1995 Honda CB500

[s1105117]

Introducing my new steed!



As said, a 36,000 mile machine in reasonable condition requiring some care

Found her on the bay of E for sale up in Stratford upon Avon, with auction ending the day before my wedding! managed to convince the wife to drive me up to collect her.. After the honeymoon!

She had been dropped so a slightly bent light bracket, a snapped brake lever and a small crack to the side panel.

And upon colecti a flat battery! Previous owner neglecting somewhat I think...

Got her going with a push, the battery taking it's charge and holding it fortunately! Rode the way back to Bristol no probs and has competed around 200 miles since.

Needs some clutch adjustment, and a bloody good service which she will get this Friday! I have replaced the brake lever as despite it passing the MOT I think you should be able to get more than your index finger on the lever... Also straightened out the light with some gentle encouragement

This is my daily vehicle so will be about come rain or shine and I think she is superb. This is the first vehicle I have bought after deciding I liked the look of it then actually doing some research into the model and confirming that not only did I want one I should do!   

Excellent to ride and a bit of a bargain price. People think the latter might be due in part to the pink decals, which I actually think look quite good. I shall name her Lily the pink.

[waynedear]

They must have something, they had their own race series 😁

[PHUQ]

My housemate had one at uni so what, 10 years back. He derived a convoluted series of experiments that mostly involved bouncing it off of the tarmac before eventually concluding that it actually was indestructible by normal means so he took it apart to rebuild it (and half rebuilt it again in his bedroom, no idea what ultimately happened to it).

Got a lot of respect for them after that.

[s1105117]

So she has had her full service, and a full going over by the local garage, and naturally is running sweet as a nut.

Theories about PO neglect came to pass though in two ways. Number 1, she had clearly not had a service for a few years! Although the spark plugs were new, they were not screwed in properly which was a bit odd. Shows how good these bikes are that she just kept on riding no matter! Also the tyre pressures were low, the CB likes them high apparently.

The low tyre pressures however lead on to issue 2. With the tyres pumped up I got on her, and just heard the faint sound of rushing air. Closer examination of the tyre valve lead to the discovery that the valve had snapped in half across the base, and had been glued together with superglue! You do have to wonder. So back in the garage for a new rear tyre, which she needed anyway but i was going to wait until next week (payday) for, but there we are.

All back together now though and riding brilliantly, even qith our interesting weather at the moment! Altjough I will admit i did draw the line at going out when the rain looked like a Venetian blind. Glad I researched for this bike as the reviews do describe them well, definitely a top quality machine, and for me this one is definitely a keeper. Also at 24 years old I'm sure she counts as retro!

[s1105117]

Aug 11, 2019 20:12:04 GMT PHUQ said:

My housemate had one at uni so what, 10 years back. He derived a convoluted series of experiments that mostly involved bouncing it off of the tarmac before eventually concluding that it actually was indestructible by normal means so he took it apart to rebuild it (and half rebuilt it again in his bedroom, no idea what ultimately happened to it).

Got a lot of respect for them after that.

ha! Sounds about right from that pal! It's a bike that doesn't shout for respect but quietly gets it justly I reckon.

[SmokeEm]

Looks like a lovely bike. Really wish I had taken my test years ago!

[s1105117]

Nice changeable weather we're having!

Well whilst yesterday was nice I dec8ded to go for a little ride out and about the nearby country side. Some nice little roads, and a few roads that were only really fit for horses or Landrovers but Lily rode superbly.

Don't really recall the last time I just went for a drive in the car, but I find it too tempting not to on the bike (when it's not sheeting down!). Besides, found a few pubs that require further investigation! I also fancied stopping somewhere to read a book, though next time, must remember to bring a book! Also it d9es seem that even when I head off in the other direction I end up at least for a bit near the chew valley lakes, I think I need to investigate other locals! Anyway, have some random photos.

[goldnrust]

Aimless motorbike adventures in the sun, its a lovely feeling

The chap who used to do my bike MOTs used to swear that these were the best bikes ever made and had several. I think that might pushing it a bit! But they're certainly a great work horse and will take on anything you throw at them

[s1105117]

We managed to make it to the gathering!



Albeit a bit late in the day (time wasters in the morning but there we are) and because we were late I was banished to the non retro parking (the scandal!) I chose not to argue so that I could get into the paddock!

Some amazing rises out there and a fair few I recognised, and met a few good people, but sadly no one I recognised!!

I am taking this year as a gathering taster session, i will be back next year!

Few photos of cool rides.













Saturday however we attended the Bristol bike show!












Busy weekend for the mighty Honda, however I don't think she noticed! 😎

[s1105117]

Not really much to comment on this bike other than she keeps plodding along nicely oh I fitted a touring screen which does help a fair bit with wind and I think improves the look of the bike. Oh and at somepoint I will be raising the handlebars up.

However we did complete the Santa on a Bike charity ride for children's hospice South West at the weekend!



So now pretty much all the photos of me riding my bike I'm dressed as Santa... Anyway! Great day out and a some funds raised for a really good cause. Naturally the Honda performed faultlessly, although I did lose her in the crowd at the start for a good half an hour or so!