1972 Honda CB500 Four Updates for 2/28/2014

1972 Honda CB500 Four Updates for 2/28/2014

Thanks to the rain, I wasn't able to get as much done with the 72' CB500 Four today.  I was hoping to take this one out for a test ride but mother nature had other plans.  I got to work on a few things at least.  The new velocity stacks look really cool and I'm happy with how they tuck in nicely.  I was afraid there was going to be too big of a gap between the stacks and the side covers but they actually fit nicely.  As I mentioned in the last post, the carbs have already been re-built and re-jetted to work with the velocity stacks versus the old air box.  I may even consider putting these on the 71' CB500 Four as well.

I also got to start the 500 four up today for the first time!  That was probably the highlight of my day.  It sounds great, but is still having some trouble idling.  Once I am able to get it out on the open road I'll have a better idea of whether it just needs to be run or if further tuning needs to be administered.

After I get it registered and everything I will have some time to spend getting all the rust removed and have fun finding parts on EBAY to get it back to its original shape.

The front caliper that came on the bike when I bought it was seized, come to find out, but luckily I had a spare to use as a replacement.  I had picked it up at the Long Beach Swap Meet because I thought I was going to use it for another build but ended up not needing, so it finally came in handy to have.  I'm 99% sure the replacement works fine, but I wasn't able to test it because I also found that the lower brake line hose is needing replacement as well.  I ordered one on EBAY, so I'll be able to swap that out in a couple of days once it arrives.  I think I paid around $25 bucks for the new one, but its a small price to pay to get this thing out on the road with some stopping power.

Till next week!

NEW ARRIVALS FOR THE 81' HONDA CB650

NEW ARRIVALS FOR THE 81' HONDA CB650

Just a quick update before the weekend get's here…I got a few items in the mail this week for the CB650.  There is a website you've probably seen advertised to you while you've been on Facebook or Youtube called the MOTORCYCLE SUPERSTORE.  I've never ordered tires from a website before but I figured I would check out the prices anyway.  As it turned out, they were able to offer some pretty competitive deals because they have so much inventory.  I went with these Kenda K671 tires because they were affordable and included free shipping right to my door.  For both tires I think I paid about $139.00 dollars total.  I'd recommend that site to any other new bike builders.  Hopefully I am able to get them put on tomorrow.  I was also planning to paint the wheels black, but I'm not sure how the weather will cooperate.  If it's raining, I may have to wait till next week. 

That rear wheel is a 16" and the front is a 19" so there is a pretty large size difference, but once they are on, I think they will have a good look.  I went away from the really aggressive tread with these because I'm not going for that dirt bike look.  I wanted these to handle well for this much faster bike.

Yesterday, these side covers showed up in the mail as well after a little EBAY drama.  I ordered these almost a month ago and still hadn't received them, so I had to open a case against a seller but luckily the order just slipped through the cracks and he wasn't trying to screw me.  Thankfully they showed up because side covers for this year of bike in this great of condition are EXTREMELY hard to find.  The original ones that came on the bike were in great shape but I made the mistake of trying to strip the paint off of one of them and it completely warped the plastic.  Yes, I made sure to purchase the paint remover made for plastic but it didn't matter.  I would suggest just leaving the original paint on these even if you plan on painting them.  Just use a good primer and paint them whatever color you wish.  Or leave it to a professional.  At any rate, these will be getting painted black and I can finally move on to the next phase of the build.

Meet "Hugh" of Hugh's HandBuilt

I know I post a lot of Honda stuff, but I thought I'd shift gears for a minute and help spread the word about this guy, Hugh.  He has the right idea and has developed a nice business for himself.  I admire that.  He saw an opportunity and went for it and didn't give up!  

Check him out!

1972 HONDA CB500 FOUR #2 PROJECT UPDATES

HONDA CB500 FOUR #2 PROJECT UPDATES

This past Saturday I went to work on the 1972 Honda CB500 Four.  I had been waiting all week to get cracking and I was happy with the progress that I made.  This post will cover what was accomplished.  As you can see from the picture below, the tank came off along with the carbs to be cleaned and re-jetted/rebuilt.  I hadn't originally planned to due away with the air box, but several of the rubber connecting pieces were in bad shape and instead of trying to hunt those down and order them, I opted to go with a cool set of velocity stacks.  The pod air filters have a good look, but they don't work with this model of bike.  The only option besides the velocity stacks is foam and I'm not a fan.  I'll post a picture of the stacks once the carbs are ready to go.  There was a leak between two of the carbs that I still have to get tightened up before they go back on.  Having them off gave me a chance to clean up the engine because it was pretty filthy.  It's polishing up real nice, but still needs some buffing done.  

