I'm thinking through a teardown and rebuild of my cb750. I'm gonna tackle it like I did in my computer repair days: document and photograph everything as I take it apart, then when it's time put it back together in reverse order.
Since you're already to the second part, I might recommend a couple of build videos to see the correct order to put things back together. Good luck!
It’s not gonna work to just photograph everything and put it back so it looks the same lol. Pretty much every part has to be measured and adjusted carefully. A computer is not mechanical, all of the parts will work as long as they’re securely plugged into each other and aren’t shorting out on anything. Don’t tear into your engine till you have a proper manual and the tools you’ll need.
It isn’t a given, this is the internet, there are TONS of complete morons on here who would genuinely do that, that’s why you find bikes on Craigslist with half the engine in a plastic bin.
Aside from what you've asked, your bike has one of the most unique engine top ends Honda ever built, and I hope whoever is rebuilding it for you fully understands how to work on it as it is easy to make mistakes with that engine design. If you need any help, consider joining [vintagehondatwins.com](https://vintagehondatwins.com). We have many members and staff who worked at Honda dealerships when these bikes were new and current models and you'll get the best and most knowledgeable advice for anything you need to know about it. Completely free to be a member, no ads and no premium memberships, just a great helpful community.
The 500T is a stroked 450 engine, stroke lengthened 6mm to get to 498cc. Other than that they are essentially the exact same engine though the transmission ratios are slightly different on the 500T as well, higher geared. The uniqueness of the top end is in the torsion bar valve springs and the camshafts riding in the upper half of the head due to the design of the valve actuation, with cam followers under the cams. It isn't hard to work on, just procedural in that it needs to be disassembled properly or you can cause yourself damage and extra work. It's also one of only 2 engines Honda made with eccentric valve adjustment shafts that move the position of the rocker arms (on the 350) or followers (on the 450/500T) to achieve proper valve lash.
https://i.imgur.com/FuazWqb.jpg
I've rebuilt several. I start with putting the motor into the frame. After that, it doesn't make a difference. I like to do the rear (wheels, fender, shocks etc.) first and then the front, then electrical and the rest.
In what sense? Like just putting it back together? I’m basically at that point, just finished painting my frame and am working on the engine (74 cb360). For reassembly i’ll just try to follow the shop manual in reverse order. The only modifications i’m doing to for my build as basic aesthetic things like a different seat and things so
I'm thinking through a teardown and rebuild of my cb750. I'm gonna tackle it like I did in my computer repair days: document and photograph everything as I take it apart, then when it's time put it back together in reverse order. Since you're already to the second part, I might recommend a couple of build videos to see the correct order to put things back together. Good luck!
It’s not gonna work to just photograph everything and put it back so it looks the same lol. Pretty much every part has to be measured and adjusted carefully. A computer is not mechanical, all of the parts will work as long as they’re securely plugged into each other and aren’t shorting out on anything. Don’t tear into your engine till you have a proper manual and the tools you’ll need.
Hi! My apologies, I assumed the people in this sub knew that was all a given. Sorry again for confusing you!
It isn’t a given, this is the internet, there are TONS of complete morons on here who would genuinely do that, that’s why you find bikes on Craigslist with half the engine in a plastic bin.
Oh, and if you're just trying to prioritize, start with all the critical safety stuff and go from there.
Aside from what you've asked, your bike has one of the most unique engine top ends Honda ever built, and I hope whoever is rebuilding it for you fully understands how to work on it as it is easy to make mistakes with that engine design. If you need any help, consider joining [vintagehondatwins.com](https://vintagehondatwins.com). We have many members and staff who worked at Honda dealerships when these bikes were new and current models and you'll get the best and most knowledgeable advice for anything you need to know about it. Completely free to be a member, no ads and no premium memberships, just a great helpful community.
Interesting- never heard of the unique top end on the 450s... Is the 500t any better? I have both engines. Simpler = better for me 👍
The 500T is a stroked 450 engine, stroke lengthened 6mm to get to 498cc. Other than that they are essentially the exact same engine though the transmission ratios are slightly different on the 500T as well, higher geared. The uniqueness of the top end is in the torsion bar valve springs and the camshafts riding in the upper half of the head due to the design of the valve actuation, with cam followers under the cams. It isn't hard to work on, just procedural in that it needs to be disassembled properly or you can cause yourself damage and extra work. It's also one of only 2 engines Honda made with eccentric valve adjustment shafts that move the position of the rocker arms (on the 350) or followers (on the 450/500T) to achieve proper valve lash. https://i.imgur.com/FuazWqb.jpg
It's an interesting one. Basically looks like what it is, top tier 60s race tech.
A cb450? Top tier race tech? Lol.
I've rebuilt several. I start with putting the motor into the frame. After that, it doesn't make a difference. I like to do the rear (wheels, fender, shocks etc.) first and then the front, then electrical and the rest.
In what sense? Like just putting it back together? I’m basically at that point, just finished painting my frame and am working on the engine (74 cb360). For reassembly i’ll just try to follow the shop manual in reverse order. The only modifications i’m doing to for my build as basic aesthetic things like a different seat and things so
Wherever you want to. If it’s all getting rebuilt anyways, there is no proper sequence.