Topic: CB500K Model recognition question?

[t_revs]

Hi
I have just bought a basket case CB500/4.
I was told it was an English 1974 but can anyone tell me the year and what model CB500/4 has the
handlebar idiot lights AND ignition lock between the clocks as this one has -
I thought all 500/4s had the idiot lights set in the handlebar bridge?

Cheers

[kck3]

I have a 77 cb550k that has the idiot lights/ignition lock between the clocks.

[TwoTired]

Check where the clutch cable goes into engine case.  If it is on the right side of the bike, then you most likely have a K3 model.

All the K3s, both 550 and 500 had the ignition between the clocks (the F models did, too).
If the clutch cable goes to the left side of the engine, then you have an early CB500 engine, and maybe a hybrid mix in it's history.

Cheers,

[Deltarider]

handlebar idiot lights AND ignition lock between the clocks indicate it's not original.

[Hinomaru]

Hi
I have just bought a basket case CB500/4.
I was told it was an English 1974 but can anyone tell me the year and what model CB500/4 has the
handlebar idiot lights AND ignition lock between the clocks as this one has -
I thought all 500/4s had the idiot lights set in the handlebar bridge?

Cheers

Can you post your frame number? This will help to make a positive ID of your bike.

[t_revs]

Hi Hin
Frame No. is CB5002056279
Engine         CB500E 2145374

Cheers
T_revs

[TwoTired]

Hi Hin
Frame No. is CB5002056279
Engine         CB500E 2145374

Cheers
T_revs

According to the Honda motorcycle identification Guide published by American Honda Motor Co....
The frame number is for 1972 K1 CB500
The engine number is for a 1973 K2 CB500
The above models had the four bulb advisory panels and the key switch under the tank

For American models, the key and the five advisory lamps between the gauges didn't show up until 1975 on some Honda models (CB400F, CB550F, CB750F, not the CB500).  The Cb500/550 shop manual supplements do show a CB500K3, which was just like the CB550K3 except for the displacement and a different wire diagram (w.r.t. U.S. models) for various countries.  The latter all had the five bulb advisory panel.

The models assembled for the European market seem to have been assembled from the Honda parts bin.  If it truly was an export model intended for the non-north America market.

As it is a basket case, why do you think all the parts came from the original bike?  It HAS had 35 years to morph.

Cheers,

[t_revs]

Hi TwoTired
Thank for that. I guess the bike IS a CB500K3 registered in the UK 1974.
Most of the bike is together with the key and 5 advisory lights in place between the clocks, although the key is a Kawasaki one and someone has fitted Comstar wheels and a four-into-one exhaust and of course its a non starter.
Still it should be fun trying to get it back on the road.

Cheers
T_revs

[Deltarider]

I guess the bike IS a CB500K3 registered in the UK 1974.

No, it is not. K3's were not around before 1978, maybe end 1977.

[TwoTired]

I guess the bike IS a CB500K3 registered in the UK 1974.

Depends on where the clutch cable enters the engine case.

[Hinomaru]

T-revs: A bit late on my part, but welcome to the SOHC forums!

The CB500 K3 euro market bikes DO have the light panel / ignition lock located in between the clocks and the clutch cable enters from right side case. They can be identified by frame serial numbers starting with: CB500K-1000000 and notice how the letter "K" is now present.

You most likely have a CB500 K1 due to your frame serial number and they were sold from 1972-1974. The idiot lights are set in the handlebar bridge.

CB500 Four K1 (England)
Frame:  CB500-2000001 ~
Engine: CB500E-2000001 ~

I don't have a UK CB500 K2 serial number or parts listing, so now I'm wondering if those (K2) bikes were ever delivered to the UK?

Nice example of a 1974 UK CB500: http://www.abacuscaralarms.co.uk/bikes/classic_bikes/Honda_cb500-4.htm

Try posting over on the UK SOHC site: http://www.sohc.co.uk/  for more information.

(edit for typo)

[t_revs]

Hi All
Thanks for everyones help.
I now have come to the conclusion it IS a CB500K1.
The clutch cable IS on the left.
A PO must have changed the indicator lights.
I wondered why there was a top and bottom yoke in the part box but no clock plate, darn.
I guess I will have to find K1 handlebar bridge and wiring and a lock set and lock holder and a clock plate.
Anyone got these?