The engine started right up once we connected a power supply and it sounds good.  It needed a little oil because it was bone dry but after the trial run I did a full oil change on it to make sure it is good and lubricated according to specifications.  I'm still on the fence about whether I want to keep the original battery box or have a new one installed but I don't have to decide on that right away.  There are still a lot of things that need to be done.  The points haven't been replaced but I did take a file to both of them to ensure a good energy flow.  Those will be updated before long.

The lock for the seat was missing from the bike when I purchased it so I may try and find a replacement so it can latch down tight.  I will be keeping the seat that came on it because it's an original, it's just missing that strap that is supposed to go over the mid-section.  No biggie.

I had already purchased some Pirelli tires for this model several weeks back so I got started on swapping them out for the cracked and beat up old ones.  The Pirelli's weren't cheap but since this is going to be a faster bike than my CL360 I thought they would be appropriate.  If I like them enough, I may buy another set for my Brown 71' Honda CB500 Four.  I haven't done much with that one yet.  This one is a little rougher and will require more work, which is why I started it first.  The rear wheel came off pretty easily once we removed the chain, which will also be getting replaced for a plain 530 O-Ring.

I forgot to take a picture of the before tire, but this is the new one before its strapped on.  The old tire tubes were in bad shape so I drove down to the Honda Dealership quick like and picked up a new set.  I'm not taking my chances on the old ones.

The rear sprocket was pretty dirty but that could be a future purchase once I have a chance to order some parts.  I will also be picking up several more small wire brushes to go to town on those spokes next week.  I don't see the need to get these re-laced unless I am going to do a full restoration on it, which aren't in the plans currently.  Right now I just want to get it up and running so that I can go get it registered and start using it as my daily rider.  I like seeing a little bit of age on my bikes.

Sunday morning I'll be going to the Long Beach Motorcycle SWAP MEET to see if anyone has any interest in buying the 1975 Honda CL 360.

1975 Honda CL 360 Cafe Racer - Walk Around

CB650 - CAFE RACER UPDATE

CB650 - CAFE RACER UPDATE 

Today's main mission was test fitting the new seat pan with the gas tank to see what kind of adjustments I will need to do in order to make it fit properly.  I was pleased to find that it is going to work out nicely.  The rear end of the bike frame will need to be cut down a bit, but that won't be difficult.  As you can see from the picture, the seat pan doesn't sit flush up against the tank.  This will not be the case when all is said and done.  I will be having an upholstered seat made to fit inside the pan and then it'll get bolted down through mounting tabs that will be welded onto the frame. I'll help tackle that next week.

As it turns out, I think I'm going to pick up some new tires even though the ones on it currently aren't terrible.  They're just faded a bit and tell it's age.  I will have to put in a call to Mountain Motorsports to find out what kind of tires would be affordable but still look nice.  I've gone through them before as they always seem to have the best prices.  The wheels will be getting taken off anyway because they are going to be painted black, so I might as well update the tires in the process.

The rear taillight will actually be installed in the rear of the seat pan.  I'll have to cut a hole for it to pop out of right there on the backside where that half circle is.  I can't give the painter the tank, seat pan and side covers until all of these adjustments are made so I need to get this stuff going.  Having the paint done usually takes 3-4 weeks.  I'd like to have this project done in the second or third week of March if possible.

The front forks are a bit spongy so they will most likely need some fluid, but I'm not quite sure how that works as I've never done it before.  This will be one I will need help walking through.

The other thing I got done today was installing two of the four turn signals.  These little bullet, black and clear turn signals went on pretty quickly, look nice and fit with the theme so I'm happy.  They are rather discrete, which I like and will last much longer than the plastic ones I installed on my last build.

Not bad right?  Circles…circles…circles.

CB650 CUSTOM - UPDATE

CB650 CUSTOM - GAS TANK UPDATE

This morning I stopped by La Habra Radiator to pick up the repaired gas tank to my Honda CB650 motorcycle.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, there were a number of pinholes on the bottom and sides that needed to be patched up and the tank required a "boil out" in order to remove the previous tank liner.  If it looks like the tank survived a house fire, it's because they had to heat it up from the outside in order to help break the chemical liner loose on the inside.  It was quite a job.  They replaced the old liner with a higher quality one.  Right now, it looks rough but after a nice new paint job you won't even recognize it.

