with a bike like this...

[carlmalibu]

is it worth upgrading it?
got a 98 cb500, all standard. The paint is peeling off the end can, exposing surface rust, downpipes are rusted too (not too badly though). Patches of rust beginning to develop on the back shocks too.

Is it worth buying a full system for it? remus or motad...and getting some hagon back shocks.

Also, I think one of the main problems is it has a really square bridgestone back tyre. Front is a BT45, back is a bridgestone G602 or something? Never heard of it before.

Also, you can get K&N air filters.

By worth I mean performance, ability to throw it round corners better (its very mushy atm) and whether I'd see any reflection in resale due to mods as above.
____________________
Shine on, you crazy diamond
CB500, woop.

[mattgirv]

The best thing you can do is replace the rear tire so

a) It isn't squared off
and b) Matching tread with the front (so get another BT45 perhaps)

You should be able to adjust the preload on the rear shocks which would alter the handling. It depends really, but it would definitely be best to sort the tire out first then go from there.

I don't know about the resale price with shocks, but I know for the most part a stock bike will sell better than one with mods. Exceptions being things like the XJ600 where the stock exhaust disintegrates.

[Bendy]

Repaint the can & downpipes with BBQ paint.

Then mooch about the 'net for CB500 cup info - those guys will know everything there is to know about making a 5 handle better.

[carlmalibu]

how much will a BT45 cost? also, I have a C spanner in toolkit, how do I use it to adjust preload and what am I looking for setting wise? (I take pillions quite a bit)
____________________
Shine on, you crazy diamond
CB500, woop.

[mattgirv]

A BT45 depending on the size should cost around £60.

Not sure for definite about the preload settings on a CB500, but for example on my bike I have 5 progressive settings. It goes from soft > hard. If you have twin shocks make sure they are both set to the same setting. (edit - Usually its just a case of clipping into both sides and turning it in the direction you want to adjust it, it should have almost like waves of metal around the edge which get gradually higher)

As I said though, before you mess with anything else... its best adjusting something like this when you know all other contributing factors won't matter. Check your tyre pressures/sort the squared tyre and you will be good to go.

[TheShaggyDA]

As said, get a new BT45 for the rear, and use the Bridgestone recommended pressures of 36 psi front, 40 rear instead of the Honda manual's 29 front, 33 rear.

Have a look around the forum on the CB500 Owners Club for more info.
____________________
Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[Dukan]

The mods you mentioned are among the most common made to the CB500, so should not affect the resale value.

I'd deffinatly recommend getting stainless downpipes.

Performance wise you won't notice much of a differance with the exahust or the air filter, it'll just sound better.

mattgirv is correct regarding the rear suspension settings, 5 progressive settings. Depending on your weight solo and 2 up it makes quite a difference. I usually turn it up one setting when taking a pillion out. Take it out for a ride and take your c-spanner with you then you can make an adjustment and try it out (best to use the same bit of road everytime)

Rear BT45 should be about £60-75 depending on where you go.

Might be an idea to check you swingarm bearings if its mushy round corners.

What pressures are you running in the tyres?
____________________
If it ain't moving and it's supposed to, use WD-40. If it's moving and it ain't supposed to, use duct tape

[carlmalibu]

with bearings what do I check for? how do I do it?

I dont know what pressure the back tyre should be because its a bizarre one, not a BT45.
____________________
Shine on, you crazy diamond
CB500, woop.

[TheShaggyDA]

The Bridgestone site has a page where you can enter the bike and tyre details, and it will show you what pressure you need. It seems to be down at the mo though

https://www.bridgestone.co.uk/
____________________
Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[mattgirv]

Heh thats rather odd. The Dunlop one seems to be down too

Anyway while they are down, I'd imagine having your pressure start off at about 30psi and take it easy. If it feels really unresponsive and you aren't getting much road feedback/etc, knock it up a couple of psi till it feels reasonable.

Now it isn't perfect and I'd recommend manufacturers advice on the pressure but it will do for now.

Just as long as you don't go getting your knee down :p

[Dukan]

[carlmalibu]

ok, I adjusted preload by one notch (its now at 3) and it's made a world of difference. I figured theres no point spending £200-£300 on a full system because it will make no difference to anything but sound, and won't sell on at that price.

Still umming and arring about taking off the dodgy aftermarket fairing and flogging it on ebay, and replacing it with a screen - would that make long distances managable?

also, any advice on wheelying a 33bhp cb or should I just give up? me and a friend (with a restricted r6) were having a go on an industrial estate, and i managed to get the wheel off the ground a couple of times but nothing worth saying anything about.
____________________
Shine on, you crazy diamond
CB500, woop.

[TheShaggyDA]

Bridgestone's site is back up, here's the G602, although it doesn't mention pressures. The only ones listed for the CB500 are the BT45s.
____________________
Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[sickpup]

[Kal]