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Author Topic: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project  (Read 4855 times)

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Offline Hecto9685

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1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« on: January 26, 2011, 03:02:57 PM »
Hi

Im new to the site and this is my first project ever. I got a 73 CB500 with a side car. I want to modify the bike to have a sick cafe racer look. The compression on the motor is around 90 so I think I probably will nave to rebuild it. Any suggestions as what I can began doing to get better compression.This is what I intend to change.

New wire harness
K&L carburetor repair kit
New clutch
New Cables
Modified air box
Drag bars
Powered  coat frame
Build carbon fiber seat
benjis exhaust


The side car I haven't decided if I would mounted to this bike or another one. DOes any one know where I can find good sources on how to build a wire harness. please feel free to drop down some wisdom.

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Offline Greggo

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2011, 04:32:32 PM »
First and foremost, welcome to the forum!

Secondly...SHOW US SOME PICTURES!!

-
Gregg
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Offline Goofaroo

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2011, 05:10:27 PM »
+1   We need pics!   It's just not right to tell us about your CB500 sidecar rig and not include pics. You've left us jonesing for more.
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Offline Hecto9685

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2011, 09:29:02 PM »
Here are the pics check them out. Im cleaning out the carbs, I started to clean one and it took me over 3 hours so I got myself a ultrasonic cleaner and that machine is amazing. Im using Simple green and water any other suggestions of what to use on ultrasonic cleaner.
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Offline Greggo

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2011, 09:57:38 PM »
The compression numbers you saw could be due to the type of tester you were using.  If that tester was for a car, and your numbers are within ten percent of each other you're doing good.

Search 'compression' and dig in.
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Offline greenjeans

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2011, 04:47:01 AM »
what type of ultrasonic cleaner did you get ?     How bout some before & after photos of the carbs.

Welcome to the addiction.
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Yep, I'm the kid that figured out how to put things back together...eventually.

Offline Hecto9685

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2011, 06:39:00 AM »
I got a chicago ultrasonic cleaner at harbor freight, ill post some pics later today
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Offline scroggins5000

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2011, 02:51:20 PM »
I want a sidecar like that for my dog.
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Offline Hecto9685

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #8 on: February 06, 2011, 04:07:44 PM »
So I build a wood stand this weekend, the rear wheel is bent but I got a spear one. Im thinking taking the engine off and rebuilding the top end. New gaskets and piston rings, when I tested the compression it was descent so I don't want to began messing with the bottom end, unless I have to. I just want to get this bike up and running to use as my daily ride, I got another 1978 CB750K which I will be doing some major work.

Any suggestions of what exhaust is best, I am thinking of 4 in 2 exhaust. Bike currently has 4-1.
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Offline Greggo

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #9 on: February 06, 2011, 04:46:34 PM »
Quote from: Hecto9685 on February 06, 2011, 04:07:44 PM
So I build a wood stand this weekend, the rear wheel is bent but I got a spear one. Im thinking taking the engine off and rebuilding the top end. New gaskets and piston rings, when I tested the compression it was descent so I don't want to began messing with the bottom end, unless I have to. I just want to get this bike up and running to use as my daily ride, I got another 1978 CB750K which I will be doing some major work.

Any suggestions of what exhaust is best, I am thinking of 4 in 2 exhaust. Bike currently has 4-1.

What makes you think it needs a rebuild?  Your compression numbers sound good (considering they were within 10% of each other).  How many miles does she have on her?  Do you know when she was last serviced, or of any major work done by the PO? 

Also--Nice stand you built there!

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Offline Hecto9685

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2011, 09:25:52 PM »
glad you like the stand...

So she has 32,000 miles not sure if previous owner did any engine work. He said he had the carbs jetted, but I decided to clean them anyways and replace the main jets. Electrical is pretty messed up, blinkers wont work and break light don't blink when you hit the rear break. PO also said he had problems with the charging system. I hate dealing with electrical work, I know the owner of a local shop and he said he would build me a wiring harness for $400, I am thinking of doing that to avoid head aches. I am also reading "Motorcycle Electrical Systems-troubleshooting and repair" by Tracy Martin.
In the mean time I will take your advice and leave the engine top end alone until problems arise, but I do want to take it out in order to paint the frame and polish everything else.

Any advice will be gratefully appreciated.



 
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Offline Greggo

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2011, 09:34:03 PM »
Quote from: Hecto9685 on February 06, 2011, 07:01:49 PM
She has 32,000 miles on her. I thought perhaps it would be good practice to do the top end. The PO didn't have much information, he said the bike was sitting in his garage for a year. I am almost finished cleaning the carbs, once that's done I will pop them back on and see how she responds.


I will refer you to this link for more info on compression testing: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=369.msg476032#msg476032 but you did get even (within 10%) readings across all cylinders, which means with a full tune up you could have yourself a daily rider with far less effort than a rebuild takes.  I'm just trying to be helpful, but it's not my bike, and you may be eager to tear the engine apart.  Maybe just see how she runs with a FULL tune up?  If you don't know anything about her, you wouldn't know if she had been rebuilt.  

On a general 500/4 note, I suggest removing the sprocket cover and greasing/inspecting the clutch lifter and adjuster assemblies within it.  Also try to replace the clutch lifter rod if it's worn down or broken in two pieces.  Check this one out: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=14273.0

« Last Edit: February 06, 2011, 10:28:38 PM by Greggo »
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Offline luap

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #12 on: February 06, 2011, 10:21:41 PM »
WTF 400.00 for a wiring harness if you want to go stock you can get one from someone on her for 40-60 bucks  if you want to go simple I sent you a pm
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Offline Greggo

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #13 on: February 06, 2011, 10:36:57 PM »
Quote from: luap on February 06, 2011, 10:21:41 PM
WTF 400.00 for a wiring harness if you want to go stock you can get one from someone on her for 40-60 bucks  if you want to go simple I sent you a pm

Ahem, ya.  $400 is steep, I missed that in your last post.  Here's a link to a brand new one for your bike as stock if that fits your needs.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA-CB500-WIRE-HARNESS-1972-73-NEW-CB-500-/120677634250?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c18f290ca

I just bought the 1-year-only '71 CB500-4 harness from him for the same price.
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Offline dave500

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #14 on: February 06, 2011, 10:50:59 PM »
i was going to make a loom but couldnt buy all the striped coloured wire in less than 30metre rolls so i bought one from david silvers.
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Offline Hecto9685

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #15 on: March 07, 2011, 02:39:23 PM »
I haven't been able to work on my bike for over 2 weeks, been busy with school and work. But I finally got some time this weekend, prepping her for paint. I also got a new wiring harness, Thanks Greggo for the link, I started taking everything off the frame. Since the previous owner claimed the charging system wasn't working, I took out the starter coils but Im not quite sure if they look in good shape. Here are some pics.
« Last Edit: March 07, 2011, 02:42:19 PM by Hecto9685 »
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Offline dave500

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Re: 1973 CB500 Cafe Project
« Reply #16 on: March 07, 2011, 11:59:05 PM »
they look good and clean,the outer winding is the stator winding,the middle smaller one is the field which is an electro magnet,the rotor spins between the two and alternating current is produced in the stator,when it reaches about 14 volts the regulator cuts power to the field keeping the output stable.
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