There are still some dents as you can see from the pictures but those will be smoothed out before it gets painted.  The guy who I will be having do it, Bruce, is the same gentleman that did my 75' Honda CL 360 gas tank.  Needless to say, he's great!  I'll also be giving him the seat pan that you saw in my last post and the side covers, so the whole thing will match.  I have a color/concept in mind right now, but it won't be as fancy as my last tank.  

Below is the contact info for La Habra Radiator in case you live in the Greater Los Angeles area and need some similar services.  I would highly recommend them.  Their prices are fair and they do a really nice job!

361 W Whittier Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 690-0144

More update to come tomorrow...

1972 HONDA CB500 FOUR - RESTORATION PROJECT #2

1972 HONDA CB500 FOUR - RESTORE PROJECT

On Monday (2/10) I came across a 72' Honda CB500 Four that appeared to be in good condition and was reasonably priced, so I went ahead and added it to my collection as I think it will make a nice pair to my 71' CB500 Four I purchased last month.  This one is Green and it's all there with the exception of the plastic chain guard, which I will most likely be able to find on EBAY.  I'm excited to pick it up Wednesday night and get it running and back on the road.  It only has 13.8K miles on it and all original paint.  I'm going to have to go through the old VIN verification process because there's no paperwork on it, but I've done this dance before so I'm not too worried.  While I was looking it over I called AAA to make sure there weren't any back fees and they confirmed it was clear but no longer in the system.  I think she will clean up real nice!  As I mentioned in my other post, these CB500's were only made for 3 years and their predecessors were the CB550 and then later the CB750.  If I ever decide to sell them, it will be nice to have two different color options both with low miles and in great condition.  That won't be happening any time real soon though.

I never thought I would have 5 motorcycles but after talking to all these bike collectors that I've come across they all say that's how it happens…you wake up one day and you have a garage full of them.  Only difference is, I don't have my own garage.  I may need to look into renting a storage space for the ones I'm going to put on NON-OP.  I will most likely put a few miles on this one but will definitely be working on cleaning it up first with a fresh battery, carb clean/rebuild, newly laced wheels and maybe some matching tires.  The inside of the tank looked great and it shifted freely through the gears and turned with a push of the kickstart.  The front brake lines will need to be flushed or replaced but luckily the caliper wasn't locked up or anything so I'll have no trouble moving it.

One feature I really liked about this bike was the crash guard.  My other CB500 Four didn't have one, but it looks pretty rad, especially with those extra foot pegs to prop my boots up on while cruising down the freeway.  As if it weren't already a great deal, it even came with its own fairing/windshield accessory.  How cool is that??  It cleaned up really easily but needs just a little touch-up paint around the headlight area.  If I want to get really serious with it, I could have it painted a matching green color but that will need to be down the road since I have other projects that are going to require finishing first.  It will give me some time to think of some design options.  

There were one or two holes in the exhaust which can be expected with these old bikes, but overall I was impressed with the condition of their entirety.  I could probably find some replacements online but I know the OEM versions will be priced ridiculously so I may consider leaving them as is or just picking up some aftermarket ones.

Ultimately, I'm stoked.  It's a great find and I'm grateful to the owner that is passing this piece of history on to me.  I think he knows that I will treasure it and treat it right.  The biggest message here is that I'm NOT going to turn this into a CAFE RACER.  I only like that as an option if the bike is in disrepair, or has lost all of its originality, or is not 30+ years old.  Then it's okay to give it a fresh outlook on life.  It would be a crime to ruin this gem.  Let Restoration Project #2 commence!

This bike will definitely be making its debut at the March Vintage Bike OC event for others to view.  Like I said, I haven't seen many CB500's cruising around town so I know they will appreciate it.

More updates to come!!  Check back soon.

1981 HONDA CB650 CAFE RACER UPDATES

1981 HONDA CB650 CAFE RACER UPDATES

Today I didn't have a ton of things to get done because I'm still waiting on some parts to arrive.  My main mission was just to get the front turn signals and headlight brackets removed.  However, this literally took between 3-4 hours of work.  I received a new pair of chrome headlight brackets similar to the ones I used on my last build in the mail yesterday.  I will still need to pick up a new set of turn signals but they will be much smaller and hidden then the ones you see blow.

In order to remove the headlight bracket ears above, I had to take apart the whole front end.  The triple tree, handlebars, speedometer & tachometer.  I should have done this back when all this stuff was already removed from the bike two weeks ago but I didn't realize those ears had to slide off the end of the forks.  Oh well.  Live and learn!  

