Topic: Change Sidestand on CB 500 Four K2

[Lema11]

Hey guys i‘m new here.

In July, I bought a 500 Four from 1976 and now have a question about it. The side stand folds up automatically, which is extremely annoying because I have to get off the motorcycle every time to extend it. Additionally, I think the stand has too much play, and the motorcycle leans too far. Does anyone know if I can mount a different stand—maybe from a 750 or 550—without the automatic retraction mechanism, while keeping the 4-in-4 exhaust system? (The motorcycle is an EU version, and I live in Germany.)

Thanks for your time,
Leo

P.S.: Do I need to replace the cables if I switch from the EU handlebar to a US handlebar?

[Nurse Julie]

I've never seen an automated side stand retractor on any Honda CB SOHC 4 as standard. How does that work?

[newday777]

Welcome aboard the forum Leo from southern NH (north of Boston @ 60 miles)
How long have you had your bike?

To me, the side stand sounds like the stop is maybe possibly missing or bent on the frame mount tab that should hold the position of the stand more upright?

How about posting a picture of the stand mount and frame area so others that know the 500 four better than I do can get any ideas for you.

Yes the throttle cables, clutch cable as well as the upper brake hose will need to be longer to fit the higher US bars

[bryanj]

There is no self retracting sidestand on a cb500, something is wrong

[Lema11]

I think this is a European thing. I believe I read somewhere that there was (or still is) a regulation requiring that either the side stand must fold up automatically or, if the stand is extended, the engine must shut off when you try to ride away (like a kind of kill switch).

Unfortunately, I’m not near the motorcycle at the moment, so I can’t send an exact picture.

Does anyone know if a side stand from another Four model would fit?

[newday777]

Leo
Have you inspected the frame in the area of the welded side stand mount for rust?
Or possibly someone who was heavy put a lot of weight on the bike as they got on/off while it was leaning on the side stand.

Remove the fuel tank from the bike and carefully lay the bike over on a packing blanket or on the lawn, on the right side(as in seated position side), so you can closely inspect the frame for rust/bent tab.
I have a parts bike, a 1974 CB750 K4 frame that came over from Germany when a service member buying it when he was stationed in Germany. At some point in time the bike had been riden in salt slush and not properly cleaned after, so it has rust in the lower section of the frame weakening the area under the motor near the side stand.(I looked for a picture but can't find it)

The parts fiche for the 500four K3 euro appears to have 2 different side stands that were used depending on the year and market.

[Little_Phil]

Just looking at the 550Fs on CMSNL there are two different side stands and three different springs shown. Think there was indeed a German rule that the motorcycle could not be ridden with the stand down. They only show one frame so presumably a stand for a different market can be used. But will this pass your local regs.
Also with the bike on the main stand fold the side stand down and check the movement towards and away from the bike. There may be wear in this area that is allowing the bike to lean more. Plus have you got standard size tyres fitted?

[newday777]

I haven't read of putting a different side stand on the 500.

Your picture of your bike above looks like you might have a K1 frame with the forward mount side stand. (I couldn't find a K2 Fiche of the frame for the German market on CMSL. ) I posted the K3 fiche of the frame showing that Honda had moved the side stand mount rearward as compared to the K1.
I've added the K1 frame fiche here.

I don't see that Honda added a sidestand safety switch in the 70s, though in later years Honda did in the late 80s on US models.

The second fiche shows the K3 rearward change of the sidestand mount tab. Notice the mount tab location compared to the front motor mount.

[Lema11]

Strangely enough, the website doesn’t list a K2 model for Germany. I’ll have to check the frame, but the initial registration was definitely in 1976.

I think I’ll try to attach a different spring to the stand.

Thank you all for your answers!


Last question for today: The dash light bulbs doesn’t work on my cockpit (speedo and rpm), maybe they are defect.  Do I need to remove the gauges to replace the bulbs?

[Stev-o]

P.S.: Do I need to replace the cables if I switch from the EU handlebar to a US handlebar?

That a new one, most change from US bars to Euro!   If you want to go to the standard bar, the cables may be too short.

Interesting about the side stand, looking forward to a pic of it. 
My '82 Kawasaki GPz550 had a side stand switch to prevent you from riding away with the stand down

[bryanj]

To the best of my knowledge the 500 only came as K0, K1, K2
The K3 was a downsized 550 with a lot of different parts and i think only 77 and 78.

I still think something is wrong or bent.
As to gauge bulbs there are two different types fitted, one you can change easy the other you have to remove gauge.
BE CAREFULL  with bulb types as most places sell the long glass "torpedo" shaped bulbs which will damage the faces, you need the round "globe" type bulbs

[Deltarider]

Lema, your bike is a CB500K2-G. I have been riding the same model for the past 44 years and still do up to today, be it the -ED edition (see pic). The apropiate partslist for our models is here: https://www.honda4fun.com/dwnload/Part-List/CB500/CB500-K2-76-Parts-List.pdf On p.61 you'll find the sidestand and you will notice the -G model exclusively had a special design sidestand. The CB500K2 [ED, F, G] is not identical to the CB500K2-A, which has been marketed in the US in 1973. Our models have been marketed in continental Europe from 1976 into 1977. The American K2 and our models differ, so the above mentioned parts list should be your starting point. For a reason only they know, CMSNL has somewhat hidden our model in their site. Years ago I have contacted them on this, but sofar they have not adapted their site. There is a way however, also within their site, to arrive at the apropiate parts list. Type CB500K2 in their search bar and you will be presented two options: the CB500K2-A and the CB500K2 GENERAL EXPORT (see pic). Choose the latter. That sidestand page at their site is found here: https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb500k2-general-export_model50441/partslist/0063.html BTW, why CMSNL has renamed our CB500K2 [ED, F, G] model into GENERAL EXPORT, I don't know.
Personally I prefer the scanned paper parts list at Honda4.com, as it gives you a much better overview. CMSNL offers one feature however, which makes it worth to also visit their site. When logged in, CMSNL can list you all Honda models, that had the same part, you were looking for. Very convenient.

P.S.: Do I need to replace the cables if I switch from the EU handlebar to a US handlebar?

I have no idea why you would want US bars. Many prefer it the other way around and go from the US bars to the Euro style handlebars which offer a much better riding position than the 'sit up and beg' position the US bars force you into. You would need other cables.

Are you aware, there is a German site, which is ex-cel-lent? http://www.cbfourclub.de/  Recommended.