My sleeping beauty

[Megan]

I know you have all heard how wonderful I think my father in law is. Never tell him that you need or want to buy something. He will just say, "I got one of those laying around here somewhere".

Durring our long way home after the demise of Thumper, he shared many stories of his riding days. He told me about some of his more memorable 'get offs'. He also shared many happy memories of riding his old Honda. I asked him what ever happened to the bike. "Oh, its sitting out in a shed"

Last week we were discussing getting me back onto a bike. He said I could fix up the old Honda if I wanted I have no experience working on bikes and even less money. I think this will keep me busy this winter. Today I got my first look at it. It is a Honda 500Four. It even has hard bags. We spent most of the morning in the orchard picking Japanese Apple/Pears. By then we were too hot and tired it dig it out of the shed. I will go back in a few weeks and trailer it home to start the process of rebuilding it.

Where do I start? I figure we gotta see if the engine will turn first. I know it needs a new carb. , new tires and a new seat.

Thanks to Matt, I have a great website to get me started.
Here are a few photos to get all you wrench monkies



Woody used to commute on the bike when they still lived in Oxnard but he was stationed at Lemoore. He and a buddy would ride togeather on this 500.


If anyone in my area likes Japanese Pears, let me know. We only picked one tree today and have eight bags!

[Nirvana]

This is exciting, Megan!
Great to see that you are planning to get back in the saddle.

[Sbyllek]

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
I can hardly wait til spring to see it all fixed up!!!
Congratulations Megan!!!

[Megan]

Look what I found. I am not fond of the green. I think I will keep the bike black. But I am partial to red
clicky

[Gojira]

Nice find. Make sure you check the tank for rust before you try to fire it up!

[demenshea]

Hey Megan, i think that it is wonderful that you have found a potential new pal!!

In our experience with the 78 Kawi, old bad gas has been a major contention. We had it serviced in Reno, and the doods actually filled it with an old gas can (like it need vintage gas...) It had been hard starting since. It appears that their are areas that pocket the gas and make it difficult to start no matter how much new gas you have added. I know there are proper terms to be used here....but damn if i know what they are.

Bottom line, it has a hard time starting. It need serious carb cleaning.

Check the tank. Make sure there is no gas. Fill with good gas. Good luck!!!

I hope that all works out. Vintage bikes are cool!!!

[pawprint2104]

I used to have a CB900F. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it parked at a gas station with a "For Sale" sign on it. Honda makes a great bike, easy to work on. I miss that bike...but, I digress. Looking at your 500Four reminded me of it.

Delighted to hear about the new (sic) set of wheels. There's just something special about vintage vehicles. Judging by the dust, you have your work cut out for you. File down your nails, get out the Gojo, and get to work! Hopefully, we'll see your new/old baby at PGR 2009.

[masameet]

You got your work cut out for you, as that bike has four carburetors.

Your local public library (or maybe the county over) probably has a Haynes service manual for the bike.

If CB500 owner forum members or eBay don't have the part(s) you're looking for, try this place.

And I predict you'll be presenting us with many photo stories on fixing various parts.

Nice find!

[Orson]

The gas tank may have some crud and/or rust in it.

years ago, there used to be a plastic coating you could apply to the insides (after thoroughly cleaning it out).

maybe there's a better way nowadays.

[Astroblue]

Originally Posted by Orson

years ago, there used to be a plastic coating you could apply to the insides (after thoroughly cleaning it out). maybe there's a better way nowadays.

Tank Cream is one of the brand names. I found when I cleaned out my Goldwing's tank with Seafoam and then an acid wash, that I did not need to use a pour-in liner. You might get lucky like I was!
Generally speaking though the carbs will have to come off for de-gunking, and I'd get the brakes checked out too. I believe the CB500 rear brake is mechanical, while the front will be the usual hydraulic.