Topic: New to the forum from Idaho

[idahoblueskies]

Just bought another basket case project, a 1971 CB500 K0.
My last project was a 1971 CB350 that I drug out of a field and brought back from the dead.  Sold the CB350, and miss it, so looking forward to digging in to the CB500.
New new bike hasn't run in years, but seems to be all there other than the stock airbox and filter box (looking for these if you have them...)
I started the teardown by removing the old fairing and panniers, and about 200 lbs of heavy steel brackets...
More to come!
Pete

[CycleRanger]

Howdy! Welcome.
Looks like pretty solid bones on that 500.

[idahoblueskies]

Once I got all of the ugly off, it looks pretty good underneath.
There are a few things missing- headlight (because it had the fairing on it), airbox and filter box, and factory handlebars.

The rest is just neglected.  I think the engine is ok, it was supposedly running when the previous owner pulled the carbs.  Judging from the condition of the carbs, that was many, many moons ago...  I have them torn down and ready for a bath in the ultrasonic cleaner and a carb kit on the way.

I put a battery on the bike last night, and everything seems to work, aside from the turn signals, which aren't on the bike yet.  The engine spins over fine with the starter.   The wiring harness is a bit of a mess, the plastic connectors are pretty age rotten and are zip tied together.  A new harness might be in order.

I'm going to try to get it to fire and run before I tear it all down for a cosmetic clean up.

I'd like to find a nice patina tank to put on it, the original has been painted black, with what looks like a brush...

[newday777]

Howdy Pete.
Welcome aboard from NH.
How is the inside of your tank? If clean then have your tank and side covers painted.
You know not to use the brass from aftermarket carb kits? Just clean the stock Keihin brass parts and reuse.

[idahoblueskies]

The tank isn't too bad, but full of crusty crud.  No major rust issues.  Planning to clean it out and run it for now.  I'd like to find a nice patina tank, rather than have a new paint job.  This bike won't be a points restoration, just a fun run-about, and I like the honest weathered look of an original well cared for bike.

And yes, I've been down the road with aftermarket carb kits before.  I bought the kit for the o-rings, floats (one of the originals was missing) and the needles and seats (also missing).

I bought an ultrasonic cleaner that should arrive today, to give everything a good cleaning.

Pete

[MD]

Welcome from Minnesota,

-MD

[HondaMan]

Welcome to the fun!
Where in ID are you?