Tag Archives: ton up

Firing up the CB500 with New velocity stacks.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
05 Oct

Messing about with the CB500 this afternoon, I fitted some aftermarket Velocity stacks to the bike, with screens, so that should help the bike breath better and I also managed to find a 15mm Die and tap the threads to a course range and the New petcocks I bought, screwed right on.

No idea if they will leak but should be fine and on the weekend I shall fit the gas tank, buy some 97 octane gas and see if I can ride the old girl.  Still more to do, I need to buy some Throttle cables so I have a Push Pull set up but she should run ok for the time being.

Honda CB500-4 Cafe Project from England Needing some Magic

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
28 Sep

This old 1972 inline four Originally came across the waters about 18 years ago now and has never run on this side of the pond, sat in storage for many years, this old girl needs a little pick me up to see if she indeed will ever run again, as no idea on the history of the bike much or if the motor is ok, but it has compression and a little bit of spark so on to at least a fighting chance.

The Carbs are a right mess and not surprised being sat for all them years and all gummed up like an old man with no teeth.

It needs two throttle cables as only one on there right now but can get new ones once I get this inline four fired up again, it is a great bike and look forward to later on in the month riding it, although the gas tank has 20 year old gas in it, so need to get that out and get rid of the toxic fumes that really stink, plus I do not want the tank to delaminate either.

Them old Gold Plastic tubes have no filters etc., so think I may get some Spun velocity Stacks or some Pod filters or bread box set up, but- the main thing is to see if this old girl will fire up, I did squirt some carb cleaner in the carbs and check for spark and she coughed a few times, but these carbs have got to be gone through and I am sure she will run.

If these carbs could only talk, I am sure many yarns would be heard and would love the history of this inline four machine as it was ridden well for quite some time back in England.

Carbs are off and they need some love, been sat for decades and never been run in that time at all, everything seems to function as well as the choke lever, so thats a good sign already.

They surely have had a hard life, but, nothing that I have not seen before in the 22 years of playing with these over here in California, and these will get a new lease of life for sure and be great to hear that old 4 cylinder Honda fire up again.

Now thats look a lot better right? These are cleaned, vapor blasted, rebuilt, new parts, polished, plated, ceramic coated and synchronized  and ready to go back on the bike.

So, at least we have a good chance of this running now and hopefully the motor is ok and will fire up after some persuading with a New battery and New fuel etc.

This is no show bike but the carbs had to be re built, so may as well go the extra mile right?

Lets get these Carbs back on the bike and see if we have a fighting chance of getting this bike fired up, I am sure it will smoke for sometime as no idea what’s up the exhaust pipe?

I got a small fuel leak from the bowls on first start up but all good now and just need two throttle cables for a snappier return but happy she fired, the exhaust I am sure will smoke for a while until it burns over 20 years of dust from inside it off, but hope you liked the video?

Classic Honda CB500-4 Cafe from Back Home now resides here

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
22 Sep

Well, its always great to add another ride to the stable here at home and this one is a real doozy, as this is a super cool Cafe Bike that was built a long time ago back home in England and is now all the way across the pond with me.

This 1972 CB500 Four still wears the original license plate from Back home and I love the fact it is still there as it brings back so many memories of my Motorcycles I owned when I resided in England and super stoked to have this with me now.

The bike is a time capsule in a way and really is how we built Café Bikes in my era of the 70’s, this is a very cool ride, not my favorite Color I must admit but a true old Café of my era that i saw everywhere that I rode to and hope to get this fired up soon.  This has not run for many many years, carbs are stuck, front brake is stuck and am sure the tank needs to be recoated inside as it is a Fiberglass version.

Bodywork is very reminiscent of the Bimota series of styled bikes and I will one day paint the whole bike again as the frame is painted that teal color and I thing a New Livery would be just what the doctor ordered, but that’s for way later on, as I need to get to work and see if I can get the 50 year Old inline four to breath a new lease of life once again.  She has never run in the USA so will be eager to get this sorted out and will be fun taking it for a run around the twisting roads in the canyons that I have here where I live.

