Topic: '72 CB500/4 : Project WTF was I thinking!? ...Time for some updates!

[brooze72]

Looks fantastic, the CB5-650 or maybe CB500 SS, you better watch out for this sleeper!

[Scott S]

 Well, I determined it is possible to change the main jets on the bike. A bit of a PITA, especially the #2 carb bowl, but it's possible.
 I had one....ONE screw on the #2 bowl that I thought was gonna mess me up. Finally got it out and I replaced all the screws with allen head bolts, just in case I have to do this again.

 I was a little concerned with the jets I have. They're for the PD carbs on the 550 and while the height, length, thread, etc., are all the same, the size of the head is smaller.




 After determining that they seat properly, extend into the fuel bowl the same length, etc., and conferring with a couple of people whose opinions I value and trust (Thanks, Pete and Dad!), I decided to use them.



 I haven't done a proper plug chop yet, but the bike runs great and the plugs have some color to them now. Still clean, but definitely more tan/cream colored than before.
 Pics later, once the bike cools down.

[Scott S]

 Took it for a short test ride, topped off the tank, and returned home to check the plugs. After being satisfied that it wasn't too lean, I rode up to my Dad's work to let him have a look at her.
 Between my house and his work, it developed and oil leak on the RH outer valve cover bolt. Same leak that I had on the LH side and repaired with an O-ring. I had actually put an O-ring under this side as well, but it split and covered my leg and the bike with oil.



 I borrowed Dad's truck and ran to Lowe's, where I picked up a couple of pack of O-rings, some rags and an 8 mm wrench.
 Repaired it in the parking lot at Dad's office.




 I'll probably put on of these on the LH side as well.

 Other than that, she runs great. I can probably adjust the shift linkage on the 400F pegs and/or the clutch and get a little bit better shifting action, but it's about 96% right now.
 Still need to do some math and set the speedometer function, and I'll have to take a link or two out of the longer chain.
 Other than that, and figuring out what to do about making the side covers fit snugly, I think she's about done!

[Scott S]

 Well....I thought I was done. After watching my Dad (who is a good bit taller and more...substantial...than me) ride the bike, I'm really concerned about how low the muffler/exhaust hangs. He managed to drag the bolt on the slip joint already.

 The exhaust sounds amazing, performs well and whatever coating that's on there is really nice. I'd like to keep it.
 I have some good, stock shocks from a CB750 that were on the bike previously. I can set them on the stiffest setting and they're 13.25" long. I'd like to give the Hagons a shot, but they're only 11.75" long. I think I'll swap shocks tomorrow and see what that does to the stance and exhaust clearance. If it helps, I'll start looking for some quality ~13-13.5" shocks.

 Here's a little vid of Dad riding up and down the street in front of my house:

Honda CB500 / CB650 engine swap

 Did I mention that I got the speedo programmed? It looks like I may have to trim the side covers a little to fit over the K&N's. If this were a 550F, the smaller triangular covers would fit perfectly.

[Stev-o]

Looks and sounds great! Nice work....

[braveg]

I'd like to give the Hagons a shot, but they're only 11.75" long. I think I'll swap shocks tomorrow and see what that does to the stance and exhaust clearance. If it helps, I'll start looking for some quality ~13-13.5" shocks.

If you give them your weight and the length shock you want, hagon will customize it for you, they did for my cb400f.

[iron_worker]

Sounds like it's running just right. Very smooth and great sound.

 

IW

[Scott S]

 Swapped out the Hagons for some nice stockers that I previously had on the bike. These are CB750 shocks and are 13" long. I set them on the firmest setting and it really changed the stance, look and feel of the bike, plus gave me some much needed clearance for the exhaust.
 While we were in there, we removed two links from the chain and adjusted the rear brake arm.

[Scott S]

Sounds like it's running just right. Very smooth and great sound.

 

IW

 It sure seems to be. I've been told that the CB650 is very cold natured, but this one fires right up and I don't have to leave the choke on very long at all. I can hear one or two "pffts" or sneezes, but once it's warmed up, it idles and revs great.

 I have to be honest here...this friggin' thing is a BEAST. I'm not kidding guys, this little sucker will sh!t and get!

[Scott S]

 New pics with the longer shocks.

[Retro Rocket]

Thats better Scott, i was going to comment on it looking a bit low in the back but i didn't want to come across as negative, if you like that height you may want top look into better shocks than the 750 stockers, they aren't much good...  Bike looks nice...

[bwaller]

Well done Scott, and yes that's a better looking stance. Looking gooooo.

[Stev-o]

Better.....and agree with Mick, may want to consider some good shocks in the future.

[Scott S]

 Some fresh pics from today. One shows my Dad's '83 Yamaha XS Heritage Special (lots of mods on this one, too).
 We took a ~115 mile shakedown run today and the bike performed flawlessly. No leaks, no hard starting issues, charging well, runs GREAT and pulls HARD. Plus, I got 48 mpg.

[RAFster122s]

Bike looks great! Are the tank stripes black?

[Scott S]

 Yes, they are CB450 Super Sport vinyl stripes that were shortened at the fat end to fit the CB500 tank.

[Tews19]

Scott great work! Sorry I am a little late to the fun but has this ever been nominated for BOTM?/

[Scott S]

 Thanks, Tews. No....I don't think so. The STF bike and the '78 550K were both nominated, but not this one.

[Tews19]

I nominated you

[Scott S]

 Thanks, Tews!

 Bike's been running great. I got rid of some dieseling issues I had by vacuum synching the carbs and doing a valve adjustment. It still has a little more cam chain noise than I'd like, but not sure what to do about that right now.

 I couldn't really enjoy riding the bike because I was constantly checking the side covers to make sure they hadn't flown off. I double zip-tied them to the frame, but they hit the air cleaners and wouldn't seat in the grommets all the way.
 I remedied that today! Took my trusty Dremel tool out and did some trimming. Don't worry, one of them already had some small stress cracks and I have another spare set, should I ever decide to go back to a CB500/550 engine and stock air box.

 Before:




 After:

[Godffery]

Nicely done I'd say.
You could also modify a set of 550 Super Sport side covers to fit.

[Scott S]

 I think the 550F side covers would clear just fine. However, they have one of the prongs in a different spot. They would work on a '77-78 frame, but not on this bike.

[Godffery]

Yes, that what I meant by modifying them.
I have removed the mounting tabs & rotated it to fit the older frame.

[raymond182]

Great looking bike!
I am looking for a 550 engine bracket that has the clutch cable holder. I have a 500 bracket, perhaps we could do a swap. I would mail you mine and you could mail me yours once you have replaced it?

[Scott S]

 Hey Raymond. Thanks for the compliment. I do have that bracket, but I need to hang on to it since I still have the 550 engine. I see it being used again someday, in some other project.