So green. 1975 cb500t NY!

[Deleted]

First, and foremost; hello to all!

I am obviously new to DTT, and I'd like to introduce myself and the build.

New to motorcycles, not new to forums and being a gear head. I understand most forum interaction, so we'll keep this short. I'm 27, former aerospace engineer technician and currently moving on from my e30 BMW build to this new world of "cafe racers"

The bike : 1975 cb500t
The cost : $500
Mileage on motor : 8200

This bike was bought as an incomplete build. This is how it sits 4 days after purchase in my home. My apologies if the pictures are rotated incorrectly (using cell)

Immediate plans (ASAP)

Rewire/and connect everything
Mount motor properly (put in loose to aid moving to my house)
Source controls/parts to make run (the tidbits)

Remove fenders
Cut frame and install a loop
Find the right seat/pan
Clip ons
Custom led rear lights
Gauges

Anyway, any input or tips as to what specifically to look into or popular styles/mods would be appreciated.

In the meantime, I'll keep my mouth shut...sit back and use the search button, and learn.

Hopeful to keep you all busy with build progress!

....and Incase anyone was curious about the car build I mentioned...

 

[farmer92]

Sweet little BMW you got there, welcome aboard

 

[VonYinzer]

Welcome to DTT. That 500T motor (along w the 450) is far and above the prettiest motor Honda ever built, imho. Love the e30 too!

 

[Deleted]

Welcome to DTT. That 500T motor (along w the 450) is far and above the prettiest motor Honda ever built, imho. Love the e30 too!

Sweet little BMW you got there, welcome aboard

Thanks gents! The e30 was a 14 year build. It's got a motor swap, and a life long list of mods. I have some burnout vids I'll figure out how to share eventually. Hopeful the bike is completed much faster!

I already tore off the fenders and rear electrics since posting earlier.

Any tips for a custom seat? I know I have to search a lot, but I'll always take some pointers.

 

[canyoncarver]

Deleted!. I like the Honda twin. I dig your four wheeler too. I had 318 then a 320 at one point, those are fun cars.


Bikes are different than cars. Geometry matters much more on two wheels than four. Consider that as you modify it.

 

[Deleted]

Deleted!. I like the Honda twin. I dig your four wheeler too. I had 318 then a 320 at one point, those are fun cars.


Bikes are different than cars. Geometry matters much more on two wheels than four. Consider that as you modify it.

Thank you! That is a very helpful tip too

 

[jpmobius]

Cool bike! Welcome to DTT. You will likely be much happier if you let function drive your modifications before aesthetics. Put it all together with as few mods as possible and ride it around for a while first. You may be surprised how this will influence your decision making. Fenders are super important to have on a bike. Your bike will get unbelievably filthy with out them and be crazy awful to ride if it rains or even if the roads are wet. Also, the front fender on most old bikes has an integral fork brace that will adversely impact handling if removed and not replaced with an alternative. Adding a loop to the back is not needed for structure on most frames so you only need it for mounting lights or seat etc. Don't adjust the ride height front or back unless you determine that you are unhappy with the handling characteristics and wish to make changes to the way it drives by making changes. Changing the ride height for "stance" will provide you with a lower performance motorcycle than you started with. When you do your seat modifications, take off one of the shocks and fully compress the other one by using a ratchet strap wrapped around the frame and swing arm. Alternatively you can remove the spring from the shock. Regardless, you need to have the rear suspension at max travel to see how you will need to provide clearance. The stock fender may appear to have excessive clearance, but not as much as you think. It is a good guide whether you keep it or not. Likely you would be well served to keep it and simply cut it down in the back for appearance. You may wish to consider making your own seat. It is hard to find a seat that really fits your particular bike, and the process of altering one to fit well can be as much trouble as making the right thing from scratch - of course it depends on your skills and interest. Good luck and take lots of pictures!

 

[Deleted]

Cool bike! Welcome to DTT. You will likely be much happier if you let function drive your modifications before aesthetics. Put it all together with as few mods as possible and ride it around for a while first. You may be surprised how this will influence your decision making. Fenders are super important to have on a bike. Your bike will get unbelievably filthy with out them and be crazy awful to ride if it rains or even if the roads are wet. Also, the front fender on most old bikes has an integral fork brace that will adversely impact handling if removed and not replaced with an alternative. Adding a loop to the back is not needed for structure on most frames so you only need it for mounting lights or seat etc. Don't adjust the ride height front or back unless you determine that you are unhappy with the handling characteristics and wish to make changes to the way it drives by making changes. Changing the ride height for "stance" will provide you with a lower performance motorcycle than you started with. When you do your seat modifications, take off one of the shocks and fully compress the other one by using a ratchet strap wrapped around the frame and swing arm. Alternatively you can remove the spring from the shock. Regardless, you need to have the rear suspension at max travel to see how you will need to provide clearance. The stock fender may appear to have excessive clearance, but not as much as you think. It is a good guide whether you keep it or not. Likely you would be well served to keep it and simply cut it down in the back for appearance. You may wish to consider making your own seat. It is hard to find a seat that really fits your particular bike, and the process of altering one to fit well can be as much trouble as making the right thing from scratch - of course it depends on your skills and interest. Good luck and take lots of pictures!

Thank you! Very helpful!

I didn't see anything structural to the fenders, they were just held on by a few 10mm bolts to the bottom of the forks. I did notice that the previous owner took off the front caliper currently, and the moving arm for it was held on by a section of the fender (The bolts really, not the fender just a mutual mount point) I made sure to bolt those ones back in. We're a ways away from it running proper, needs to be re wired and jetted, so I'll be starting with that, I just can't help but get a wrench on it. Boredom got the best of me.

As for the seat, it was purchased without one entirely, so I may just have to weld a flat pan on after cutting some old metal off to shorten it a bit. Here is a picture of the bike fenderless and then the rear frame as is

And below is an Instagram link for the e30 burnout if you wanted hear/see



https://instagram.com/p/7_FxvBmYdI/

 

[Deleted]

For some reason this image didn't post

 

[farmer92]

Damn
What did you put into that thing?

 

[Deleted]

Damn
What did you put into that thing?

It's a fully rebuilt, with custom goodies, m20b25 from an early 90s 5 series. Has the 885 head, fully rebuilt with bigger valves, e36 s50 injectors... Custom base computer, exhaust, and literally anything and everything you can think of.... It's pushing like 219hp (stock m20 is 168) but the car weighs 2300lbs. It's super fast