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Author Topic: Barn find in Nebraska  (Read 7600 times)

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Offline deck99

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Barn find in Nebraska
« on: April 10, 2009, 05:18:14 PM »
Hi everyone,
It's time to get back into bikes again.  Back in the late 70's and through the 80's I raced motocross.  Then I got old and married...had 3 kids with my wife.  It's been a long time since I had a bike.  Anyway I decided it's time to get something to ride around town.  I think the sport bikes are ridiculous for a 40+ year old.  I think the cruisers are for wantabes (don't take it personally). 

I like the old style bikes (CB's baby).  I found and bought a 1973 500/4 yesterday.  I bought it from a widow in Nebraska.  Her husband bought it new in 1973.  It has 4,343 miles on it.  It needs a good bath.  First task is to clean the tank.  It also feels like there is some varnish in the carbs because the throttle is smooth to open up and I have to help it to go back.  As soon as I confirm is runs I'll order a new seat (mice ate the foam from the under side holes in the pan).  That's the only thing mice did, no nests. 

Anyway, I am looking forward to taking her back to new condition with everyones help!

Thanks,
Deck







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Offline old76cr

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Re: Barn find in Nebraska
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2009, 05:23:07 PM »
Sweet!!!
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cb750 k5                                                                     76 Husqvarna 250cr                                                       77 Can-Am 175   1973 honda SL125

Offline GoatBaSS

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Re: Barn find in Nebraska
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2009, 06:02:03 PM »
Waha!  ;D
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Leethal # 3046?
1972 CB750K/900CC Red Headed Dunstall, 1975CB750FSS Gone BNF: 1974CB500T, 1976CB750K X 2

Offline scunny

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Re: Barn find in Nebraska
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2009, 06:05:58 PM »
nice. I've owned 2 and still wouldn't mind having another one
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past-cb100,ts250,cb500,cb500,gs1000,gs650g.phillips traveller
present-CB 650 retro
            VTR1000F3
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           XL125S[sold]
           MT50 (white)
           MT50 (red)[sold]
           KN250/XS400 project
           XR/XL250 bitsa under construction
           SL100[sold]
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Offline deck99

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Re: Barn find in Nebraska
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2009, 06:50:04 PM »
I just noticed my honda cap is missing on the left side of my motor case.  What holds this cap on there?  Anybody have an extra?

deck
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Offline OldSkool

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Re: Barn find in Nebraska
« Reply #5 on: April 11, 2009, 07:24:50 AM »
Great find! I recently rescued a '74 550 that was in storage with about 3800 miles on it. I like that orange color though!

The honda plate on the side of the alternator housing is held on with three pins that slide into the three holes you see. The cap on my is scraped up as it vibrated out while the previous owner was riding and skidded along the pavement. Apparently Honda had problems with these coming loose so they began using some kind of adhesive to keep them in place. Your best bet for a replacement is to order one from one of the online Honda parts dealers. I'm betting it will run about $40 and is probably better than getting a used one.

http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=123058&category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1974&fveh=2941

Go there, $37.55 for that cover.

Great looking bike, I had to rebuild the carbs on mine and I'm guessing you'll have to do the same. When my bike was stored almost 30 years ago there was some stabilizer added to the fuel but when I took apart the carbs most of the rubber seals had dried out. Pull them apart, clean them and get the carb kits that contain new rubber gaskets from Honda and you'll probably be good to go engine wise aside from a tune up, valve adjustment and checking the points.
« Last Edit: April 11, 2009, 06:24:55 PM by OldSkool »
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Offline deck99

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Re: Barn find in Nebraska
« Reply #6 on: April 11, 2009, 07:33:56 AM »
Oldskool,
Thanks a million for that link.  You could practically build a new bike with parts off that thing.  I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't be able to find "new" parts.  I would like to restore this bike to "like" new condition.

Beware, I'll probably be bugging you with questions going forward!

By the way, which manual do you recommend?

Thanks,

deck
« Last Edit: April 11, 2009, 07:37:36 AM by deck99 »
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Offline Frankencake

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Re: Barn find in Nebraska
« Reply #7 on: April 11, 2009, 07:37:34 AM »
Go ahead and gloat.  If you find a bike with under 5000 miles you can gloat about what you paid for it.  I love little old lady widow types.
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"Sure, if you don't want that bike in your backyard, I guess I'll take it."  "I'll probably just scrap it......"

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Offline deck99

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Re: Barn find in Nebraska
« Reply #8 on: April 11, 2009, 07:39:14 AM »
78SS,
This one cost me $500.  Not sure if that's good or bad.  She wanted $1000 but I got her to understand what it will cost me to restore.

deck
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