I picked up a non-running 1972 Honda CB500 (K1) from one of the other members of the now defunct motorcycle tool collective Brother Moto. Overall it looks pretty good but definitely will need some work to get it up and running – which was the intent. I wanted a project that Darrow and I could work on over the summer to introduce him to turning wrenches.
So here is the plan: (1) pull gas tank and give it the vinegar/chain/screws spa treatment to knock out the corrosion (which looks bad), if it is too bad to salvage get a new tank on ebay or retromoto; (2) while the tank is off, replace the ignition switch (previous owner lost the key); (3) replace the dead lithium battery with an AGM battery; (4) replace the carbs wholesale with pre-synced and jetted carbs from Murray’s and adjust the throttle cable; (5) replace the handlebar switches; (6) replace the back brake (the arm is currently bent) – stopping is important; (7) replace seat upholstery; and (8) replace grips. Then we can figure out what else needs to be done.
