Topic: All a matter of taste

[Deltarider]

When I moved house in 1985, I left the bike's original grabrail behind. In those years I used to travel a lot and almost from the beginning I had the luggage carrier on. I reckoned I would never mount that BUMPER, REAR in Hondaspeak again. Later I've cursed myself for this and I was happy to learn an excellent repro is available. Italian made, it's better quality than the original. Since my bike has been so reliable for 42 years, I thought it would be a nice idea to reward it with something that would bring back its former elegancy.
For practical reasons the luggage carrier is on standby. I have to loosen and fasten no more than four bolts, connect two wires and I'm ready to go on a holiday trip again the way I used to.
Also I've removed all amber plastic, like indicators and side reflectors but - not insensitive to the idea of keeping its original looks as much as possible - I have replaced them by parts used in other markets. So the rear indicators now have red and those in the front have clear lenses. The showboat side reflectors are not mandatory by law and are replaced by the modest crossheads my model for France had (CMSNL cannot be praised enough to have even these in their program). I realise it's all a matter of taste, but IMO the reduction of unnecessary colourful attention-drawing details, makes the bike more stylish, destinct, austere, whatever.

[MauiK3]

I think that's a great looking bike. I used clear lenses on my K3 with amber bulbs (have to be amber here). I like your "fewer colors" scheme, really lets the bike shine.

[Deltarider]

For safety, I've chosen bulbs that flash amber, but extinct look neutral.

[jgger]

It does look much nicer without the rack. Are those horns aftermarket /louder?

[Deltarider]

I fitted them some 30 years ago. These Voxbell horns are a true classic and were standard in the 50s and 60s on many Lancia's and Alfa Romeo's. Moto Guzzi also had them. It has a wonderful sound (115dB). I would describe the sound as 'class and distinction'. The set draws 10A, so you need a relay and a separate 15A fuse. When I bought them, they were quite cheap. They have this nice sound you would hear on Alpine roads. Looks nice too. They were quite easy to fit once I had bent two brackets myself. They are a joy and I feel much safer.

[david 750f]

Very nice bike Delta, you've had that bike a long time. Did you buy it new?

[Deltarider]

Bike was first registered in February 1977. I bought it April 1980, more or less pushed by my girlfriend who herself owned a CB350F. She had threathened I had to sit behind her our next trip to Greece. I believe I was the second or third owner. At that particular time I had not yet a license to ride a bike, so she had to do the testride. Her comment when she returned: if you don't buy it, I will. Also she had to ride it home where the bike sat for two weeks and then I finally got a learners permit which in those days allowed you to exercise riding within the municipality. Two months later was the test. Luckily I passed and a week later we were on our way. Belgium, France, Italy, Greece and back through Italy, Switzerland, Germany. All in six weeks and 10.000km. Wonderful trip.

[Quattrocilindri]

I have always considered the CB 500 the ideal middleweight bike; not too big or heavy, not too small. In the '70s, it was considered to be a BIG bike.
And I like all the mods you made, except one: the red rear turn signal lenses. As I remember, in the UK they were not allowed, and had to be amber, ostensibly so that, when lit, they would not be confused with brake lights.

Also, amber is better seen in foggy conditions, where it is critical being seen from the rear; here in the US, many model cars have red turn signal lenses, and, their worst application is when that bulb works in combination with the brake light. If the bulb burns out, you loose both the stop lamp and the turn signal on that side. Thankfully, the overwhelming majority of motorcycles don't have this feature, except some late model Harley Sportsters.

[ekpent]

Looks like the tree leaves have been falling a little there. Cherry and some other early ones here are dropping some also right now in late summer. Looks like a neat spot with the canal and boats etc.. Always like those long ownership stories.

[Kevnz]

Is that the original paint? Looks like Freedom Green, which I thought was a 1974 only colour, so would have had the earlier stripes, similar in shape to the 500. Best of the SOHC fours?

[grcamna2]

Delta,do you miss having the rear luggage rack for when you take long rides,or possibly having side luggage bags when going to the store ?

[Deltarider]

I have always considered the CB 500 the ideal middleweight bike; not too big or heavy, not too small. In the '70s, it was considered to be a BIG bike.

I agree. It's all about the weight/performance ratio. 50HP is plenty for me. IIRC the CB500 was the first 4stroke production bike that touched the 100HP/liter line, be it the HP in SAE and not in DIN . Also I don't want my bike to weigh more than 200 kilo's.

