Author Topic: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ? (Read 1449 times)

YogiBear · « **on:** August 22, 2009, 11:47:16 PM »

I just bought a 1973 500 Four. 8K, somebody painted it (looks like with a brush) white. Both sidecovers are there and all the side cover and tank emblems. Its pretty complete, but really dirty. Looks to be pretty original except for the 4 into 2 exhaust. Heres a couple pics:

Anyways, the handlebars are bent on it. I have another set to put on but, I noticed while trying to take the controls off, that the wires run through the bars. Can I bypass this and run them on the outside being that there is no cutout for them i nthe control boxes that mount on the handlebars? And, which end is the easiest to disconnect? the control boxes on the handlebars or at the other end? Thanks.

manjisann · « **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2009, 03:57:26 AM »

In order to run them on the outside you will need to make a cutout in the control casings for the wires to come out of. As for disconnecting them, the connections should be in the headlight bucket, assuming PO didn't make and mods in that area. I recommend finding a color wiring diagram, and marking each wire. I can rewire one of these with just the diagram, but it took me 3 days of staring at it and dispair that I'd ever figure it out to do so

.

Some info on this bike, a lot of the parts don't have a grounding wire as it uses the frame as a ground. I put some nice plastic coated handle bars on mine without realizing this and was really frustrated when the electric start suddenly wouldn't work

Have fun with your bike, looks like a good one!

Brandon

1timduke · « **Reply #2 on:** August 24, 2009, 02:50:00 PM »

Quote from: manjisann on August 23, 2009, 03:57:26 AM

I recommend finding a color wiring diagram, and marking each wire.
Brandon

+1 Brandon, not marking the wires is a good way to make a non running bike.

And what's up with painting a bike with house paint? My PO did the same thing.

Make sure to check out the forks and frame for twisting or cracks in the welds since the bars are bent, no telling where it's been, though for sure it was owned by house painter

-Tim

Hush · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2009, 03:21:16 PM »

Hey guys, what's wrong with white paint?

Quorthon · « **Reply #4 on:** August 24, 2009, 03:52:31 PM »

Do not take them apart at the control!!!!!!

Pull them through from the headlight.

Some light dremel/drill work will make the three holes needed to run them through the new bars. I suggest that. Much cleaner look and keep it original.

1timduke · « **Reply #5 on:** August 24, 2009, 04:18:41 PM »

Quote from: Hush on August 24, 2009, 03:21:16 PM

Hey guys, what's wrong with white paint?

Nothing, as long as it's not applied with a brush or roller!!!

-Tim

KCRSXTypeS · « **Reply #6 on:** August 25, 2009, 10:58:30 AM »

Welcome to the club!

YogiBear · « **Reply #7 on:** August 25, 2009, 12:39:21 PM »

thanks for all the replys. I think I will notch the cases and run the wires externally to make things easier. Its definatly a project, but the end result should be great! Im going to keep it stock looking with the original signals etc. I have an 81 CB750 That I have modified extensively to satisfy my craving for a custom bike.

YogiBear · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2011, 08:06:07 PM »

Wow, it's been a long time since I updated this thread. Well, I decided that I am going to do a cafe bike instead of stock. So many of the stock components were so beat up that I decided not to even screw with it. The po jerry-rigged EVERYTHING on this thing. A complete overhaul is in the works. The picture below is what it looks like currently. There is also a picture of what the rear wheel looks like completed minus sprocket and the cafe seat I'm going to use.