g_clarke_2008

So about a month ago, actually the day we won gold in men's hockey, I picked up a project. I have never tried anything like this before so please be kind (even you Tweety . It's a 1975 Honda CB500T that was very neglected. Mostly what I have done was strip it down and do a lot of cleaning and painting. The few things I have changed are the clubman bars, I put some Ducati 1098 rearsets on and a modified ducati fender for the back. Once the motor is back together and in I will fit the new exhaust which will have about a 20 degree angle to it hopefully. Let me know what ya'll think?

8541Hawk

It looks good so far..... keep us posted on the progress.

g_clarke_2008

I forgot to mention, the first picture is of course the before picture. I actually have been documenting everything of facebook but wasn't brave enough to throw it out to all of you experts. I don't have any sort of machine shop or fabricating skills like other members so I am currently looking around and trying to find someone who can build me a rear cowl. That'll be the only thing on the bike that I haven't done myself.

captainchaos

Don't be so hard on yourself I think it looks great so far. Love that the rearsets probably cost more if you were to buy them new at the dealer than I'm sure you paid for the whole bike Keep us updated looking good!

g_clarke_2008

Hi all, I haven't updated this in a while, life happened and I got to busy to make any real progress. I have been puttering on it for the last few months and back it it for a couple of weeks now. Here is what has been done so far and what still needs to be done:
-stripped to the frame, sanded and painted in flat black
-new tires
-new brake pads front and back
-new clutch cable
-clubman bars added
-top end of motor rebuilt and all gaskets replaced
-painted tank, seat pan/cowl, and side covers
-bar end mirrors
-new rear fender, brake lights, and signals
-painted headers with flat black header paint
-new exhaust pipes and changed angle on exhaust to sweep up a bit
-custom seat/cowl
-painted all motor mounts and reinstalled
-new air filters
-cleaned carbs

Left to do
-put padding on seat and cover
-install front signals and wire in rear brake light and signals
-put gas in and see if it runs
-tune engine, idle, sync carbs, etc

I have done the majority of the work myself, the only I didn't do was the seat pan/cowl. I ordered one off of ebay and then I had to custom mount the factory brackets so that it would fit. She is not perfect but I think she's looking good. Give me your honest opinion of what you think and any suggestion of changes you think I should make or other things to look at. I'm hoping to have it fired up and test ride before the snow hits then I have all winter to tweak things an/or change thiungsd I'm not happy with

g_clarke_2008

Here's a few more pics and 1 of what it looked like the day I brought it home. I've added it up and including the cost of the bike I have about $1500 (canadian) invested. I'm hoping to have it running this weekend

7moore7

Wow- very tastefully done. The blacked out wheels reallllllly look nice against the red body. I like the simplicity. How many hours do you suppose you have in it?

mortbike

Looks awesome-love it!!! great job- Mort

g_clarke_2008

@ 7more7, I could't even hazard a guess as to how many hours I have into her. I guess that's something I should have kept track of but I've just been slowly puttering away in my garage over the last 7 months and had the motor in a friends garage while we did the head since he has more tools and knowledge than I do. It's been a labor of love and I can't wait to get her running and have the first ride. If nothing else it'll be a unique bike and no one else will have one that looks like it.
I'll update with video once I finally get her running and post more pics once it's 100% complete, not that any project is ever 100% complete

Old Yeller

good work. looks great!

7moore7

No sense in putting numbers on it; that just makes it sound like a job! I was more of just curious about which parts were hardest/most time consuming and the like.

slapi01

wow man that looks killer.. and to think you were worried about putting the progress up on here. for some who have never taken a project on to that extent.. blood,sweat and tears in an understatement. i was at nearly wit's end on my cafe build from paint to making my own wiring harness.. A+++++ man you deserve it... my bike would look great riding with yours

saige

thats a hell of a job you done there,,keep up the work and keep us updated.