I am super excited to get the old girl going and see how she handles around the country roads around here, the rear sets are pretty cool and set back nicely, so my legs will fit tine on this machine, I do have to source another Master Cylinder but no Biggy there and I know the brakes will need to be gone through and again, no worries there either just time and energy of which I have bags of.

The Carburetor’s are another story, as they are stuck and I will tear these ones down to see what the issue is and address the issue to get this running again, no idea what the wiring is like either so a full inspection is needed to see where the lay of the land actually lays and I can get some sort of List together of parts needed and work to be performed on this half century bike.

Its sits pretty level too which is nice has a made up 4 into one exhaust system, front header is stainless and rear is steel, interested to see how it sounds once she bursts into life, of course I need to get a new battery, new plugs and oil plus filter etc. but that is the same for any bike that’s not run in years.

You don’t see too many of the CB500 Models, mostly the slightly bigger 550’s, so its cool to have a 500 four here at the shop and look forward to kicking this back into life once more and seeing how she handles on the Southern California Tarmac.

These are a fun compact Powerhouse of a machine and back in the day, Several CB500 machines were entered in the Production TT races on the Isle Of Man in the early 1970s. Bill Smith won the 1973 500 cc TT Production race (four laps) riding one, 8.2 seconds ahead of second place Stan Woods mounted on a Suzuki Two Stroke Twin.

I remember doing this to my Side Covers back in the day to get the thing to breath, ha ha, so much fun back then trying all you could to squeeze extra power out of your Motorcycle, these carbs need to be totally over hauled but it will sound so nice when running again.

Something about home made Rear sets that I love and this is  a great little set up, no show chrome here, just road racing type rear sets that get you a more low down ride and faster gear changing etc.

I wont make any Modifications as such as this is a Classic Cafe with British Styling, but will make sure it runs well, Hard and sounds throaty for sure, I may change the headlight for an earlier style as that’s an aftermarket version and bring the headlight in more towards the frame and change turn signals to a stealthier look but early style.

Its a fun little Road Rocket and am sure with this Ohlins steering stabilizer, this will help with the wobbling in the tight bends that lay around where I live and will keep you updated on how this rides later on in a blog on the website.

So there she is, a great British Build Cafe Bike that oozes Nostalgia and I am happy that I will be able to ride this soon and remember the days I used to go to all the Road Races around the UK on my little Buzz Bomb.

Thanks for reading my Blog today, hope you fig this bike as Much as I do and I shall be doing follow ups as I go along as many of you ask if I can keep taking photos and writing what antics I have gotten up to with these Classic in line Four Machines.

I guess its time to get back into the Barn and turn some wrenches today, the Carburetor’s first, then the brakes, but love what I do and the challenges ahead, I will of course keep you posted on how I do here at Carpys Garage.

 

The Milwaukee Special CB750F HONDA SOHC

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
04 Sep

Well, here we go with another Model, this time a CB750F model, yes, the old Super Sport, I like the 750F models mainly because of their Disc rear brake, as the K model has a Drum rear, and this machine has some good lines to it, this was a basket case sometime ago and I plod along adding then taking away as I am not happy until the penny drops.

The Penny may not of dropped far but I think I am almost there with the design and the over look is quite sleek and streamlined, The Motor is rebuilt as well as the carburetors, but I have been to and from on the seat set up and after 6 or 7 different set ups, I came to the conclusion to keep it simple and will be fitting one of my Own Rocket Four seat assemblies to this bike and hopefully get it painted soon.

I think I am going to go with Smooth side covers, these were something I was experimenting with as one side had a hole in it, but I prefer at this time a smooth side cover and will paint a graphic or something on the side once I have come up with a good scheme.

