1972 Honda CB 500K1

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flyin900
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1972 Honda CB 500K1

#1

Post by flyin900 »

I am presently working on a friends 1972 CB 500K1 that has a CB 550K4 motor in the frame. The bike has sat for over 20 years since it was last on the road, yet we did get it running about 6 years ago. Since he wasn't able to spend the time or money on the bike back then it has sat again for the past 6 years. I did store it correctly by fogging the engine and draining the carbs at that time, so hopefully it will still be a good runner once the restoration is done.

Typically I didn't take any before pics while the bike was still a complete bike and only have the tear down pics as I take it all apart. Hard to remember where all those parts go down the road when it comes time for reassembly.

The bike needless to say was in pretty rough condition with rust on the front and rear rims and spokes, plus lots of dirt from years of sitting. Upon a closer look at the disassembly stage the bike seems to have been horizontal and well as vertical more than once in the past. Some road rash on the frame and engine cases and a bent back brake lever and the right foot rest and the large bolt that it mounts onto.

Interesting how the tach is on the left and the speedo on the right, yet the reset for the trip meter is placed where if you reversed them it would be in between the two gauges. Some pics of the tear down with still a long way to go on the remaining parts and carbs etc.
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Last edited by flyin900 on Sat Jul 06, 2019 11:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
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flyin900
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#2

Post by flyin900 »

Here are a few pictures of the progress on the frame in primer and the engine has been cleaned up and refinished and the oil pan and screen cleaned out. I reset the valves and cleaned up the exhaust ports from some carbon buildup and I have polished some of the side cases. I am waiting for a replacement alternator cover as it suffered a nasty slide on the road surface at some point.
I opted to use some Chinese switch gear which was in the budget of the fellow and so we will see how they perform. They looked actually not bad for the prices paid vs used or Honda OEM parts.
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Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
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Track T 2411
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#3

Post by Track T 2411 »

Nice progress! The frame looks good in primer. Did you use a paint stripper, or sand blast it? I'm curious what type of paints you're using, as I'm about at that stage with my '78 project...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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flyin900
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#4

Post by flyin900 »

Track, I used a combination of small glass bead (30-50 size) in a hand held blaster on my 30 GAL compressor along with a wire wheel ( minimal use) and some hand sanding( very minimal here, mostly to feather the primer finish) and an electric mouse sander (more use overall with this tool after the bead blasting).
The issue is the compressor just doesn't have the juice to really do a great stripping job. I works OK, yet runs continually, so I'm only getting a short duration of 120PSI initially. It does work yet it needs patience and other extra work afterwards to finish the job.
I just bought some Rust-oleum brand Painters Touch Gray primer $6.99 a can and it took 2.5 cans, as I needed to fill a few spots that showed once the primer was applied. Stripping to bare metal would get away from the pock marks I missed with all the prep I did initially.
I plan to shoot a gloss black two part top coat in my small paint gun, as I have some left over from the GL1100 project and it is a body shop quality paint.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
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Track T 2411
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#5

Post by Track T 2411 »

Thanks for that info. It's been 25 years since I've painted with anything other than rattle cans, so I'm kind of lost with all the variations of paint these days. I'm thinking of buying an inexpensive hvlp gun and giving it a go...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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flyin900
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#6

Post by flyin900 »

You should go for it as it really does help with the paint cost and finish quality. The learning curve is pretty quick too. I have a small inexpensive ” Vaper”brand HVLP gun that I bought a number of years ago that I use to spray top coat finishes. I still use the rattle cans for lots of work, since they offer many different heat and chemical resistant finishes. The DupliColor brand is what I use and many are covered/shown in the GL1100 restoration which I believe you have seen already.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
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Lucien Harpress
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#7

Post by Lucien Harpress »

Looking great so far. I installed one of those aftermarket switch clusters on my CB750, and it seems to be holding up okay. I too am curious to see how it holds up long-term.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete

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desertrefugee
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#8

Post by desertrefugee »

Nice work. That really looks sweet. LOVE the early 4 cylinders.

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- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
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flyin900
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#9

Post by flyin900 »

Still holding the RC166 piston in the avatar. I think you may have me confused with the fellow who suffered an unfortunate woodworking accident.
I usually just drop heavy bike stuff on my body parts. crying1
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
desertrefugee
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SUPER BIKER!!!!
Posts: 3947
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
Location: Chandler, AZ, USA

Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#10

Post by desertrefugee »

Oops. I did. And I didn't know that was an RC166 piston. Cute little bugger, huh?
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#11

Post by pidjones »

Are you using full air-supplied breathing and HEPA filters on your booth exhaust? Although the Duplicolor lacquers can be shot with just good filter masks, I've read that the two part paints can be deadly if proper care is not taken. I did my GL1000 with the lacquers but clear-coated with 2K rattle-can. I was worried that my cartridge filter mask wasn't sufficient, and indeed the smell in my shed lingered for quite a while.
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1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
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Liam
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#12

Post by Liam »

Have to say I have a soft spot for those early 4 cylinder CBs.
Following your progress with great interest.
Love the way your engine turned out.
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flyin900
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Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#13

Post by flyin900 »

PID I am shooting outside in plenty of fresh air away from any human interaction. I use a high quality 3M face mask designed for this type of finish and a full paint suit and hood. Yes the two stage paints with the isocyanates do demand respect. Thanks for the input though, as many may not realize these products need to be handled with care.

Thanks Liam, I am happy to get my friends bike into the shop for a full refresh and I am sure it will look great and run fine once it is finished. He didn't have the time in the past, so hopefully now he will be able to enjoy the bike. He isn't a current rider and has some past experience in riding, so this will be a perfect sized bike to start out on again.

Still some more polishing of the shiny bits to be done on the engine cam covers and the replacement alternator cover arrived, so I should be able to button up the motor this weekend.
Last edited by flyin900 on Thu Jul 18, 2019 10:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
flyin900
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Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#14

Post by flyin900 »

I am progressing along with this project and was able to get the gas tank and side covers into primer within the past week. I decided to try a flat white primer vs the flat grey colour. I don't know how or if it affects the base coat having a lighter primer on there, yet I thought I would try it for a change. The gas tank had a number of small dents and one medium one right on the side area below the Honda logo. It took a lot of finessing of the area to get it back into shape.

The colour scheme is going to be the Varnish Blue from a 1975 CB400F four on the side covers and the whole side area of the gas tank. The top section of the tank will be a silver colour with pinstripe to separate the two tank colours and dress it up.
I also shot the frame in a gloss black urethane finish today and will be getting the owner to help in putting the motor back into the frame once I get to that stage.
Attachments
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Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
flyin900
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Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Re: 1972 Honda CB 500K1

#15

Post by flyin900 »

Here are the frames from the CB500 and its swing arm and also the frame from my winter project the Honda CL175 twin. I try to paint all items when I have the gun set up to reduce the amount of painting and gun cleaning.

I have them up in my garage mezzanine presently to cure the paint further, as it is quite hot up there at the moment. :flamer
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Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
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