I cut the turn signal electrical wiring before removing them.  I left enough length for the wire to reach the new ones I put on.  As you can see, the stock turn signals really are HUGE.  This time I buy turn signals I won't be getting plastic ones because they feel too cheap to me and probably won't hold up.  Even though they are more expensive, some nice black bullet metal ones will look awesome.  I'll post a few pictures when I decide on the ones to use.

Below are two picture updates for the Honda CB650 C.  Next week I should be receiving my new seat pan, which will need to be sized for a seat and painted after all that is said and done.  I will also be picking up the gas tank from La Habra Radiator on Wednesday.  I dropped that off on Friday of last week to have some patch work done as well as get a flush of the terrible tank liner that was used by the previous owner.  This of course was an expense I didn't think I was going to need to have, but glad it's fixable and that I don't have to buy a whole new gas tank.  They are hard to come by these days.

(Side View)

(Front View)

PROJECT CAFE RACER COMPLETE 2/1/2014

PROJECT CAFE RACER COMPLETE 2/1/2014

The day finally arrived for me to enjoy a nice ride on my new Cafe Racer, the project that has been keeping me busy for the past four months.  After a trip to the gas station, a few adjustments to the idle timing and rear sets I took to the street.  It performs really well!  It's loud as shit, which I was expecting but usually catches drivers off-gaurd.  I'm looking forward to cruising with some of the other Honda guys out here in the Orange County area.  Several people have commented on it already and all the feedback so far has been positive.  It brings me great joy to put hard work and energy into something and have it come to life.  Really great experience all around.  Looking forward to getting my next project!

Thanks for following my progress everyone!

HONDA CL360 & CB650 UPDATES FOR 1/25/2014

UPDATES FOR 1/25/2014

I wanted to take a minute to finish my recap from last week as I will be doing a very exciting post later today for this week.  You'll just have to check back to see what that's all about!  As for last week's updates, there were actually several things that I got done.  The first task was replacing the battery in the Honda CB650 Custom.  The other one was shot so this was a must.  The new battery went in with no trouble and I got it wired up within a matter of 10 minutes.  It was exciting to see the electrics come on when I turned the key for the first time.  The carbs were gone through and cleaned by Justin @Justin's Cycles earlier in the week, so we went ahead and fired it up since the tank still had a bunch of gas in it.  It sounds great but gasoline was pouring out from where the petcock connects to the gas tank.  It was obvious this was going to need to be replaced as well.  I pulled the tank off and drained the remaining gasoline so I could remove the petcock.  Sure enough it was broken.  Those typically run about $30-$40 dollars so no big deal there.  The other reason I wanted to take the gas tank off was because the tank had been repainted "rattle-canned" before I purchased it and was wearing around where the seat met the base (as you can see in the picture below).  Before I bought the bike I asked the owner if there were any dents or major flaws on the body of the tank.  He said, "Bondo has never touched that tank."  I suppose I should have asked, "Then why the touch-up paint job?"  But I didn't.  I took his word for it.  

I stopped by PepBoys to pick up some paint remover to get started on cleaning up the tank for a fresh paint-job (that I was planning on doing myself).  As I started stripping the blue layers of paint, what do you think I discovered?  Yup.  Bondo and fiberglass wrap.  There are many pinholes in the tank as well as a couple dents.  This sort of lie really pisses me off.  Not only because it is going to eat away at my profit for flipping this bike, but because he knew that if he told me the truth about the tank, I'd drive the price down a bit more.  A good seller doesn't hold out details like that, especially when new gas tanks for these vintage bikes are so hard to find in solid condition and fixing them up is equally as expensive.  The paint job I was going to do myself I will no longer be attempting.  I will need to find someone that can do some metal repair work on it, then have it professionally bonded and sanded.  "Why?" you ask?  Because whoever ends up buying this bike from me won't get the thing home and discover all kinds of new surprises.  They won't be blogging about what an asshole I am either.  While I do enjoy bringing these beautiful machines back to life, this is also a business that I'd prefer to make money at.  Reputation can go a long way from what I've seen.

After all that drama, I got to work on replacing the rear taillight/license plate mount on my Honda CL360.  I had bought one on Ebay several months ago that looked great on the bike but turned out not to function properly.  The taillight was always lit up no matter if I was engaging the brake or not.  This was kind of a bummer because I really liked the look of the old one.  I posted the pictures of both below.  The bike is really coming together and it's bittersweet to be near completion.

(new)

(old)