Author Topic: Bruce - '73 CB500  (Read 3796 times)

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Offline bahia

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Bruce - '73 CB500
« on: November 09, 2019, 11:13:10 PM »
This is Bruce, my 1973 CB500. I just picked it up from a local guy here in Chula Vista (South San Diego).
No history on the bike. No clue how many miles. But it had a clean title, strong compression, and a big box of parts. The seller is a big CB750 collector/flipper. If I'm missing something he's nearby and cool.

Pics are of Bruce in his new home.
He'll be my first build, but not in a huge rush. My first order of business will be to get the carbs assembled and then attempt to get him started up to see if I need to do any engine work.

Wish me luck!
 




"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline calj737

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2019, 03:50:26 AM »
Don't be surprised if Bruce runs like crap with those exhaust pipes. Short, straight and no back pressure = flat spots and rough idle.
'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 bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2019, 08:26:02 AM »
Yeah, I'm pretty certain of it. I do have plans to go to 4-1 on it.
In addition to running pretty bad, those straight pipes will likely piss off my neighbors too.
"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #3 on: November 10, 2019, 01:48:05 PM »
In addition to an exhaust system with back pressure, the intake also like the stock airbox, makes tuning a breeze.

Dont be tempted to buy cheap carb kits, they will cause issues. In fact, avoid all china parts for your Japanese bike!
If you have the OEM brass, just clean and reuse it and use new gaskets when rebuilding the carbs.

If this is your first SOHC, grab a beer and read the Carb FAQ...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,5410.0.html

Good luck

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

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2020, 09:20:01 PM »
I forgot I started this thread... Well, I've got some catching up to do.
I called the bike Bruce after Bruce Lee. Early on I did a mockup (on a 400T I think) of the direction I wanted to go with the bike.
Pretty much just blacked out everything, while keeping the engine shiny and a reference to Bruce Lee's yellow jumpsuit on the tank.

"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #5 on: August 02, 2020, 09:28:36 PM »
The owner didn't have a ton of details on the bike when I bought it. He told me the forks weren't 500/550 forks, but couldn't tell me exactly what they were. I started to investigate so I can figure out what kind of calipers would fit, and as the good folk in the tech forum pointed out, there was nowhere to mount calipers on, and these were CB400T forks which used a drum.
So, on to Ebay I went hunting for some CB550 forks.











"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2020, 09:36:12 PM »
Last week, I finished up a pretty intense web development project that ran about 2 months. So I've just been out in the garage pretty much everyday getting the bike fixed up, and ready to run. I started with getting the carbs cleaned up and polished.





"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2020, 09:45:52 PM »
Getting the engine out was very challenging. I had to do all kinds of power yoga to get that block on the floor.
"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2020, 09:53:39 PM »
Valve cover off to make it shiny, and inspect the #3 plug hole I thought was stripped (thankfully it was not).











"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2020, 09:57:04 PM »
Ordered some yellow spray paint to match my helmet and Bruce Lee's jumpsuit. It'll go on the tank and a few detail ares on the bike. Tested it on the caliper, and it has too much orange in it compared to the helmet. Gotta find something more bright yellow.



"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #10 on: August 02, 2020, 10:05:00 PM »
Got Bruce disassembled all the way down to the frame! Woot!



New 550 forks sitting in the box, old ones leaning against the wall.
Gotta get those old ass tires off the rims. That'll be fun...


Oooh! A double rainbow!


Think I should get a new chain? LOLOL


"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #11 on: August 02, 2020, 10:08:01 PM »
Those tires were the WORST!!!
Should have gone on youtube before I did the first one. The trick I learned was to take a boxcutter to the sidewalls and pull off the treads before i used the tire spoons to pull the beads off. That was WAY easier.

"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #12 on: August 02, 2020, 10:24:06 PM »
Whoever owned this bike before I got it was a clown! Look at this kickstand they welded on.
Not only is it a joke, but it never locked in place, so half the time it felt like the bike would tip over.


Ready for surgery.


I'll be mailing this to a friend's husband and having him weld this to her Harley.  :D


Ahh, nice and clean and ready for a TC Bros kickstand.


Gotta do some cleanup, but tabs are gone, and the rear is ready for the hoop. A neighbor is bringing his welder over tomorrow.
"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #13 on: August 03, 2020, 07:46:16 AM »
FYI - the simplest way to remove/install the engine is the "lay it on it's side" method. Use a heavy duty moving blanket or two.