Always something going on in the shop but need to get this completed and painted etc. then get some miles on it and then offer it up for sale for someone to enjoy, but a ways to go with this machine , am enjoying the way it is going at the moment. New rims, pretty much New everything, so this will be a fun and reliable Motorcycle when it is completed and on the tarmac, stay tuned……….

 

Building an Inline Four Project out of bits and parts laying about.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
15 Aug

Well, I still have not made my mind up how I am going in the design part of this ride, I thought I would use my phone and record a few sessions as I continue creating a machine that I personally like and want to use and I am sure that it will go through a few guises before I get on the right track, although that’s half the fun of it.

So here are a few videos I have cobbled together and hopefully you will like what I am trying to achieve, remember, Rome was not built in 7 days.

Inline Four build out of scattered parts around the Barn Part 3

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
04 Aug

Here is Part three of the video that I have just done, still no idea where this build will go, and if it will stay the same guys, thats the fun of creating something.

 

So follow me along the way and see what happens, some good stuff and I am sure some bad but I hope I at least entertained your time on your screen and maybe gave you a little insperation too?

The Sidewinder Exhaust System for SOHC Honda CB750 CB550 and CB500 Four.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
24 Jul

My Exhausts System named the Sidewinder is a Fun and Easy to fit 4 into 1 Performance system that will fit all CB750-CB550 and CB500 Four Honda Machines.

I am super proud of all my systems and this one I like because it allows for you to use your main stand if you so wish, the system flows so well and breathes like New lungs for a smoker.

I have sent these to all over the United States and the Globe, I get so much Positive feedback it really does make my day and of course, make my parts help people get their machines back on the tarmac.

 

Just thought I would share some pics today seeing its a Sunday and many people will be either on their machines riding, or building.

Have a great weekend and if you can get some time with your 2 wheeled machine, that would be even better.

Fitted one of my Exhausts to a 750 that hasn’t run in 8 years or so

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
13 Jul

People ask me about my exhausts all the time, I have had many repeat customers over the 22 years here and just happened to come across this 750F that a Customer bought to me on a trailer and has sat for 8 years, it was a mess and other people could not get it to run , so as the exhaust and motor were in much needed attention, I gave it a shot and she cleaned up pretty good, thought I would share it.

It wasn’t a show bike, just a run around machine that was in bad shape, I spent a weekend and got the motor looking nice, used one of my Yoshimura style 4 into 1 Performance exhaust systems and wrapped the headers with DEI Black 2″ wrap and boy was this a fun ride now, she was a little cold from the get go, not surprised as it hadn’t run in 8 years but, with rebuilt carbs, new gas, chain, exhaust , speedo and even brake lines, this old inline four breathed new life and to be honest, I wouldn’t of minded keeping this as a parts getter, as it was a blast to ride.

I also added a hoop for the Customer, his Original seat was rotted beyond recognition, so made him a seat assembly and upholstered with Diamond Stitching, I used memory foam and it was really comfortable.

I used my rear Custom License plate Holder that has a Model A Ford tail light attached and was an LED version, so nice and bright to get you noticed when you are applying the brakes.

This old Supersport has no turn signals, they were lost many moons ago and ugly as hell anyway, I sell a lot of these Brushed Aluminum 12v Signals and these were just the ticket for this build, you will also notice I made a new Braided  Stainless Steel rear brake line as the original one had rotted out and the Caliper had seized up. The tires were totally rotted out, so fitted my Favorite Bridgestone brand, these look great and handle so well, sits the bike up nicely too.

I also Added a New RED 530 DID chain, this was a good Combination, have always liked Black and red and with New sprockets and the old ugly 630 chain and sprockets removed, this was a smooth ride, no binding noise you get from old chains etc.

The Original headlight was broken beyond repair, so used my own Custom Chrome 7 inch set up that has LED turn signals inside the lens, cleaning the front end up as you may remember, 1977-1978 F models had huge Turn signals that jutted out like elephant ears, you may also notice that I fitted New Aluminum Levers on handlebars, New grips and new cables.

