Topic: 1971 CB500K1 Project Rebuild

[71coscramblr]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the boards and new to Honda bikes... I introduced myself in the newbies board from Steamboat Springs, CO but plan on doing a rebuild on the Honda I just recently stumbled upon...... a 71 CB500K1 in Candy Brown, heres a link to how it currently sits....  http://s377.photobucket.com/user/71coscramblr/media/20170419_173512_zpsswbjntd2.jpg.html?o=5

I have ridden a couple of bikes in the past, a 2009 Kawasaki Supermoto and a 2011 Triumph Thruxton... so this is my first classic, and the first bike I have really had the opportunity to put some serious work in to...
I have been reading over the boards for the last few weeks and have found some great information, and hope to continue to learn a lot more from everyone else here....
I have some mechanical skills when it comes to automotive, bikes, home etc but my electrical skills are garbage and I'm just learning to use a multimeter 

So if your still with me...
heres a quick run down... if you saw the photos...
The bike has some dings and dents on both sides and the pipes, it leaks some oil and ... I have yet to get it started. but I did pay $350 to get it out of a friends garage before he moved... so If I can get it running for under $600 I'm happy...
 
I have replaced the battery with a walmart Everready elcheepo @$35 as the other elcheepo had crapped out....
Stev-o, mentioned his experience with a Scorpion battery @ $63 which looks like it has great reviews.... anyone else had any experiences? Would love to replace the elcheepo and keep it for a backup... just happy the bike turns over with a working battery
http://s377.photobucket.com/user/71coscramblr/media/20170424_170300_zpsypydwqfd.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

After doing some research on the forums I decided to refill my oil with Rotella T6 (As thats what I use in my F250)...
I just topped it up as I don't have a oil filter yet to do a full change over... I'm not trying to start the oil war here!!    

Bike turns over but doesn't start yet ....
After inspecting the plugs and wires it seems as though the 4th cylinder wire has no connection thru to the plug...
http://s377.photobucket.com/user/71coscramblr/media/20170424_170240_zps4xof66zq.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2

I ordered new NGK plugs and wires thru 4-1.com along with a new oil filter, air filter, new points & condensers - about $90 with shipping... I held off on replacing caps and coils - another $150.... until I see where I stand once the other items are installed.... I would also love to splurge on the Dynatek Digital System... but.. thats for another discussion with more money for more parts!!!

In future posts...
I would like to discuss potential build options... scrambler <--- my preference /cafe/classic
Discuss what a reasonable budget is to spend on this bike... $3000-5000?
List my needs and wants for this bike....
Build Time... Would love to be a work in progress. But eventually would love to go frame up restoration with an engine rebuild as it is not a daily driver.
Discuss quality parts, where to source parts, how to do the work, if I can't do the work who can?
Meet good friends, talk about bikes, parts, riding and life...
I look forward to meeting more of you and learning about your builds and what your doing with your bikes!!

Cheers

Kelham

[calj737]

Coils - stock coils are difficult to replace the wires on as they're hard wired into the coil. You can use an NGK to splice new ends onto. But the stock coils typically don't go bad, but the caps do.

Caps - check the resistance valve of the caps themselves. They screw off the plug wire at the plug end. Use a meter and probe the metal contact from both ends. You want a reading of less than 5k ohms. Over that, replace them.

Plugs - use D7eas and get a couple of fresh sets. If you are not getting spark at #4, check it's plug cap. Swap plug 1 into 4 and try again. Same issue? Replace the cap  The same coil serves both cylinders (1/4) and the other coil serves (2/3). Yellow ignition wire serves 2/3 and blue wire serves 1/4. Wasted spark system, pretty reliable. There's a BLACK/WHITE wire that brings power to both coils from the KILL/RUN switch from left hand handlebar.

Super easy. Is it running yet? What  are you waiting for, Kelham 

By the way, welcome!