Topic: The new guy with a question...or two

[BoCoJohn]

I just picked up my dads 1973 CB500 from his barn in Parker, CO.  He bought the bike new when we lived in California.  The bike has been parked in the barn since 1983.  It's in great shape-cosmetically - not a bit of rust.  However,  it has taken me over two-8 hour days just to clean the muck off the outside.  I think all the dirt and grim protected the finish over the years of sitting in a well used barn.

I've had the carbs soaking for the past few days.  They are just now starting to free-up.

I don't know too much about the carbs but I did notice all the slides are adjusted evenly.  I pulled the bowls and jets and everthing else I could reach from the bowl and sprayed air into every orifice, again and again and again.  I need to order carb kits and determine what size jets to run.  I live at about 6,000 feet above sea level.  I'm sure I need to also adjust a bunch of other stuff.  Does anyone have any ideas of what size main jet I should run?  Also is there a manual anyone could suggest on how to set the standard adjustments.  I'm not sure how to adjust the float level and if there are any other adjustments I can make without getting into the top end of the carbs.

The bike cleaned up real nice.  I hope to get it running as well as it looks.  My dad and I used to tool all over the country on this bike when I was about 8 years old.  I have a little daughter that's about the same age and can't wait to travel on the bike again.

Thanks for all you help and, I'll apologize now for asking what I'm sure will sound like dumb questions to some of you.

thanks,

John

[theofam]

John, congrats on getting the bike!  I'm an Englewood kid, so we'll have to get together once our bikes are running!

Here is a link w/ info on your stock carb settings:

http://www.sohc4.net/index.php?q=content/cb500550-carb-id-and-specs

The carb float setting is the same as my 550 - 22mm.

I didn't find a 500 manual on this site.  But, if you download this doc and go to Page 60, Figure 183, you'll see how to adjust the carb float level.  I don't have the tool pictured, but eyeballing it while holding a metric ruler next to the carb seemed to work (it'll be tougher while on the bike than having the carbs on your workbench)!

http://data.sohc4.net/SM500/HSM500550_2.pdf

My carb kit came with stock jets, so I rebuilt the carbs with those.  I figure it'll be OK, as I'm going to run the dreaded pods for air filters.  So, I'll need larger jets to accommodate more air.  However, if you need a rule of thumb from a guy on this forum who knows his stuff, check out Hondaman's thoughts on the matter here:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=7401.msg67249;topicseen#msg67249 (Bullet #4 discusses jetting at altitude)

Take care!  Sean

[tango911]

Pics plz!!   i used to live in loveland, co,  i sure miss it !!!

[apex_seeking]

Welcome fellow Coloradan! Pics would be nice but we should all get together for a ride, weather permitting.

[Stev-o]

Cool story, now we need pics!

Welcome.........

[BoCoJohn]

Hello Guys,

Sorry for the lack of response.  Lost track of my post and just found it again.  I'll send some pics when the weather clears.  I'm kind of a stickler for stock.  I'm even running my dads tires which look brand new - circa 1980.  I just put the bike back together last week.  I was real nervous to start it up after being parked for 27 years.  My final touch was putting the carbs I rebuilt back on. 

I turned the petcock and let it sit for a minute or two.  I hooked the battery up to my charger, chooked the carbs and pushed the start button.  It turned over about three times, blew a couple puffs of black smoke and sat idling at about 1800rpm...I couldn't believe how smooth it sounded. I rev-ed it to about 2500rpm and then a bit more...no sputters or anything.  I decided, What the hell.  I put my helmet on and went for a ride -too cool.  I had it up to about 45mph waiting for something to go wrong - nothing but smooooth riding.  I'm afraid to adjust anything it's been running so well.  Since that initial start-up I've put about 300 miles on the bike without a hitch. The plugs seem to be coolered a little rich but nothing big. Had it up to 77mph over the weekend - tried to reach 80mph but didn't have enough road.  Once I reset the valves and play with the timing I'll see what it tops out at....maybe    When it warms up a bit, lets try going for a ride.  I'd love to see your bikes.

John

[Stev-o]

You may want to replace the 30 yr old tires.

[MCRider]

You may want to replace the 30 yr old tires.

Yes please.

At this point age is more important than tread depth or appearance. 6 years is marginal, 10+ years definite safety hazard. The carcass degrades internally, you'll never see it.

[BoCoJohn]

I know what you mean about the tires.  The more I think about it the more nervous I get.  Any suggestions on tires with an old-school tread pattern?

[MCRider]

I know what you mean about the tires.  The more I think about it the more nervous I get.  Any suggestions on tires with an old-school tread pattern?

I haven't shopped them in a while. I think they were Bridgestones, ribbed front, should be easy to get. The rears were a more street tread, not ribbed, but I'll bet the original pattern is available. Vintage tires have become popular.

[Operator]

I run Bridgestone Accolades on my 750K3

Really good gripping all around tire!

And they do have that somewhat retro look

Don't know about pricing though, up here North of the border they are about $275.00 - $300.00 for a set (installed)

[Stev-o]

Dunlop makes some nice vintage looking tires:

http://www.bikebandit.com/dunlop-k70-vintage-motorcycle-tire

[BoCoJohn]

1

[Stev-o]

very nice!

[Goofaroo]

Beautiful bike!  I wouldn't change a thing. Just service the motor, electrics, brakes, and suspension, add your new tires, and hit the road.