And I like all the mods you made, except one: the red rear turn signal lenses. As I remember, in the UK they were not allowed, and had to be amber, ostensibly so that, when lit, they would not be confused with brake lights. Also, amber is better seen in foggy conditions, where it is critical being seen from the rear; here in the US, many model cars have red turn signal lenses, and, their worst application is when that bulb works in combination with the brake light.

You're spot on and I agree. Amber flashing indicators are better noticed. My front indicators still flash amber, but extinct they're modestly neutral. I choose red lenses in the rear because I dislike amber. I always associate that color with cheap toys or scooters at a fairground. It would have been nice if they, in spite of their red appearance, would also flash amber, but I don't know how to realise that.
@Ekpent. Lots of leaves which is exceptional. We had a very dry summer.
@Kevnz Paint on mine is original. It's called Excel Black (NH-57). Yours in the pic is beautiful.
My model, the CB500K2-ED, aka CB500K2 GENERAL EXPORT was the last of the oldstyle CB500s. Assembled in 1976, it shares many parts with the CB550K2. If you study the parts list, you will see some parts underwent modification: gearbox (minor though), clutch adjuster, frontlegs, swingarm etc. Bike has done almost 140.000km. So far I didn't have to replace any fork seals, probably thanks to the harmonica rubbers. I've renewed the damper oil no more than 4 times max. I see no reason why you would do it more frequently. Clutch adjuster greased no more than two times, swing arm maybe 4 times, that is if I did manage to press it in . If I didn't, it's been less . Still no sign of wear. I have 4 new rubber boots (carb-head) ready in their packages, but I have no indication the originals leak. I change the oil every 3000-5000km* or every two years, which ever comes first. I don't do short rides. Oilfilter every second oilchange. Oil is not specified as JASO-MA. Actually, it's right on the edge. Never had the clutch slip. Clutch springs and friction plates were at the end of their lifespan at 75.000km and were replaced by genuine Honda parts. Most disappointing part however has been the camchain and its adjuster. I never seem able to do more than 50k with it. Costly! Primary chain has play, but I see no reason to replace. I know of someone who's bike at 220.000 km still had the original chain in. Front wheel bearings are still original, those in the rear have been renewed. Also I needed to replace the drive flange for a good second hand one. This because of the use of a socalled steamwasher which had removed essential grease. Don't use pressurized water! Splines of the kick arm shaft are worn. I think I've found the root cause and hope to publish on this soon.
Although the original rear shocks (5-stage on this model like the CB550K2) were not as bad as many say, I've replaced them nonetheless @ 50.000 by Dutch quality Koni's. They still serve well.
@Grcamna2 See OP, you may also be interested in reading: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,188492.msg2188254.html#msg2188254 and http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,188492.msg2188271.html#msg2188271 I hope to publish more on the subject soon.
*The latter on holiday trips.

[grcamna2]

Delta,I remember that nice rack you had on your CB500 and always wondered what type of bags were meant to fit that style rack?
I have a set of BMW side racks on my Honda which I install an old pair of Krauser 'starlet' hardbags which buckle onto the rack(I do also use a bungee cord around each one for security:I don't want to lose the full bag while underway)and they serve me well,although certainly not waterproof.
I like the leather soft bags you have and can see how you may enjoy there function while on a journey;they look very durable.

[Deltarider]

It's all about taste, but I strongly advise against hard cases as shown below. You see them more and more. I don't know what bikers want these and why they didn't buy a car?
Top cases are only good for up to 90 km/h. You see them a lot in the UK. In cities they're OK, but still I find them horrible.
Hard cases can cause a lot of damage and repair can be costly. The repair of a few leather straps on my bags have cost zero.
On Autobahns these cases as shown below will affect handling seriously. Worst of all: the rear is wider than where your hands are at the handlebars. This should NEVER be the case! Imagine you in Italy in one of these characteristic alleys in medieval towns. Your radar/senses is/are in your hands. Where your hands resting at the handlebars can pass, your bike can pass, right? You can't go wrong. Not so with these wide cases as shown below. They're outright dangerous.  They're ugly, costly and are easy damaged. Why turn your bike into a car on two wheels?

[Don R]

 I've always been a fan of bolt on modifications that can be undone. That said, I'm wanting something totally customized next.

[Deltarider]

I've always been a fan of bolt on modifications that can be undone. That said, I'm wanting something totally customized next.

