Getting close to completion, this all original Honda CB500 is putting up quite the struggle to remain in a stagnant state. Tires, brakes, exhaust, electronic ignition, valve service, carbs cleaned and fuel tank sealed has made it run beautifully, sometimes. Number four carb has too much damage to repair and a replacement is on the way…
This CB160 was customized by an amateur builder who did an outstanding job of making it look like a million bucks, but who lacked the skill to make it run and ride like it should.
That’s where G6 came in!! We replaced the pistons with 0.5 mm oversize and cleaned up the valve train, fixed several wiring issues, stopped oil leaks and adjusted the front forks correctly, cleaned and corrected many carburetor problems, then gave it a perfect tune-up to cap things off. Now this sweet ride runs as well as it looks!! And it’s an absolute blast to tool around on!!! Starts with one kick and settles into a perfect idle within a minute or so. Although I never took it over 3,000 RPM/40 MPH for a short break-in ride, it’s performance is remarkable, boasting 16.5 HP from it’s power plant!!
“Some people have all the fun” said Honda’s ads from 1966.
This beauty is finally on the road again with rebuilt carbs and front brake system, front wheel spokes and new tires, sealed and painted fuel tank and a tune up to make her run like a Swiss watch!! A bit of polish and elbow grease prepared her for a spirited ride through the Virginia countryside that was absolutely fabulous and thrilling!! Although it will do highway speeds, it’s much more at home on our twisty by-roads!! I would say this is Honda’s best midsize bike ever!!!
