I have too much physical and mental clutter, and I'm trying to figure out how to reduce both. I've had my 1976 CB500T for a while and the major components are in good shape, but it's going to need some rare and/or expensive pieces to really get it reliable. It's far from a museum-quality bike, but when it runs it runs great, and I know the guy I bought it from who rode it regularly for a long time. It's also got clubman bars on it, which are probably polarizing, but personally I like the look. Here's what I'm looking at:
- petcock leaking around the lever
- front master cylinder leaking, also around the lever
- starter clutch (and maybe the starter motor) toast
Without the electric start it's almost impossible to get it running if it sits for more than a couple of days and my knees are getting tired of it (if it only sits for a day or two it fires up right away). I think the leaking front m/c is due to pitting; I rebuilt it with a Brakecrafters kit a while back, but it still leaks slightly. I think pitting is also the cause of the leaking petcock. FWIW, JDPower lists the value of the bike as $745 in fair condition, $1,250 for good. What I'm trying to decide is do I bite the bullet to replace the above and then sell, or is it the kind of thing somebody would be interested in as a project? Starter clutches are going for $300+ on eBay, and new starter motors are more than that (not sure if rebuilding mine is viable or economical). I originally paid $500 for the bike and currently have about that much in it again in various parts. I know this is a very nebulous question and it really just depends if there's somebody local that really wants it, but opinions are welcome. Or if you're in the Atlanta area and are interested in making a fair offer, message me.
- petcock leaking around the lever
- front master cylinder leaking, also around the lever
- starter clutch (and maybe the starter motor) toast
Without the electric start it's almost impossible to get it running if it sits for more than a couple of days and my knees are getting tired of it (if it only sits for a day or two it fires up right away). I think the leaking front m/c is due to pitting; I rebuilt it with a Brakecrafters kit a while back, but it still leaks slightly. I think pitting is also the cause of the leaking petcock. FWIW, JDPower lists the value of the bike as $745 in fair condition, $1,250 for good. What I'm trying to decide is do I bite the bullet to replace the above and then sell, or is it the kind of thing somebody would be interested in as a project? Starter clutches are going for $300+ on eBay, and new starter motors are more than that (not sure if rebuilding mine is viable or economical). I originally paid $500 for the bike and currently have about that much in it again in various parts. I know this is a very nebulous question and it really just depends if there's somebody local that really wants it, but opinions are welcome. Or if you're in the Atlanta area and are interested in making a fair offer, message me.
