Honda CB500 T 1996 motorcycle upgrade notes

These are the notes for servicing my Honda CB500 1996 (T) Italy motorbike.

A problem with the 1994-2001 CB500, is that Honda CB’s are very popular in general. Both for enthusiasts and for modern retro stylers. Mostly models from the 1970s. This pollutes search results, so I make sure I take note of sites, videos and articles I find for my specific make.

Parts overview

I’ve come to find some different online shops to order parts from. They have their pros and cons.

• Thansen is a Norwegian shop that offers decently priced parts, categorised into my model, and all parts are labeled with model year. The prices + shipping are final, which means I don’t need to worry about getting an additional bill for import taxes and handling.
• CMS NL is a shop based in Netherlands. It’s an extra security that I know the parts will fit my bike, since they keep a thorough register for each model. Some parts are vastly over-priced, but for general items, it’s okay.
• eBay has a lot of after-market listings. It comes with the extra work of making sure the parts will actually fit. Talk to the sellers, and make measurements before ordering.

Head crown bearings

Original bearings are roll-cage bearings. Enthusiast bike mechanics I’ve seen videos and comments from, says this is a typical part of the bike which is never serviced or inspected by the typical owner(s).

After looking into this, and looking at great videos regarding bearings, I want tapered roller bearings.

I found a kit for 30 euros, which I think is a great price. Especially as I I know it will fit by bike (I’m buying from a shop that lets me choose supported models).

Upgrade kit. The fit is described as upper dimensions 26 x 47 x 15mm and lower as 30 x 55 x 17mm.

Video references:

• A great introduction to different types of bearings
• Tapered roller bearings installation on a 70s Honda Very relevant for newer models as well.
• Considerations to be made when installing bike bearings

Suspension / Rear cushions

I suspect the rear cushion on my bike has never been changed or serviced. I was surprised at the price for original parts from some vendors. It had me looking for alternative parts.

As of end of April 2020, original pairs are around €700. After-market alternatives are between €240 - €420. Used pairs goes for around €100, but I want something new, for my part.

• After-market
  • https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-Shock-Absorbers-Rear-Adjustable-YSS-Honda-CB-500-1996/372769608639
  • https://www.ebay.com/itm/REAR-SHOCK-ABSORBERS-BITUBO-H0072WMB43-HONDA-CB500-1996-2000/124123286223?hash=item1ce6530acf:g:ojEAAOSwc4dec3yZ
  • https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-CB500-PC32-Federbein-1996-CB-500-PC-32/122967191605?hash=item1ca16a7035:g:pekAAOSw1RVahBjR
• Original

References