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Toma-kun
10-31-2005, 02:37 PM
Just scored a real nice heap of a bike this weekend; it's a 1973 Honda CB500 "cafe cruiser". This thing is older than I am and I'm surprised that it still looks this good. The best part is that it was free!

The bad? It needs quite a bit of work; the carbs were flooded and never cleaned, so the jets are plugged and the plastic floats are no longer good. The tank is rusted, but I'm hoping it has no leaks. It appears that all of the electronical is intact and the engine is supposedly good (bored out to 605cc!). Oh and it also needs a seat! I bought a new set of carbs as well as a service manual last night, so hopefully I can get this thing going eventually. I still think it'll be a while before I pop wheelies on it though. :)

http://www.rreactor.com/gallery/heap1.jpg
http://www.rreactor.com/gallery/heap2.jpg
http://www.rreactor.com/gallery/heap3.jpg
Soul_Angel
10-31-2005, 05:30 PM
YOU GOT A BIKE FOR FREE!!! You lucky bastard. It would be better if you didn't have to do so much work to the bike. With all the money you'll be spending on it, it will still probably be very expensive.
Lucca
10-31-2005, 05:35 PM
Ahh, that's nice. You gotta keep us updated with some pictures when you start fixing it up. 8)
Toma-kun
10-31-2005, 05:41 PM
YOU GOT A BIKE FOR FREE!!! You lucky bastard. It would be better if you didn't have to do so much work to the bike. With all the money you'll be spending on it, it will still probably be very expensive.

Yea I've already spent close to a hundred bucks on it. I was thinking of selling it the second I get it to run, but I think might hang on to it for a little bit.

The carbs should be in this week, so I'll post some pics when they're fully assembled and mounted on the bike.
ViralArtist
11-04-2005, 11:03 PM
\m/ >.< \m/

frikin aww-sum dude!
Toma-kun
11-05-2005, 08:02 AM
Finished rebuilding the new set of carbs yesterday, so now I'm just waiting on my battery charger. I'm going to use it to get the rust off of the fuel tank through electrolysis as well as charge the old battery. If all goes well I should be ready to start it before the next week is over.

I've been seriously considering selling it since it's going to take a lot to get it fully restored so if I can get $500 for it then good riddance. This time I'll try to shoot for a sportbike and one that isn't older than me.
Soul_Angel
11-05-2005, 05:25 PM
Electrolysis is where you run an electrical current through water right?
Toma-kun
11-05-2005, 09:11 PM
Yep. It's not enough voltage to break the bonds of the water molecules, but it's enough to get the surface rust off of the metal.
Soul_Angel
11-05-2005, 09:15 PM
Yay, I was right...looks like I have a chance of passing Chemistry after all.
dw_slainhope
11-06-2005, 01:31 PM
T..T so lucky! I can't even drive yet!
Toma-kun
11-06-2005, 03:05 PM
Well I'm on a simialr boat; I have no clue on how to drive a motorcycle. Heck I don't even know how to ride a bicycle!
Soul_Angel
11-06-2005, 05:21 PM
T..T so lucky! I can't even drive yet!

I have my temps, but I don't have my liscence yet.
Lucca
11-07-2005, 05:27 PM
Same here, and with the cost of insurance the way it is, I don't know if I ever will. :P
Soul_Angel
11-07-2005, 05:31 PM
The only reason I don't have my liscence yet is because I can't get in for a road test. I hate Wisconsin's DMVs.
Toma-kun
11-07-2005, 07:06 PM
Yea the rates are killer, even for someone with 3 years of driving experience.

Anyway, back on topic; my charger came in today and I'm reviving an old car battery so I can see if the bike cranks over tomorrow. I also got a replacement seat cover, so now I have something to sit on.

Unfortunately, I suspect the engine may be seized since it's been sitting for so long; I can't budge the kickstarter and it won't move while in gear. I'm planning to use the starter to put enough torque on the crankshaft to break the pistons free, but it's definitely not looking good. :(
Lucca
11-07-2005, 07:15 PM
yikes, well if you get the thing running make sure to put a decent price on it. It looks like you've got alot of time and effort put into it, don't let it go to waste. You could always keep it for yourself, but I know how tight money can be...
Toma-kun
11-08-2005, 02:03 PM
Ha! I was able to free the engine today using the starter so I'm back on track! Now all I need is some washing soda and I'll be able to clean the gas tank. I'm getting closer to the moment of truth!
Soul_Angel
11-08-2005, 05:12 PM
Here's a thumbs up. So how much more do you have to do?
Toma-kun
11-08-2005, 10:07 PM
I'm guessing a list should help me out:

1. Zap the rust out of the gas tank
2. Re-install carburetors
3. Re-install and calibrate all cables
4. Bleed brakes
5. Check ignition timing
6. Check for proper valve clearance
7. Fill tank with gas
8. Start her up!

I'll probably have to buy a bunch of cleaning and touch-up materials too so I can make it look as good as possible before selling.
Toma-kun
11-19-2005, 03:52 PM
Woohoo, after a week of delays I was finally able to start her up. This thing sounds great! There's still a minor overflowing of gas from the float bowls and the idle still needs to be tweaked, but at least I know it lives!
Soul_Angel
11-19-2005, 05:20 PM
Congrats. Just keep working on it. You'll get it done faster.