Me too. As far as packing, be inspired by the lonesome cowboy packing his mule before riding out in the sunset. Freedom and adventure is what you want. Not some car on two wheels. Leather, canvas and what have you are very forgiving materials and - when needed - can be repaired easily. Try to dent out aluminum to its original form after you have hit something.  

[grcamna2]

It's all about taste, but I strongly advise against hard cases as shown below. You see them more and more. I don't know what bikers want these and why they didn't buy a car?
Top cases are only good for up to 90 km/h. You see them a lot in the UK. In cities they're OK, but still I find them horrible.
Hard cases can cause a lot of damage and repair can be costly. The repair of a few leather straps on my bags have cost zero.
On Autobahns these cases as shown below will affect handling seriously. Worst of all: the rear is wider than where your hands are at the handlebars. This should NEVER be the case! Imagine you in Italy in one of these characteristic alleys in medieval towns. Your radar/senses is/are in your hands. Where your hands resting at the handlebars can pass, your bike can pass, right? You can't go wrong. Not so with these wide cases as shown below. They're outright dangerous.  They're ugly, costly and are easy damaged. Why turn your bike into a car on two wheels?

The problem with large cases,from what I have experienced:they catch many gusts of wind and throw the bike around.
I won't have a top case/box.

[Kelly E]

Both my 84' Honda Sabre 700 and 94' Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours have factory saddlebags and don't affect the handling of the bike. Tail trunks always mess with the handling of the bike and I'll never use one. Instead I have a tunnel bag that fits on the passenger section of the seat. I can fit a week plus of clothes in it and it doubles as a backrest. Here's the Concours loaded up for a two week camping trip with a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and a folding camp chair all attached to the external D rings on the tunnel bag. No problem with the handling at high speed.

[Deltarider]

Good lord, I wonder why you need all that stuff. Is there a jacuzi in there? For me travelling is: leaving it all behind... With that amount, I'd seriously consider a Freebird. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,45464.msg475439.html#msg475439

[andy750]

Top cases are only good for up to 90 km/h. You see them a lot in the UK. In cities they're OK, but still I find them horrible.

Simply not true about 90km/h affecting handling. I have a topcase on my VStrom for the last 12 years and never a handling issue at speeds up to 100mph. Similar story with my CB750K4 with a Pelican top case. You may not like them but they are wonderfully functional.

cheers
Andy

[Quattrocilindri]

I've always been a fan of bolt on modifications that can be undone. That said, I'm wanting something totally customized next.

Me too. As far as packing, be inspired by the lonesome cowboy packing his mule before riding out in the sunset. Freedom and adventure is what you want. Not some car on two wheels. Leather, canvas and what have you are very forgiving materials and - when needed - can be repaired easily. Try to dent out aluminum to its original form after you have hit something.

Something like this?

[Deltarider]

Andy, sensitivity for unrest in handling may vary. I remember a story by a mechanic at a Suzuki dealer. At first nor he nor his collegues were able to detect the cause of unrest in the handling @ 160km/h. Turned out to be the aftermarket rack without anything on it. Just the rack alone was enough! I had a practical topcase on my Goldwing GL1100D Interstate, but that was a car on 2 wheels ofcourse.

[Kelly E]

Good lord, I wonder why you need all that stuff. Is there a jacuzi in there? For me travelling is: leaving it all behind... With that amount, I'd seriously consider a Freebird. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,45464.msg475439.html#msg475439

I don't need a trailer. It looks big but it's all the lightweight stuff and it was a two week trip. All of the camping gear weighs a lot less than the passenger. What do you do, get off and lay down next to the bike in the dirt, been there done that. I'm 63yo with a broken up back and stage 4 cancer, it's nice to have some comfort like a good sleeping pad, bag and a tent to keep the bugs off. Most of the time these days we have a room reserved for every night's stop on the trip. Then I can fit everything in the stock saddlebags.

[MauiK3]

Nice pack out. Enjoy it the way you like it.

[grcamna2]

Andy, sensitivity for unrest in handling may vary. I remember a story by a mechanic at a Suzuki dealer. At first nor he nor his collegues were able to detect the cause of unrest in the handling @ 160km/h. Turned out to be the aftermarket rack without anything on it. Just the rack alone was enough! I had a practical topcase on my Goldwing GL1100D Interstate, but that was a car on 2 wheels ofcourse.

I've heard people call Gold Wings a 'Winnebago' on 2 wheels