Author Topic: 72 CB500 Restomod - *Update* Sold!  (Read 46076 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #75 on: April 12, 2018, 01:43:57 PM »
Pulled my oil pump out today, and if it’s not a brand new one, it’s awfully clean for its age.



I feel pretty confident that this was likely replaced sometime not long before I got ahold of it. The o-rings are super soft and pliable, the motion is very smooth, and I can hear the telltale slorping sounds of the chambers opening and closing and pushing oil around.

Should I go any further? Or do you think I’m good?

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #76 on: April 13, 2018, 09:56:50 AM »
*crickets*

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #77 on: April 13, 2018, 12:33:31 PM »
It looks and sounds (from your description) as being in good shape.  I'm not sure if anyone wants to feel responsible for a cosmetically good looking pump that may crater later - hence, the crickets!
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #78 on: April 14, 2018, 12:13:58 PM »
That’s fair, I would only hold myself responsible if that were to happen. I’ve elected to let it ride.
I’ve got the engine back into the frame, and I’m gonna shoot for having this puppy running before the middle of next month. There’s still a lot to do, and I’ve been getting less and less time to do it, but I’m determined to see this bike all back together and on the road

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #79 on: April 18, 2018, 05:25:13 PM »
Progress!


Offline DurangoCB

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 354
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #80 on: April 18, 2018, 05:28:21 PM »
Sure looks pretty! 
1971 CB500 Four- current project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170622.0.html
1978 CX500- next in line

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #81 on: April 18, 2018, 07:44:03 PM »
Sure looks pretty!

You’re too kind!

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #82 on: April 19, 2018, 07:10:24 AM »
Looking good.  Once it's a roller, it'll be difficult to stop working on it.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Goofaroo

  • general nuisance
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 460
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #83 on: April 19, 2018, 06:31:50 PM »
Sure looks pretty!

You’re too kind!

He's right.  This is coming along very nicely. 

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #84 on: April 19, 2018, 06:43:09 PM »
Tonight I put my rear brake hub together, and started doing some more looming of my wiring harness




Thank you for your kind words! I have been kind of bummed lately and I’m glad to be working on this again. It’s very therapeutic.

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #85 on: April 23, 2018, 03:57:41 AM »
The pitting on my fork tubes is worrisome.



There’s also some scoring/wear marks on them near the fork seals.



I’m on the hunt for some replacements, I reckon
« Last Edit: April 23, 2018, 04:57:51 AM by Scramps »

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,040
  • I refuse...
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #86 on: April 23, 2018, 04:08:16 AM »
Forkings By Frank in IL used to (not sure if still) be the best place to purchase brand new tubes. There have been a number of times in recent years that rumors abounded about them closing down, or not, so you'll have to ring them up directly to know for sure. (They don't have a website, they're old, old school).
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline DurangoCB

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 354
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #87 on: April 23, 2018, 05:56:04 AM »
I just got a phone call from Frank a few days ago, so he’s still in business.  Good luck!
1971 CB500 Four- current project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170622.0.html
1978 CX500- next in line

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #88 on: April 23, 2018, 08:18:41 AM »
Those tubes are TOAST.  Frank is still in operation.  Still old school -- no internet, no voicemail, no web-site.  Call in, send your order with specs and a money order/check and receive the goods!
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #89 on: April 23, 2018, 08:23:47 AM »
What’s a good contact number?

Offline DurangoCB

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 354
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #90 on: April 23, 2018, 08:31:02 AM »
There actually is a website.  Just google it. 
1971 CB500 Four- current project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170622.0.html
1978 CX500- next in line

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #91 on: April 23, 2018, 11:48:47 AM »
If I were to guess, someone else got involved in Frank's business to modernize their operation. 
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,324
  • Central Texas
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #92 on: April 23, 2018, 02:30:59 PM »
If I were to guess, someone else got involved in Frank's business to modernize their operation. 

I thought Frank died?

http://franksforks.com/
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #93 on: April 23, 2018, 04:08:29 PM »
If I were to guess, someone else got involved in Frank's business to modernize their operation. 

I thought Frank died?

http://franksforks.com/
It sure is possible that he passed or retired and someone took over and modernized the operation.  I think I last called him 2 years ago (?) and ordered by phone, sent a cashier's check with my specs and got my fork tubes.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #94 on: April 23, 2018, 04:12:41 PM »
Well if so, that’s a bummer.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch;



Ignoring the Horrendous paint runs on the tank, I did a little mock-up to see how I like the looks of the thing. I do.

The seat hinge issue is a real thorn in my side, which I don’t know if I’ve mentioned anything about it. Long story short, the hinge was shaved off the frame by the PO, so now the stock seat will not mount up without frame modifications. Since it’s already powder coated, I’m disinclined to pursue that. Instead, I’m thinking about going with one of these:

http://4into1.com/the-belmont-brat-seat-ceramic-brown/

Since it more or less fits the aesthetic I was aiming for, is affordable, and will require very little modification to fit the bike (if my measurements are correct).

I’m making good progress, and I think the only major hurdles left are tires, front forks (thanks for the info), seat, and exhaust.

Another thing I don’t know if I mentioned, that crummy 4-1 exhaust I have was tweaked a little by a fabricator friend, and it will fit now. I can probably make that work on the temporary until I can afford something nicer.

As for tires, anybody have any recommendations for where to buy?

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,040
  • I refuse...
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #95 on: April 23, 2018, 04:20:03 PM »
That seat will require removal of the brace that covers the tire and ties the rails together. You will possibly encounter tire/seat interference as a result.

You could simply make a bracket, drill the frame, install rivet nuts into the frame rail, then use the stock hinge. Very easy, no welding required, and plenty strong for the hinge bracket. (And you can save the money otherwise spent on that seat).
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #96 on: April 23, 2018, 06:40:18 PM »
You’re absolutely right. That hinge is pretty rudimentary, I can probably make something happen there

Offline Scramps

  • Luke Warm, maybe. Not quite a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #97 on: April 26, 2018, 04:31:25 PM »
So I finally got around to calling our local upholstery business. I told the guy that I’d like to get my seat diamond-tucked and gave him some basic dimensions. His off-the-cuff estimate was $150.

These guys are primarily marine upholsterers, and they do very good work, so I have to put it to my good sohc4 friends. Do you think that’s too much?

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,040
  • I refuse...
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #98 on: April 26, 2018, 04:34:49 PM »
Sounds reasonable from my experience.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,324
  • Central Texas
Re: 71 CB500 Restomod
« Reply #99 on: April 26, 2018, 06:49:19 PM »
Sounds reasonable from my experience.

+1.  Does that include vinyl?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........