Showroom CB500T, 76, CL, new haven

[chuck peterson]

Here's a good looker antique, no idea about the bike

https://newhaven.craigslist.org/mcy/5859281782.html

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

"Kickstart only". Yes, because the electric starter motor is unhooked for some reason. The CB500T was universally panned by the major magazines back in the day. Vibration and uncomfortable seat IIRC. This one does look very nice. Would look better with the black paint removed from the engine cover.

[epb]

I always thought the CB500T got a bad rap back in the day. It's basically a Black Bomber with 50cc more engine, and the CB450 was loved. The real issue was expectations. By the time the CB500T launched, Honda's rep for bleeding-edge tech combined with their line up of smooth 4-cylinders meant they couldn't get away updating an old bike the way the Brits could. It wasn't worse than the CB450, but it wasn't as nice as the CB500/4 or CB550 already in the line up.

[Lannis]

I never will understand selling a nice-looking bike like this with the proviso "Just Needs Battery".

I have NEVER found that to be true.   A bike that "just needs battery" or "just needs carbs cleaned" is for sale in that condition because the owner KNOWS that some other, bigger, more expensive issue is being masked by the fact that you can't start it.

If it REALLY "just needs battery", then the owner would spend $50 putting a new, cheap battery in it, fire it up on the button, and ask another $500 for it.   If this bike really were in the condition it looks like, someone who used to own and love a DOHC Honda twin would snap it up and just ride it ....

Lannis

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If it REALLY "just needs battery", then the owner would spend $50 putting a new, cheap battery in it, fire it up on the button, and ask another $500 for it.   

If you look closely at the third photo, there's no cable hooked to the starter motor. It's going to need more than just a battery to "fire it up on the button". Makes me think there's an issue with the electric starter, starter clutch, etc.

[yogidozer]

Worth looking into if someone was interested and in the area. Had a friend with one of those, kick starting it was no big deal. Usually used the kick start, even though button worked fine. Light, handled reasonably well.