Topic: CB500: Small or large clocks, depending...?

[AndyH]

Hi folks,
I have a double-barrelled question:  I'm restoring a CB500/4 with frame ID CB500- 2064XXX and engine nbr CB500E-2153XXX.  I've been told, and it's previously registered as, a 1972 model.  That would make it a K1, right? But then I saw elsewhere on this 'ere forum that my frame might be a K0 and the engine a K2?  I'm confused?

The 2nd part of the question will probably be answered by the answer to the 1st!  That is, clock size.  Am I correct in thinking that K0 and K1 models had the smaller clocks?

I have a set of small clocks but not sure if they came off the bike (they were in a large plastic container of bits'n'bobs; anything from Yamaha to CB750!!)     Can you tell the size of clocks from the clock mount?

PS:  I'm in AUS so most bikes here would have been the UK version, if that helps. (I have a Clymer manual, but it's US oriented.

Looking forward to answers from those who know for sure LOL!   

Cheers
Andy

[Bankerdanny]

I believe the CB500 and CB550 gauges are all the same size and the only difference is the shade of green on the faces.

[BassHog]

My 72 CB 500 has the small speedo and tach. The bracket is also different they mount much more flat and not tilted as much toward the rider.

[jonda500]

I have two 72 CB500's. I believe they are both K1's.

The numbers of mine are:
1. engine- 2064XXX, frame- 2153XXX
2. engine- 2067XXX, frame- 2156XXX

I'm starting to believe that Australian model CB500K1's came with K2 engines fitted.

Both of mine have the small gauges and the flat bracket (not angled up towards the rider).

John

[AndyH]

Thanks John, your remarks and photo pretty well confirm what I was thinking.
I have the small clocks but need to source the rubber cushions.

[AndyH]

Hmmm....I've realised that the small tacho I have has 3 mimic lights in it! 
So it can't be from a CB500....rats! 

Oh well, guess I'm on the lookout for small tacho and speedo.....

[jonda500]

My 1st 500 had idiot lights in the tacho when I got it - although it worked fine, I found a replacement at the wreckers.
My 2nd 500 had no gauges when I got it - finding a tacho and speedo on ebay wasn't too hard (being careful to make sure the cables come out the bottom straight, not angled!) - but finding a kph speedo is proving to be extremely difficult, in 5 years of searching I have had no luck...
John

[AndyH]

Thanks John! The speedo should be OK, just need to source a tacho without idiot lights.
Cheers
Andy

[bryanj]

There were three types of clocks fitted to the 500 in the Us.

(1) Small clocks on a flat bracket with chrome rear covers having a big hole in the middle

(2) Small clocks on an angled bracket with rear covers more complete withe just 3 holes for mounting bolts and cable fitting

(3) big clocks

No 2 was never seen in UK till we started importing from US and 3 was US only as All UK 500's were K1. one other difference between the clocks i 1 & 2 is one cable drive is st an angle whilst the other is straight, I THINK 1 is straight.

A 450 speedo will fit but has not trip meter and the Tacho with lights came off the 350 twin.

Hope that helps

[AndyH]

Thanks bryanj!
I think the AUS K1 was the same as the UK version.
Cheers
Andy

[AndyH]

My 72 CB 500 has the small speedo and tach. The bracket is also different they mount much more flat and not tilted as much toward the rider.

Thanks BassHog, exactly what I'm looking for!!

[PeWe]

Here my CB750 with CB500 tacho that showed much higher rpm. Look like a CB750 K6 except for the red line.
I still use the CB500 chrome cover on my CB750 tacho.

[AndyH]

They appear to be the larger clocks off a k2.  I believe the K0 and K1 had the smaller clocks.