Honda CB500 Four

A matching numbers UK supplied 500/4 which comes with a million receipts attesting to extensive restoration and engine refresh  between 2015 and 2020. The restoration was clearly a no-expense-spared operation with new Honda exhausts (the US ones when they were still available) and many many new parts complementing many surviving original parts, so it’s a mix of old and new but it looks like a new one did in the showroom back in 1973 when it was first registered. Some of the welcome original parts are the wheel rims (re-laced with new spokes presumably), tinware and right switchgear. Some of the less welcome replica parts are the plastic-based seat (it does look right from a distance though, unlike some re-covers and lesser quality replicas), the tank trim and the left switchgear which we will probably replace, but it works. Nice paintwork. The amount of work done and the amount of money spent suggests a bike in poor condition, probably stored for years and there is a good chance that the 18k miles on the odometer is correct. The bike has just had valves checked and adjusted, electronic ignition set correctly and the carbs balanced and you can hear how mechanically quiet and smooth it on the video. This is also the case on the road, it rides very well, pulls strongly and very smoothly, instantly idles perfectly and starts every time on the button or kick.

There is always something to spoil the party and in this case it is a small top-end oil leak which isn’t too bad but isn’t acceptable so we’ll have the top off and get a good look at what’s going on. Probably a poorly sealing o-ring from a pattern gasket set, or one left out or a pinched gasket or stripped thread somewhere… won’t be much and will be fixed for the new owner. Invoices on file show a new stud set so it has had a full top-end rebuild very recently and we will check very carefully and take nothing for granted. Reason for the lack of price at this stage is that we really don’t know how big the workshop bill is going to be and that will influence it to a degree but if you like the look of it call Chris on 07809 894777 for the latest news on this.