Topic: cb500 Exhaust Pipe Options (Not 4 into 1)

[wjustinleigh]

I have a rebuild that I was going to use a set of old 4into4 pipes, but they're in too rough of shape so I need another option.  I think the 4 into 4 look defined these bikes and made up for otherwise blandish styling but after a thorough search I don't think they can be had for less than $3K these days.  Any other aftermarket options out there? 

I think I could live with a four into two and might go with the benjies - http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/convkit-550.php - if I don't find anything better, but am not thrilled about paying $1K for something that isn't really what I wanted.

[wowbagger]

The later model cb550 4 into 4s can be had for a more reasonable price. Granted they are not as nice on the eyes as the originals but they do the job:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Original-Reproduction-Honda-Exhaust-System-77-78-CB550-K-Four-Mufflers-Y31-/361274112442?hash=item541d9d79ba&vxp=mtr




(forgive the hideous state of the bike. This was it's condition when I pulled it out of the field it had been left in).

[Puffin]

I have the same problem in that my CB500 exhaust is basically trash.  I would actually prefer a 2 into 1 but the number of options is very limited. 

I was thinking of buying two mufflers and then getting a local manufacturer to make the headers.

[wjustinleigh]

I saw those on ebay and would do it but I thought there might be a problem with those fitting on the cb500.  It looks like they fit on yours - did you have to modify the mounting brackets or where the kickstand and centerstand hit?  The cb500 pipes have indents where those pieces interact.

That bike's in pretty good condition for being left in a field!

[wowbagger]

The earlier pipes have larger cones which is why I think they needed the indents. I can't speak to any modifications it needed since the bike came with them on it already. However, with a few minor exceptions, the CB500 and CB550 frames and most of the engine are identical. I would suspect that they are a straight bolt on application.

This bike has led an interesting life. It's a '73 CB500 motor in a '72 CB500 frame with '78 CB550 seat, pipes and sissy bar. Oh, and those horrid 12" over front forks. I'm 6'1" and I can barely touch the ground sitting on this thing.

[wjustinleigh]

Thanks for your help on this, I'm hoping to not invest $1K in parts that won't fit!  I see your 500 has a kickstand, I'm assuming it works and doesn't awkwardly hit the pipes, did you notice any damage or 'adjustments' where the kickstand hits?

Looks like it inherited the 77 550 front fender too.  It's like a cb525.   12" over are long!

[wowbagger]

I'll get some closeup photos of the mounts and kickstand area for you.

[wjustinleigh]

I appreciate the help!  Looks like you have plenty of parts but I have some original bars from a 71 in good shape you can have if you're not into the ape hangers on that one.