Topic: 1971 K0 CB500

[Little_Phil]

Counting the teeth it looks like standard 17. Shows how close chain gets to clutch pushrod, no wonder they get broken.
You seem to think that it has been apart before. Strange for an apparently low mileage bike. If the miles were done back in the day it shouldn't have leaked...mine didn't.
$6k seems ok for over there. I paid equivalent of $7k for my 4500 miler (imported from Colorado Springs) a few years ago. But no leaks (only done 50 miles here), Just gummed up and slightly corroded carbs from 70s/80s poor US fuel.

[Shtonecb500]

Counting the teeth it looks like standard 17. Shows how close chain gets to clutch pushrod, no wonder they get broken.
You seem to think that it has been apart before. Strange for an apparently low mileage bike. If the miles were done back in the day it shouldn't have leaked...mine didn't.
$6k seems ok for over there. I paid equivalent of $7k for my 4500 miler (imported from Colorado Springs) a few years ago. But no leaks (only done 50 miles here), Just gummed up and slightly corroded carbs from 70s/80s poor US fuel.

counted again i think you are right looks like its 17 tooth. Yeah when i bought this bike they had another 550 motor opened up on their work bench. The valve cover O ring was brand new, found the wrong size O rings further down int he motor and copper washers were already beat up...I think the head gasket was aftermarket as well. Idk what made them go into it but its all good now.

[Shtonecb500]

timed, carbs synced, buffed out the frame paint, rebuilt the petcock with the kit that uses the crush washers and it doesn't leak, no fuel leak at the carbs, no oil leaking on the motor, it's super quiet. Permanently installed the tank badges but do need to order new side cover emblems. Still need to buff and polish the wheels and spokes, still haven't decided if i want to attempt to repair the the imperfections in the seat or leave them. The clutch is not engaging again so im going to order a clutch set maybe vesrah or EBC, I heard barnett clutches don't use the cork anymore?

carb sync pics below

still no word from BAT.

[Little_Phil]

How does this BAT system work? I thought it was a straight auction site. They charge to list and then charge a commission on sale.
Can I search for it?

[Shtonecb500]

Seller fee is either $99 bucks for a basic listing or an additional $250 for detailing and sending professional photographers out to take pictures of your listing. Those are the only charges to the sellers. A 5% fee with a minimum of $250 and a max of $5,000 goes to BAT from a credit card of a potential buyer bidding on a listed item. That 5% goes to BAT no matter what, they require you to have a credit card on hold with them, once the auction is over and they collect their 5% OF the final auction price, the 5% doesnt come out of the final price, its on top of the final price... the contact information of both the seller and the winning bidder are exchanged and the two would have to communicate to facilitate the transaction and finalize. Buyer pays taxes too I believe in their home state after the title work has been transferred to them.

https://bringatrailer.com/how-bat-works/#seller-fees

[Stev-o]

carb sync pics below

still no word from BAT.

Those gauges look old school cool. 

Let us know how BaT goes, I have a bike I'd like to list too.

[Shtonecb500]

BAT said sure but with no reserve, so thats a NO for me.

Clutch replacement, master cylinder rebuild and install the stock one again, then Ill list it everywhere.

[RAFster122s]

BAT said sure with "NO" reserve???

https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/news/how-to-sell-a-motorcycle-on-bring-a-trailer/

[Shtonecb500]

BAT said sure with "NO" reserve???

https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/news/how-to-sell-a-motorcycle-on-bring-a-trailer/

corrected that, my bad.

Nice write up.

edit: I could have my buddy bid to essentially force my reserve, I would essentially be increasing my listing fee but would be paying my friend instead if he wins (whatever the 5% is) and then refusing to sell.

lol. Im not gonna run the chance of $500-$600 listing fee but im sure its happening.

[IrocRuss]

I'm curious if you sold this bike and what you got for it.  I'm working on a relative from my wife's side 1972 CB500 Four.  It was all original from his uncle who bought it new in 1972 and only had ~6700 miles when I started the restoration in late 2019 and completed early summer 2020.  I'm working on it again because he doesn't ride it enough and didn't realize the problem with ethanol gas when it's not stabilized.  Also some issues with inferior replacement condensers, out of spec and not even 2 years old and less than 500 miles on since replaced.
It was originally stored in an unconditioned garage, last year licensed was in the mid 2000's. Here's a link to a thread with a couple of pictures.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,182292.msg2110631.html#msg2110631

It's not perfect, but above average for a 50year old bike.  I don't think the owner wants to sell it, but it would be nice to know what his bike may be worth, and your bike's value at least gives a reference point for a range.

[Shtonecb500]

I'm curious if you sold this bike and what you got for it.  I'm working on a relative from my wife's side 1972 CB500 Four.  It was all original from his uncle who bought it new in 1972 and only had ~6700 miles when I started the restoration in late 2019 and completed early summer 2020.  I'm working on it again because he doesn't ride it enough and didn't realize the problem with ethanol gas when it's not stabilized.  Also some issues with inferior replacement condensers, out of spec and not even 2 years old and less than 500 miles on since replaced.
It was originally stored in an unconditioned garage, last year licensed was in the mid 2000's. Here's a link to a thread with a couple of pictures.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,182292.msg2110631.html#msg2110631

It's not perfect, but above average for a 50year old bike.  I don't think the owner wants to sell it, but it would be nice to know what his bike may be worth, and your bike's value at least gives a reference point for a range.

unfortunately, i think my #$%* paint job makes it a bad candidate for that, it eliminates collectors and anyone who wants it correct. Additionally, why would anyone pay me top dollar for an incorrect paint job.

