Reliable??

Hello all. New to this forum so this is my first post. I have just bought from the original owner a 1998 CB500V with 54000 on the clock. My reason for purchase was that it is lighter than my current Suzuki 650 Vee Strom (which I love but is now getting just that bit too heavy to lug about the garage) but at 500cc the CB is still big enough to enjoy a week's touring in Scotland or where ever. Unfortunately the previous owner had neglected the bike for a few years and it needs a bit of TLC, mostly cosmetics. My concern is that a colleague mentioned that the model has a bad reputation for shedding its timing chain Any comments lads? Ride safe all. Lol Williams.

Welcome in lol!

lol wrote:My concern is that a colleague mentioned that the model has a bad reputation for shedding its timing chain Any comments lads? Ride safe all. Lol Williams.

He's pulling your leg, I've never ever heard of that happening to a CB500 of the newer ilk, maybe he's thinking of the 70's version. The 90's version is utterly bullet proof, they just keep on going!

Welcome to the world of CB. With 54K on the clock I'd certainly suggest you check the valve clearances and put new shims in if needed. Download the workshop manual and you'll see what is suggested for check/overhaul with that level of mileage but these bikes are very solid machines.

Welcome LOL,

CB's are generally bullet proof!!! Little things do 'go' but these are normal wear items...

If the bike has been 'stood' for a while, then you're likely to need to change the fork seals and oil as the seals will start to lightly weap when you start using the bike... Also, if you are considering 'touring' and assuming you'll have the weight of luggage/panniers etc... you may want to consider using a heavier weight fork oil...

Engines are bullet proof, just make sure (as with all engines) you change the oil regularly etc...

Old starter motors can stick occasionally when trying to start the bike, just pop the bike into 1st, and gently roll back/forth until you feel the bike unable to move because it's in gear - this will 'pop' the starter motor back into position - try again and it should work fine and all being well she'll fire up a treat.

Don't forget that the CB has a fuel tap, and the V-Strom doesn't.. It could be embarrasing if you called out the AA/RAC because you've broken down only to find the fuel tap off...!!! (No, I didn't call out the RAC as I was at home... I felt like a Plonkler when it dawned on me...doh!!!!!!!)

Tyres - Most people use Bridgestone BT45's... The tyre design/compound is getting on a bit now and doesn't give the best mileage as its a really nice grippy tyre... It's perfect for most people... But if you're not hooning about like a maniac and getting your knee down, I can recommend Michelin Pilot Activ which is a dual compund tyre and great for those (like me) who do a high mileage and provide ample grip - although not quite as much as the BT45 as the compound of the Pilot's rubber is harder.

If you do fit a top-box, expect a slight steering wobble at about 40mph - this is a trait of the bike and not the head-stock bearing... I've spent ages trying to solve this problem and I solved the mystery by removing the GIVI rack! It's not a dangerous wobble (unles you ride no-hands), its more like a light vibration to be honest and I doubt you'd have noticed had I not said anything.

Clutch Cables have a tendancy to rub/wear against the headstock, so check and change accordingly - ebay approx £10 delivered and its probably worth keeping one under the seat as a spare.

I can't think of anything else... Happy riding.

Regards

G-T

Hi Lol, You'll find the CB great for touring up here in Scotland. I regularly load mine up with luggage and camping gear, head up the highland roads. The light handling and good engine braking makes it ideal for twisty, narrow roads and you can ride on the gearbox and throttle very well/safely (but you have a Strom, and this won't be new to you).
All the advice on this thread earlier is spot on, and you'll wonder just why you were worried the more you get to know the CB. They're not the fastest or most glamorous bikes on the road, but I wouldn't be parted from mine. After 45 years in the saddle, that's not an easily won statement from me let me assure you.

Yes, ultimatly reliable

Maybe your friend was talking about the camchain tensioner, which can have a tendancy to fail...

Oh, hello, btw.

Thanks for the greetings folks and for setting my mind at ease re the cam chain. I'm handy with the spanners so the suggestions of what to check should be no bother. I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in and getting it on the road. Any recommendations as to where to obtain spares? Ride safe all. Lol.
ps. Lol is my nickname and not techno speak for laughing out loud Where I live here in south Cumbria anyone called Lawrence gets Lol.

Well for pattern parts wemoto is good:

http://www.wemoto.com/

For original honda parts you can dry David Silver Spares:

http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/

or Lings honda:

http://www.hondaoriginalparts.com/

Lings also have very usefull (original!) parts diagrams on line which can be helpful in working out what you want.

I have also found my local independent dealer pretty good - he can't do much about Honda's prices but he has a regular (twice a week) delivery, which can be quicker than ordering online. He's also a decent bloke who knows a lot about bikes, which helps :)

x2 - my local dealer (21stMoto in Swanley) is also pretty good, always helpful altho, as stated previously, they are tied to Hondas pricing.

spitonyourgrave22 wrote:PS, great post globetrotter

What can I say... In addition to my own experience, I'm sharing the knowledge you guys have given me... although I did forget to mention the crap OEM exhaust rot...

Have a good weekend everyone

G-T