Topic: 500 four questions

[brownbagmeal]

I recently bought a 73 500 four and with the help of my dad have been trying to make it run. Right now we are working on calibrating the carbs. I have never ridden a bike as old as this so I dont know what to expect. I have a couple questions:

1. Should the throttle be hard to pull back?

2. It is really slow to take off, is this normal?

I dont know if this matters but the previous owner put straight pipes on it. Thanks for the help.

[bryanj]

(1) no the throttle should not be hard--probably needs new cables
(2) Not sure what you mean by slow to take off? Is it gutless or is the clutch slipping?
(3) Unless it has been re-jetted straight pipes will make it run like a 3 legged camel!

[brownbagmeal]

Just got the carbs rebuilt and tuned.

The bike seems like it does not have any initial torque (in low rpms). It soon picks up speed afterwards. I dont think the clutch is slipping.

Thanks for the advice.

[dusterdude]

depends on how hard it is to pull back,my 750 has a spring on it that superman would have a hard time pulling against

[brownbagmeal]

Yeah, mine is the same way. Does someone make a replacement spring?

[Ernie]

if you find one post a link please, i been looking but i dont think so

[Honda CBer]

as far as low-end torque, you may be expecting more than the bike can deliver in current tune... not only is it a small displacement, carburated engine, but it has shorter-than-stock open exhaust, and possibly factory jetting... these factors do not contribute to low-end grunt...

[brownbagmeal]

I used to have a 2002 Buell, so I figured I was little spoiled with torque. Should I look into upping the jet sizes?

[Tim.]

On the throttle cables, make sure they're lubed and not binding anywhere.  Does it snap back when you let the throttle go? If not, you need to sort your cables.  If yes, then it's likely a stiff spring, which would be uncommon on the 500.

[RatBikeRandy]

Working on a '73 500 myself.  The throttle spring on it is also pretty stiff, but not unbearable. The cables are OK and it snaps closed crisply.  Previous owner put a cruise control device on it probably for this reason.

Good luck - They are great bikes.
I know what you mean about the Buell torque.  I accidentally wheelied one across a major intersection in Daytona on a demo bike.

[CB500_k2]

I restored a CB500 a couple of years ago.  I found the throttle spring to be a real burnden on long rides.  I think Honda wanted to be sure that the system snapped back to closed when a hand left the grip.  I replaced the spring with a lighter one to reduce hand cramps.  It is easy to do.

[brownbagmeal]

I just got new throttle cables on and it feels 10 times better. I still might look into changing the spring though. 

Thanks for all the help.

[ieism]

I drive a Moto-Guzzi also when i'm not on my 550, it's a different bike. If you're used to a Buell the 500 may feel slow from the line, but you just need to get used to revving it much harder. After adjusting the carbs and fixing a leaking pipe, i'm now almost able to keep up with the Guzzi.

[SteveD CB500F]

My 500/4 feels like a dinosaur after my VFR800 (daily rider)

But after a few miles I get back into classic 70's mode and just love it.

You don't need to ride everywhere at 100mph...