Hey TwoTired
How exactly do I find out the year of manufacture for frame CB5002056279,
is there any chance it could have been built beforer 1st Jan 1973?

Thanks again

[TwoTired]

Hey TwoTired
How exactly do I find out the year of manufacture for frame CB5002056279,
is there any chance it could have been built beforer 1st Jan 1973?

1974 models can have a 1973 manufacture date due to slow boat shipping delays.  And it is common in the American market to begin selling year models in September of the prior year.
The year of manufacture should be stamped on the headstock plate.
The year model, however, can be found in the Honda Motorcycle Identification Guide published by American Honda. 
I thought I had a scan of that page.  But, I can't find it just now.

If it is a K1, the frame was almost certainly built before 1st Jan 1973 (assuming American soil first sold).  I've no clue how Europe categorizes year model vs manufacture date.  I assume there is a branch of the government that expands the bureaucracy in that area.

Cheers,

[t_revs]

TwoTired
Thanks for that.
Headstock plate? My bike only has the frame number. stamped onto the headstock
or am I not looking in the right place.
The reason I ask about date is that in the UK if a bike is manufactured before 7/1/1973
it is a historic vehicle and is exempt from £65 Road Tax.
Anything not to pay the thieves who rule over us. I wouldn't mind if the money actually
went on road building/repairs  but our roads are downright dangerous on a bike after this winter.
Cheers

[Deltarider]

Anything not to pay the thieves who rule over us. I wouldn't mind if the money actually
went on road building/repairs  but our roads are downright dangerous on a bike after this winter.

So, if I read well... the winter is the biggest thief, right?
Why not avoid the roads that dissapoint you so much and buy a hoovercraft.
The British make great hoovers...
(Personally I think less people should be on the roads with their toys.)

[TwoTired]

Headstock plate? My bike only has the frame number. stamped onto the headstock
or am I not looking in the right place.

I went and checked my 72 Cb500.  No plate.  My 74 Cb550 does have a plate on the right side of the headstock.
I'm not certain when Honda began adding the plate.  Could be 1974.
The HMIG states:
"Effective September 1973, American Honda adopted and official Model year policy.  Regardless of the date of manufacture, all 1974 and later models are represented by specific model years as indicated in this publication."

I believe they were forced to do that, as Honda dealers were selling old stock and designating them "current" at time of sale.

Cheers,

[domer]

fwiw...my cb500 has a plate, with a manufacture date of 9/72, titled as a 73...

[t_revs]

Hey Domer
Where is this plate on the bike as I cannot find one on mine?
And what is your frame No?
Cheers

[domer]

opposite side of the neck from the stamped vin #. dont remember my frame # off hand, but ill get you a pic in a few hours here to show ya what your looking for...

[bryanj]

UK bikes DO NOT have the plate fitted till 76 Ish and all the UK 500 were K1 even though Honda were making the K2 for the US (and the 550k0-k2) whilst all the time still making and selling K1 500 to the UK. Consequently the US I.D book is of no use in dating a UK 500 after 72 and the only acurate way is to ask Honda UK for a "Proof of Year of Manufacture" letter which costs about £40 ($60ish). I do know that 2056274 was a 1973 but i think it was about June so i doubt yours is early enough--Just for info 2057802 was a 74 manufactured CB500 K1 UK model confirmed by Honda

[dave500]

bikes here didnt get "compliance plates"untill 76 either.

[t_revs]

Bryanj/dave500

Thanks for the info. Guess I'll have to settle for 73 then.
Bryanj its great to know a bit of CB500 history, I should know more as I used to sell them in the 70's
but I guess all I was interested in was the next sale.
I think maybe I will get the bike back into decent condition and sell it on whilst looking for a 1972.
Cheers

[bryanj]

I have compiled a not complete list of frame numbers against build dates with the help of people on here and a few of E-bay, If you want info mail me direct to blj@blj.org.uk or as you are in UK ring my mobile any day Sunday to Thursday inclusive after 8pm (07795162623) and if you make it from a landline i will ring you back BUT NOT NEXT WEEK (Starting 16th Jan) as I am having a week off work.

[dave500]

dont the early bikes have little bullet type pin connectors even in the "gang plugs"?not the spade/blade type?

[domer]

here is what the plate looks like.... cant miss it! oh and i was wrong before, its got a build date of 6/72.