Topic: New to me 72 Honda CB500

[HondaMan]

I buy a lot of parts from PartsNmore.com and CB750Supply.com for these bikes. They are good folks and their parts are usually good, too.

[drodg33]

I buy a lot of parts from PartsNmore.com and CB750Supply.com for these bikes. They are good folks and their parts are usually good, too.

Thanks you

[drodg33]

Is there a good source for a Carb Sync gauge set? 

Morgan makes a great tool.  If you plan to have your bike awhile, it is worth the investment.

https://www.carbtune.com/

Thank you

[drodg33]

This is a very helpful group.  So I spent some time riding it this am and it really is a nice bike.  I have to get used to a smaller displacement engine compared to the 1100-1200 cc Hondas and BMWs I have ridden in the past 25 years.  Handles very well and does pull well once off of the line.  The brakes are what I would expect not exactly todays technology.  Nice solid motorcycle.  My dream bike since I was 14 and I am now 65. 

[MauiK3]

It's never too late.
Enjoy it while you can.

[drodg33]

It's never too late.
Enjoy it while you can.

That is so true.   

[Kevnz]

So easy to ride, nice smooth power down low, no surprises. Handles low speed town work well, slick gears. Light clutch. Great bike today, magic 50 years ago IMO. Yours is a really nice example, congrats.  Envious. This is mine, nearly finished. Snap

[drodg33]

So easy to ride, nice smooth power down low, no surprises. Handles low speed town work well, slick gears. Light clutch. Great bike today, magic 50 years ago IMO. Yours is a really nice example, congrats.  Envious. This is mine, nearly finished. Snap

Very nice bike.   I need rear pegs which I assume I can get on a few of the sights I have been referred to on this sight?   Thanks

[Shtonecb500]

whats wrong with her rear fender? the early 500 and specific model 550s used the same style.
Looks correct to me.

[bryanj]

It was the front fender that was mentioned.
Early US 500 had the sit up rear light with small lens and 3 bolts to fender, later ones had a bigger chromed bracket(4 bolts) with huge rear light, UK models had the big 4 bolt bracket in blacket which took the small rear light

[drodg33]

The things I am learning.  The rear pegs.  Will they bolt right on the bike?  The exhaust is newer also. 

[drodg33]

nice bike!... wonder why it doesn't have a "K" front fender....

They are HM323 pipes

[Kevnz]

I think the rear pegs are common to a lot of Hondas of the era and should bolt straight on . Sequence is peg, muffler bracket, frame mount and other muffler bracket behind ( ie one muffler bracket either side of the  frame mount) That allows the interconnecting tubes to line up ( hopefully. Can be a pain)

[drodg33]

I think the rear pegs are common to a lot of Hondas of the era and should bolt straight on . Sequence is peg, muffler bracket, frame mount and other muffler bracket behind ( ie one muffler bracket either side of the  frame mount) That allows the interconnecting tubes to line up ( hopefully. Can be a pain)

Thanks again.   I am certainly learning from all of you !

[TwoTired]

I have to get used to a smaller displacement engine compared to the 1100-1200 cc Hondas and BMWs I have ridden in the past 25 years.  Handles very well and does pull well once off of the line. 

If you are used to larger displacement bikes, you may not be using the gearbox as much or more than the throttle.  The 500 550 needs rpm the make power, and the engine is perfectly happy to rev at 9200 all day long.  So, whenever you need to or want to scoot, downshift two or three gears to get above 5000 and up shift as speed increases.  You may discover the bike is much peppier than you have experienced so far.   Do be certain your clutch is working easily and fully, as your trans will last much longer with a properly working and easy operating clutch.  For me and in traffic,  I won’t keep the engine revving below 3500, and always ready to downshift 1-3 gears before hitting the throttle as an escape maneuver from traffic threats.  But, the louder the pipes are, the more attention you’ll get from police when using that high of an RPM.  I still think it is worth it to avoid a T A incident.

Cheers,

[drodg33]

I have to get used to a smaller displacement engine compared to the 1100-1200 cc Hondas and BMWs I have ridden in the past 25 years.  Handles very well and does pull well once off of the line. 

If you are used to larger displacement bikes, you may not be using the gearbox as much or more than the throttle.  The 500 550 needs rpm the make power, and the engine is perfectly happy to rev at 9200 all day long.  So, whenever you need to or want to scoot, downshift two or three gears to get above 5000 and up shift as speed increases.  You may discover the bike is much peppier than you have experienced so far.   Do be certain your clutch is working easily and fully, as your trans will last much longer with a properly working and easy operating clutch.  For me and in traffic,  I won’t keep the engine revving below 3500, and always ready to downshift 1-3 gears before hitting the throttle as an escape maneuver from traffic threats.  But, the louder the pipes are, the more attention you’ll get from police when using that high of an RPM.  I still think it is worth it to avoid a T A incident.

Cheers,

I have been riding it at say a lazier rpm.  I just went out for a quick spin as I am learning the bike.   I will try higher rpms.  Thanks

[jlh3rd]

this is the parts page for the rear pegs. It appears everything is available except for #29....this is new parts source...there are other sources for parts, new and used.....so begins the fun of owning a vintage bike.....
    also, there is an additional reason for keeping rpm's up. The charging systems on these vintage 500/550's were not known for robust charging systems at the lower rpm's, especially when they went to mandatory headlight "on" in the mid 70's. So, yep, they like high rpm.....
...and I remember when I had my new 76 560F in 1976, It would wallow when pushed hard into the corners on the stock suspension....eh, 1976......
    the honda middleweight 4's were and still are a great looking and fun riding bike....good memories...

[drodg33]

this is the parts page for the rear pegs. It appears everything is available except for #29....this is new parts source...there are other sources for parts, new and used.....so begins the fun of owning a vintage bike.....
    also, there is an additional reason for keeping rpm's up. The charging systems on these vintage 500/550's were not known for robust charging systems at the lower rpm's, especially when they went to mandatory headlight "on" in the mid 70's. So, yep, they like high rpm.....
...and I remember when I had my new 76 560F in 1976, It would wallow when pushed hard into the corners on the stock suspension....eh, 1976......
    the honda middleweight 4's were and still are a great looking and fun riding bike....good memories...

Thank you