That kickstand is a joke!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #14 on: August 03, 2020, 08:29:58 AM »
You may want to grind down the inner lip of the lower rear engine frame mount.  This sometimes catches the engine when removing or installing.  I would definitely recommend the lay the frame over the engine on its side method, which Stev-o recommended.  So when you start assembly, just start with the engine on its side and the bare frame laid over 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 bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #15 on: August 03, 2020, 02:54:55 PM »
FYI - the simplest way to remove/install the engine is the "lay it on it's side" method. Use a heavy duty moving blanket or two.

That kickstand is a joke!
Yeah, I tried that trick. Because I had the front and rear wheels still on, I think that made things a bit more challenging. Fortunately it's been stripped down since. So hopefully putting it back in won't be as much of a struggle.
"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #16 on: August 03, 2020, 02:58:17 PM »
I hired a designer on Fiverr to come up with a better design than the one I came up with (mockup photo above), and this is the design that he came up with. I'm so stoked, and can't wait to see this in real life on the tank! (The yellow is obviously not the right yellow).

"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline chiefum

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #17 on: August 03, 2020, 04:38:50 PM »
That looks awesome!

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #18 on: August 03, 2020, 08:09:18 PM »
Be like water.
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 bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #19 on: August 05, 2020, 01:31:45 AM »
Welding day!
Had to weld the battery box, and seat hoop. I was going to weld on a kickstand, but I bought a TC Bros (which as it turns out is for Bobbers), and looks way too short. Got to figure that out the kickstand situation.

As far as welds, I practiced a fair amount last night and this morning. But when was game time, my welds were poop. I'll grind them down tomorrow, and see if I need to fix. Hopefully it will be strong enough to stick a chick on the back without structural frame failure.















"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #20 on: August 06, 2020, 11:40:40 PM »
Printed out the design to get an idea of the right size. Think I need to go bigger.







I fabricated my first ever pieces from steel. The little tabs for the seat, and the end pieces to where I chopped the frame to make way for the hoop.
In many of the builds I've seen, people leave this open, which I think is poor craftsmanship. And I doubt it's good to leave the inner tubing exposed.

Despite my appreciation for craftsmanship, my welding was absolute dog #$%*, and resulted in lots of grinding.

During said grinding, I removed a chunk of skin with my grinder's flap-disc while spinning at 12,000rpm. It's a small chunk, but you can see my metacarpal bone.
...I'll spare you photos of that.







I decided instead of putting my skin in danger any more today, to put my lungs in danger and break out the polyester resin and fiberglass.
Just kidding... I have a respirator!
I do my own surfboard ding repair, so I already have a bunch of glass and resin in the garage. Had just enough to lay down 4 layers of what I think is 8oz fiberglass. Seemed like some random boat glass I had laying around for some reason. It was way too heavy for a surfboard, (well any board made after the 60s).
I'll likely get a custom leather job done in one of the Mexican upholstery shops near me (I live in south San Diego, about 5 minutes from the border). I figure this will work for a decent seat pan.






"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline XC204

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #21 on: August 07, 2020, 04:20:41 AM »
Hey that's looking good and fast progress! I've got my own 73 cb500 that I started 8 years ago and am getting near the home stretch. Good luck and keep posting.
Gary

Offline bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #22 on: August 07, 2020, 12:28:47 PM »
Hey that's looking good and fast progress! I've got my own 73 cb500 that I started 8 years ago and am getting near the home stretch. Good luck and keep posting.
Gary

Thanks! I've got a couple weeks of downtime, so I am trying to get as much done in the time I have. I hope to have it close to finished next week. We'll see how that goes!
Do you have a thread running for your bike? Would love to see another '73 500.
"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #23 on: August 07, 2020, 01:03:17 PM »
So, why Bruce Lee?  Just curious.  One could say, "Why not?"
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 bahia

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Re: Bruce - '73 CB500
« Reply #24 on: August 07, 2020, 01:09:47 PM »
So, why Bruce Lee?  Just curious.  One could say, "Why not?"

My 2003 Xterra is named Steve McQueen. Figured I'd keep the great actor theme going.
When I pick up a late 90s Ducati Monster, I'll likely caller her Sofia Loren.  :D
"Bruce" - CB500K2 + 197? 550 forks + Honda tank(maybe)