I think my real life offer of 6k is probably the most accurate for this bike the way it sits...unless the market continues to blow up.

[Shtonecb500]

rebuilt and installed the original MC, cleaned and rebuilt the original front caliper but not installed yet, installed tank trim and also painted the baffles.

[grcamna2]

IrocRuss,your relative's CB500 looks nice 

[Shtonecb500]

I'm curious if you sold this bike and what you got for it.  I'm working on a relative from my wife's side 1972 CB500 Four.  It was all original from his uncle who bought it new in 1972 and only had ~6700 miles when I started the restoration in late 2019 and completed early summer 2020.  I'm working on it again because he doesn't ride it enough and didn't realize the problem with ethanol gas when it's not stabilized.  Also some issues with inferior replacement condensers, out of spec and not even 2 years old and less than 500 miles on since replaced.
It was originally stored in an unconditioned garage, last year licensed was in the mid 2000's. Here's a link to a thread with a couple of pictures.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,182292.msg2110631.html#msg2110631

It's not perfect, but above average for a 50year old bike.  I don't think the owner wants to sell it, but it would be nice to know what his bike may be worth, and your bike's value at least gives a reference point for a range.

that bike is going to clean up really well.
  2021 no reserve 4400 - https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0121-434759/1972-honda-cb500-four/
2022 5500 - https://www.mecum.com/lots/AZ0320-404106/1971-honda-cb500
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-honda-cb500-four-2/
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-honda-cb500-four-3/

[seanbarney41]

Are 500/550's regularly selling for more than $6k?  ...except on BaT or other high profile auctions?  Shtone don't misunderstand my post.  Your 500 is very nice.  Just thinking maybe with an offer of $6k, that you might wanna re-think your low opinion of that paint job.

[WideAWAKE]

Might find this interesting. 

https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/news/how-to-sell-a-motorcycle-on-bring-a-trailer/

On a side note - the market for bikes (as with houses) seems to be cooling down quite a bit.

I’m in California where the bike market is usually leading the way price wise. Definitely a lot less out there with lower price tags as well.

[Shtonecb500]

Are 500/550's regularly selling for more than $6k?  ...except on BaT or other high profile auctions?  Shtone don't misunderstand my post.  Your 500 is very nice.  Just thinking maybe with an offer of $6k, that you might wanna re-think your low opinion of that paint job.

you may be right, Its really just bat and mecum where ive seen some 9k cb 500's and the one on mecum was a 73', BAT was moving 550s for north of 10-12k for a minute there.

the other thing is bat has only had 5 cb500's since 2017..not much to go off of.


edit: I like this European model.
https://www.postwarclassic.com/331091-honda-cb-500-k1-four

[Little_Phil]

edit: I like this European model.
https://www.postwarclassic.com/331091-honda-cb-500-k1-four

Wow that bike has the original type metal plug caps. Many dealers threw them away at the PDI. Hopeless in the wet.
I have three out of four for mine.

[Shtonecb500]

I ordered cb500 side cover emblems from 4into1 and the middle peg and far right peg distance is too short...I would have to drill my side cover to make them fit. What a waste. Another thing is they are metal instead of plastic and come with two clips instead of 3 for all your posts.

I rather use the original one I have that are missing one post and just use an adhesive for that one.

[grcamna2]

I like the 550? in the fore-ground,the one with the silvery tank and side covers and black engine.
Which paint did you use on that one ?

Did you polish the tank prior to paint ?

[Shtonecb500]

I like the 550? in the fore-ground,the one with the silvery tank and side covers and black engine.
Which paint did you use on that one ?

Did you polish the tank prior to paint ?

thats a sanded and polished tank, no paint. Needs to be cleared.

[grcamna2]

They look good and the wheels too.

[Shtonecb500]

They look good and the wheels too.

thanks, its all blackfinns parts and the gold rotor carrier is gonna get changed...it came like that I just havent gotten around to it...will probably wait until i put fresh rubber on.

I found a nice stock 19" rim in storage and some fresh spokes for the 500 K0, will just have to pay Phil to lace it up. I REALLY like the original tires on this bike and since there is no dry rot, ive been too nervous about removing the tires to replace the rim in case removing the tire causes rips and cracks in the rubber.

blah.

clutch plates showed up, Guess ill get these soaked until its time to swap them out.

So far total investment:
motorcycle - 3k
van to pick it up - $100
paint job - $1300
top end rebuild and tune up - $400
side cover emblems - $40
oil - $25
original tank trim that I didnt use - $100
clutch plates - $42
exhuast repair - $0
detailing and polishing - $0
=$5,007

Sold original body kit + $400

=$4,607 all in so far.

[Shtonecb500]

I pulled off the clutch cover again so I could cut some more slots into the clutch plates but Phil went and looked back in one of his trailers and found these Barnett clutch plates and THEY FIT! The set in there before had 8 plates, its now back to its stock 7 plates, ill include the package and part number down below in the photos. I put some gas in the bike and aired up the tires and took it for a spin, its so damn nice, floats like a cloud and quiet as can be.

Called Barnette and gave them the part number for the cb500 clutch plates and she said they have been discontinued.

The guy who offered me 6k is coming by on Friday so Ill be able to show him the finished product.

Ill have to get some pictures of the bike on Friday, but im very happy with the final result...hopefully someone else loves it.

[grcamna2]

Sounds good 
I like to see the bike.