Topic: CB500 Project

[Goldbug]

Here's the saga of my CB500 project. It doesn't have a unifying style like "cafe", it's just whatever I was picturing in my head at the time.

This is what she looked like the day I got her.

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Here she is in 2007 the last time she was road worthy. Before a small drip out the shifter turned into the engine not holding oil at all.

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Here she is as she stands today. I still have the side covers but they are more of a gloss black with no logos and the holes filled.

I put in a new (to me) “good running” engine that turned out to have low compression on #4 and only run on three cylinders. At the same time I did new tires and new fork seals. I also put on a vintage 4-1 Exhaust off ebay. It was found in the attic of an old motorcycle shop. If anyone recognizes it or knows anything about it, let me know.

I bought new rings and a gasket kit but I haven’t torn either of my available motors down yet. Best case scenario the top end of my old engine can just be swapped on as it ran fine. If not then I’ll hone the best jug and re-ring.

Future plans include:
Cafe seat cover and foam from ebay in a vintage looking red (already have)
Euro Cafe bars (already have but may do clip ons)
Get rid of the tach and speedometer
Get rid of the OEM headlight ears and lower the headlight with ebay ears (already have)

That’s all I have planned for now. I just want to be able to ride and enjoy the bike which I thought I would be doing in June. As of now, almost August and all I’ve done is ride her around the block on three cylinders.

[Goldbug]

A few more pics.

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And more.

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Last ones...

[Greggo]

Looks like a nice bike!  I love the 500's.

[Goldbug]

I got the bike purring like a kitten tonight on all 4cyl. Unfortunately the carbs leak gas out the float bowl gaskets... guess they had enough after coming apart that many times (or I pinched them). Luckily I have spares. It was near euphoric to have it running for a little bit (I shut the gas off and let the engine run for a little).

I may be going to Ft. Collins this weekend to visit the girlfriend but there is a possibility she'll be coming here to Denver. If so then I am totally going to get the carbs sorted and go for a ride.

[Goldbug]

Here's a pic. I ended up cutting my fender stay and making a seat out of wood. It may look a little pink in the pic but it is red. Rear lighting will be similar to with the fender. I also may make a custom fender.