I added a set of 2.5 Mini Gauges, these are calibrated for the 750 and clean the whole top end of the triple tree up, his Originals were missing, so these were a great choice and I think suite the bike well, not cluttered like many you see on the road.

This 78F has the Double Disc front end, which is something Honda should of created on the earlier models, but I had to make new lines for it, went ahead and made some braided steel ones up, took a long time to bleed but it stops on a dime now. The old Master Cylinder was totally rotted away, so I fitted a larger Kawasaki version to allow for the double disc as it needs more fluid and that worked out really well.

I made some New side covers as the original ones that were fitted were so brittle and cracked, these are Urethane and will last for another 40 years, I replaced the Original shocks as there was no rebound left and these are just the ticket and look like original 70’s ones but made with todays materials. The Motor was Black being a 78 F, but in need of some love, so cleaned the motor with degreaser and painted high temp wrinkle that I have made and it came out nice, added Pod filters to the rebuilt carbs and the Front fender was dented on the front and rear, so I cut the Old stays off and shortened the mudguard to give it that Sporty look.

All in all, this non runner Classic has been resurrected  to a fun Bar Hopper machine and pulls quite hard too, still needs paint and a bit of chrome but this sure was a fun bike to ride, I really enjoyed it. The Original Carbs were the keyhole version, they are fine when working but they were toast, so, I always fit earlier intakes, Cables and carbs to the 77-78 SOHC Motors as you can remove the float bowls with the carbs still on the bike, also the choke is a lever on the side, not the ugly cable that goes up in between the gauges, runs smooth now too.

Here is a Video of a little try out in my area to see how the carbs are dialed as this was the first real time on a major road, I loved this bike as it had linear power, have a look and see what you think.

Making a Motorcycle Work Bench from Scraps of Timber

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
28 Jun

Some of you may know that we have had a Barn built now for my New workshop, and as you know, materials for building have literally gone through the roof- So I thought that whilst we are refurbishing the California Ranch house, I will try and repurpose some of the timber that we ripped out of the ceiling in the kitchen.

The timber is old but solid and of course, ceiling truss material is 9 inches deep, so, instead of sending the old timber that’s in a pile outside, to the tip- What better way than to give that wood a new lease of life and of course, help me out along the way too.  So, I decided to use some of the scraps of timber laying about and see if I have enough to make myself a Motorcycle table/Workbench, as I like using timber and even the Harbor freight tables are $599 and last a couple of years.

Once I pulled some of the old Plater Board off the timber, then spent a bit of time removing the old nails that were in all the timber etc., I then cut the bad pieces off and see what I had, I figured that I would have just enough to assemble an 8 feet work bench for building or servicing Motorcycles and wanted it to be heavy enough to with stand a bit of hammering ad of course welding too.  And I am sure there are many of of you out there like me, that like to repurpose stuff, save your cash for other more important things in life, and feel a little proud of the fact that you made something out of just trash.

You decide what you want to make and then just get on with it, I had no real plan, just a few measurements, I measure the longest bike I have and said well lets say from tire to tire its 7 feet, so an 8 feet table will be just about right for securing a two wheeled machine of up to 800 pounds on this construction.  But, even though its waste material, I want it to be level as there is nothing worse than a wonky table right?

This timber is so thick I am super stoked that I could make use of the materials that were Original part of the Ceiling of the house, so I started to cut and then screw these pieces together and knew that this was going to be a cool set up for what I need here at the Barn.

To say the work bench is sturdy is very much an understatement, I wanted to make sure that this will last for many years, build it right from the get go and you will have something that will last probably your lifetime if done well. I cross braces the bench using the rest of the Rood truss material and this is now super rigid and I will have no issues mounting a motorcycle atop this set upo.

