Hey there all, name's Todd, and I just bought a potential Cafe project bike today...first a little history, my first motorcycle was a '73 Honda CB 350, that I had as a junior in Highschool, until I dumped it shortly after graduating...I hadn't ridden a bike regularly again until..oh, TODAY!!! I just purchased a 1976 Honda CB500T...a little bit of an upgrade from my beginner bike, but not much. My stepfather had a 2006 Honda VTX that he let me ride to the carwash last year (of course, I had to wash it too) but other than that, I've been renewing a M license for 14 years, without using it, really. Stepdad now has a Honda Goldwing...not my style at all, and he wouldn't even trust me with that much power. I'm rather excited about this new toy, as it's as old as I am, so there's already a bond between us. It's been in storage, not running for 2 years, but my Stepfather was able to ride it 50 miles on highways from the gentleman we purchased it from. I paid $500 for it, which is great, considering that people around here are actually paying in excess of $1500 for smaller, worse condition bikes. I've been looking to make a buy for about 3 months, and this was the only running bike I've seen listed for less than $900...
So anyway, it appears that there is an aftermarket paint job on the bike, as there are drips of red paint on the engine...LOL. The guy I bought it from didn't seem ot be the kind of person to do that, so I assume that it was the prior owner that decided that red was better...but they obviously didn't remove the tank before painting...made me laugh.
The guy told me that the spark plugs foul often, although they have been fine for us so far, even through a rain shower or 2 (we picked a bad day to go bike shopping) Anyway, I've requested the local Honda dealer to contact me to set up an appointment for inspection, a tune up, and complete fluid change...as you can probably tell, I'm not much of a wrench head, myself...I certainly don't have the patience. I can fix little things, like I did on my old 350, but for this first time in 2 years servicing, I'm leaving it ot the pros. Once I get a chance, I'll take some photos of the new toy, then I'll be open to any suggestions that folks have for any modifications...
I'm really interested in the cafe racer type style, especially after browsing these formus for the last couple days. The things that can be done to these classic machines amazes me...Things to keep in mind...I'm over 250 lbs, 5' 10", so, basically, short and fat...but the fat is melting away. Right now, I can barely flat foot both feet while on the bike, but I can do it...I'm also on a lmiited budget...I make good money, but the accountant (wife) seems to think that we need to limit spending...unless it's for her. I have time to putz around with stuff, but not for more than like 4 hours at a time, since I work full time, and attend culinary school as well. If I decide to make any tank or seat changes, I'll either buy a new one, or salvage one to chop up.
Anyway, it's nice to meet you all, and I hope to have many good conversations in the future. oh, BTW, I live near Pittsburgh, PA
P.S. anyone know where I could find a 2 into 1 exhaust for the 500T, these stock ones are terrible?
So anyway, it appears that there is an aftermarket paint job on the bike, as there are drips of red paint on the engine...LOL. The guy I bought it from didn't seem ot be the kind of person to do that, so I assume that it was the prior owner that decided that red was better...but they obviously didn't remove the tank before painting...made me laugh.
The guy told me that the spark plugs foul often, although they have been fine for us so far, even through a rain shower or 2 (we picked a bad day to go bike shopping) Anyway, I've requested the local Honda dealer to contact me to set up an appointment for inspection, a tune up, and complete fluid change...as you can probably tell, I'm not much of a wrench head, myself...I certainly don't have the patience. I can fix little things, like I did on my old 350, but for this first time in 2 years servicing, I'm leaving it ot the pros. Once I get a chance, I'll take some photos of the new toy, then I'll be open to any suggestions that folks have for any modifications...
I'm really interested in the cafe racer type style, especially after browsing these formus for the last couple days. The things that can be done to these classic machines amazes me...Things to keep in mind...I'm over 250 lbs, 5' 10", so, basically, short and fat...but the fat is melting away. Right now, I can barely flat foot both feet while on the bike, but I can do it...I'm also on a lmiited budget...I make good money, but the accountant (wife) seems to think that we need to limit spending...unless it's for her. I have time to putz around with stuff, but not for more than like 4 hours at a time, since I work full time, and attend culinary school as well. If I decide to make any tank or seat changes, I'll either buy a new one, or salvage one to chop up.
Anyway, it's nice to meet you all, and I hope to have many good conversations in the future. oh, BTW, I live near Pittsburgh, PA
P.S. anyone know where I could find a 2 into 1 exhaust for the 500T, these stock ones are terrible?
