Author Topic: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?  (Read 1453 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline YogiBear

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 272
Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?
« 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.

1974 Honda CB750K4        1973 Honda CB500 Four

Offline manjisann

  • Hazardous Chemical Inhalation
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,828
Re: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?
« 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
Sure it's for sale! How much you ask?? Well, how much are you willing to pay??? Now triple it, that's the price!

1973 CB500 K2 - Sold the bike and bought a Mig, Miss the bike, Love the Mig :D
1980 CB650 Custom
1971 CB500 Frame 650 engine: Project

Trip and General Ramblings blog: manjisann.blogspot.com

Offline 1timduke

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 299
  • '75 CB550
Re: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2009, 02:50:00 PM »
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 ;D

-Tim
The only thing I miss about the South is Waffle House!

Offline Hush

  • Finally they realise that I am an
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,761
  • "Lady, I've heard it all before"!
Re: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?
« Reply #3 on: August 24, 2009, 03:21:16 PM »
Hey guys, what's wrong with white paint? :)
I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!

Offline Quorthon

  • Pace till death
  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 132
Re: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?
« 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.
1972 cb500/4

Offline 1timduke

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 299
  • '75 CB550
Re: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?
« Reply #5 on: August 24, 2009, 04:18:41 PM »
Hey guys, what's wrong with white paint? :)

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

-Tim
The only thing I miss about the South is Waffle House!

Offline KCRSXTypeS

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 161
  • 1973 CB500
Re: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?
« Reply #6 on: August 25, 2009, 10:58:30 AM »
Welcome to the club!  :)

Offline YogiBear

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 272
Re: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?
« 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.  :)

1974 Honda CB750K4        1973 Honda CB500 Four

Offline YogiBear

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 272
Re: Got a 1973 500 Four and a ?
« 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.







1974 Honda CB750K4        1973 Honda CB500 Four