I used 3.5 inch screws to get into the timber with some bite, this thing isn’t going anywhere and am happy with the way it is looking, the work bench will be invaluable for me and so stoked to be able to use up some scrap material that was going to the dump anyway.

I also used some thick MDF I had laying about from old storage racks and that sits across the subframe, giving a sturdy platform and will allow me to use some old wood sheeting that was an off cut. I am lucky to have a chop saw and a table saw, as well as battery screw guns, but this was quick a quick build and I must admit, very therapeutic for me as I enjoying making stuff. Better make sure you have a Vacuum cleaner too as more dust than the Sahara desert that’s for sure.

I did have 5 tables at one point when I had the big shop, but they do take up a lot of space and had them in storage for ages, there is something about making your own workbench though and I will use it all the time, and if I don’t need to, then I can push it over to my racking area and still have room for my Hot Rod to be parked inside so I can do some wrenching on that as well. Of course, I have a long way to go on fitting out my workshop and the fun is taking your time and putting stuff up then maybe changing it if it doesn’t work how you want it, the good thing of now having your own workshop is there is no Landlord breathing down your neck.

As you can see, with an off cut of 1/2 inch Ply on top of the table, it really finishes it off, I have also fitted a Bump Stop on the end of the table for the wheel chock to sit up against tightly.

I shall clean this up as its been sat in the shed, then I shall secure this to the bench using some Coach bolts and a nut and washer underneath as I need this to be really secure, as when I run a Motorcycle up onto the table and into the chock, I need the wheel chock to hold the front end of the bike tightly, so these ones have holes in the legs and that means I can secure it to the platform.

Ready for Bolting down and you can see I have a strong bump Stop right on the end of the table, I will also use some Long Eye Bolts to fit to the sides of the Table, that means I can tie down the handlebars for even more Security when I am out of the workshop.

I am sure I will clean her up after everything is bolted down etc and not sure what I may add but as you can see, this is a super strong Motorcycle table and I simply use my Ramp to run the bike up and into the chock, then simply take ramp off and hang that up. No cost really at all, this heavy set up will last as long as Noah’s Ark I think.

Super stoked to pull a Bike ramp out and Jenn gave me a hand and we loaded this project machine up on the work bench, it was great, sturdy and easy to put up there, the wheel chock holds it in place but I still need to add some hardware to be able to tie the front end down on case we have an earthquake etc.

As you can see, there is plenty of room behind the bike and a CB750 it 7 feet from tire to tire, and I am pleased I created an 8 foot work table so I can weld or grind and get some parts prototyped up at my own leisure.

This bike may take on a few guises until I am happy as to how I want it, thats the fun of doing your own stuff, but now I have a solid table, I feel much better when I have to belt away at a gas tank, as the metal tables you see, tend to flex about too much.

The other thing with this set up is I have the height where I want it, if I need to sit and do wiring, I can use a mechanics stool, I will finish the tie downs this week and maybe later I might paint it but right now I am happy how it is and hope you lot dig it too?

I have plenty to do on this project and a few Customers want me to create their builds, so I have every confidence in my work bench, way stronger than that Chinese crap that you see advertised out there.

I have much to do in the barn and more things to make, hang up or secure to the beams or the walls etc, but- when you get surplus second hand timber, well, you have to use it right away right?

Maybe it will inspire you to get in the Shed, Barn, garage and bung some scraps of wood together, its fun building stuff and even more when it doesn’t cost you anything.

Thanks for taking an interest in what I do, I love my job and enjoy building Motorcycles, servicing and of course, making new parts for these old Bone Shakers.

I will keep you posted as to how this Motorcycle and of course, any others that I work on in the Barn, I get many emails asking for pics of what I am up to, so now I can stop, take a pic and post it, that’s what’s fun about being your own boss. I have my Courier bike to finish too, so plenty of Irons in the Fire, so stay tuned……………….

 

 

 

 

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