After being off the road for eight years and everyone being grounded by the virus, I decided it was time to dig my old Honda CB500T out and show it some love.
That was one of the best bikes I ever had back in the day exactly the same colour.. handle great and so much fun .. servicing was strange too with the metal oil filter and cantilever valves adjusters but lots of fun to do yourself ..
Grew up riding one like this with my dad, and got to ride it a few times myself, including for my motorcycle test. Interestingly, the one we had smoked out the RH cylinder too and I suspect it needed some work there too. Sadly it was old about 15 years ago. Thanks for sharing!
Lovely bike Paul. Had one exactly the same colour back in the late 70's - I think they only came in brown or orange in those days. Lovely bike, very reliable and quite comfy on long trips. It had to go to make way for a Z650. Fond memories of that CB. Can't wait to see how yours comes out after a a bit more tlc. Look forward to part 2. ATVB from an equally locked down (since 18 march ) but much sunnier Malaysia. . Stay safe 😎😷
I recently restored mine, which my Dad bought for me in the early 1990's. I hope to get it ready to ride soon. I can't wait - it's been years since I last rode it, but I can still remember how the vibes made my fingers and toes go numb! A great looking bike though and reliable with regular basic maintenance. The stock silencers are as rare as hens teeth nowadays. They look good, but the engine sounds so much better without them! Have fun!
Sure, I've always had a predilection for British iron, but still nurture a sneaking admiration for those CB twins of the '70s. They clearly have their own virtues while still looking like actual motorcycles to my old eyes, unlike many more modern offerings. My hunch is that what yours needs most of all is just to be ridden to blow out the cobwebs. Enjoy!
I will keep that in mind and possibly come up with something. There should also be another short video I made featuring a rather scruffy orange one I got running a few years ago.
I remember warning off a customer from buying one of these. They were reputed [in USA mags] to have camchain problems. Don't know if that's true. Sold him an XS650
Did those have a 180 degree firing order Paul? Do your know what the power specs are? Always admired those, they were a beautiful beast although a small engine. Thanks for showing us. They also had a good pedigree starting with the Black Bomber 450's (in '66?).
Hi and thanks, they have a 180 degree crank engine - I really like that about them. They are usually quoted at around 42 BHP, give or take a couple, depending on the source.
Glad to see you got her back out! I recently bought a 76 cb500t. Love it, but I have had a few gremlins to chase out from previous owner.. my throttle seems like its a quick turn or something I barely have to twist it like its all or nothing. Any advice on the old girl?
I just didn't have much free time back then, with the kids being small, family stuff etc, etc and I was getting some riding time on customer machines, so it just got sidelined.
That was one of the best bikes I ever had back in the day exactly the same colour.. handle great and so much fun .. servicing was strange too with the metal oil filter and cantilever valves adjusters but lots of fun to do yourself ..
Grew up riding one like this with my dad, and got to ride it a few times myself, including for my motorcycle test. Interestingly, the one we had smoked out the RH cylinder too and I suspect it needed some work there too. Sadly it was old about 15 years ago. Thanks for sharing!
Nice to see an older Honda on your channel, nice useable condition! Great mini in the background.
WELL DONE Paul what a time machine keep busy that looks well used but great...
Thanks, Noel!
Lovely bike Paul. Had one exactly the same colour back in the late 70's - I think they only came in brown or orange in those days. Lovely bike, very reliable and quite comfy on long trips. It had to go to make way for a Z650. Fond memories of that CB. Can't wait to see how yours comes out after a a bit more tlc. Look forward to part 2. ATVB from an equally locked down (since 18 march ) but much sunnier Malaysia. . Stay safe 😎😷
Thanks Razif, it will be some time before this goes on the road, but hopefully some time this year! You keep safe, too!
I recently restored mine, which my Dad bought for me in the early 1990's. I hope to get it ready to ride soon. I can't wait - it's been years since I last rode it, but I can still remember how the vibes made my fingers and toes go numb! A great looking bike though and reliable with regular basic maintenance. The stock silencers are as rare as hens teeth nowadays. They look good, but the engine sounds so much better without them! Have fun!
I have had a few of these, one had open megaphone exhausts and it sounded fantastic, but could almost make your ears bleed!
Sure, I've always had a predilection for British iron, but still nurture a sneaking admiration for those CB twins of the '70s. They clearly have their own virtues while still looking like actual motorcycles to my old eyes, unlike many more modern offerings. My hunch is that what yours needs most of all is just to be ridden to blow out the cobwebs. Enjoy!
Thanks, bill!
Nice one Paul ! I had many happy day's speedway , grasstrack at 19 not a care in the world !
Thanks, Chris!
Love this bike sir! Simply fresh🤩
Thank you!
Indestructible, that's why people had such faith in them as general purpose commuter bike.
Hope you are keeping well and staying safe Paul
So far, so good, thanks. Stay safe!
Nice lumpy sound of a 180 degree twin.
Great sound, isn't it!
as the Irish put it - `you couldn`t kill it with a stick`
I'm doing the same, cleaning up an old friend, but after working on it all day, it still doesn't look as good as yours before you start.
Keep at it and good luck!
Great bike! Would be great if you did a few videos showing how you maintain the cb500t. Not that many videos with this model
I will keep that in mind and possibly come up with something. There should also be another short video I made featuring a rather scruffy orange one I got running a few years ago.
I remember warning off a customer from buying one of these. They were reputed [in USA mags] to have camchain problems. Don't know if that's true. Sold him an XS650
You had to keep the camchain tension maintained, or they would give trouble, otherwise, very tough engines.
Did those have a 180 degree firing order Paul? Do your know what the power specs are? Always admired those, they were a beautiful beast although a small engine. Thanks for showing us. They also had a good pedigree starting with the Black Bomber 450's (in '66?).
Hi and thanks, they have a 180 degree crank engine - I really like that about them. They are usually quoted at around 42 BHP, give or take a couple, depending on the source.
Glad to see you got her back out! I recently bought a 76 cb500t. Love it, but I have had a few gremlins to chase out from previous owner.. my throttle seems like its a quick turn or something I barely have to twist it like its all or nothing. Any advice on the old girl?
Check your carb jets - especially the pilot jets, there is probably a blockage or restriction somewhere.
hi Paul, any advice please, my Honda cb500t the engine is racing after running
The throttles can get a bit sticky at the pivots where the tickover is set - try some WD40 or similar on them to keep them free.
Reliving a misspent youth 🙄. Why did you stop riding it?
I just didn't have much free time back then, with the kids being small, family stuff etc, etc and I was getting some riding time on customer machines, so it just got sidelined.
Parli italiano?
No scusa!