleton & Twist
New tires Metzeler Sportec Klassik
New LED taillight, LED mini flashers and headlight
New oil and seals for the  forks
+ more

Tried to install the LED flashers with resistors but that didn't work so good so I bought a flasher relay instead (much better). Bought the resistors because I couldn't find a store that sells the relay. Didn't want to wait for the flasher relay....

The color of the bike is BMW Donington grey metallic.

I hope I'll finish the bike today. To mount the front wheel, exhaust and hide the wiring in the headlight is what's left to do.

To the winter I will powder coat the frame and check the engine and eventually paint it. The bike ran good before the rebuild so I have not put any time on the motor and carbs.
 
Here are some pictures.