The Honda CB500 Four, which debuted in the early 70s, was a middleweight four-cylinder machine capable of rivaling the 650cc twins of the day. The air-cooled, 498cc engine offered around 50 horsepower, capable of pushing the machine to 115 mph.
Enter Kimmo Larsson of Sweden, who is an avid enduro rider in his early 50s. His passion for enduro led to a love of scramblers, and he’s created one of the loveliest garage-built Honda CB scramblers we’ve seen. Below, we get the full story on the build.
Honda CB500 Four Scrambler: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I am a 53 years old man from Enkoping in Sweden. I have been riding motorcycles since 2003, but five years ago my interest in rebuilding motorcycles came about. My first project was a Suzuki 400F. I built a cafe racer out of it. Another hobby I got is driving enduro. I have a Husqvarna TE 300 2015. I’m not so fast but drive for health.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
This is a Honda CB 500 four 1977.
• Why was this bike built?
Just for my personal interest.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
I love the Scrambler concept because of my enduro riding. I got light influence from a bike built by a couple boys from Italy. They called the workshop North East Custom.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Removed unnecessary fasteners, welded subframe, new paint on everything. Rims and frame are owen coated (I don’t now exactly how you say that).
New gastank, seat, speedometer, wire harness, mufflers, M-Unit with M-button. Front and rear light, flashers, Dynatek ignition.
The tyres are Metzeler Karoo 2 110/80-19 in front and Bridgestone trail wing 130/80-18 in rear. Every spare part is new like bearings, brake and you name it. MX handlebar. The shops I got everything is Carpy’s in the USA, cmsnl, Ebay, and Wemoto.
• How would you classify this bike?
I like to call it Scrambler.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
nothing special part just the whole motorcycle. I like the design and is lovely to drive. The bad thing is that the bike is too nice to take out on gravel 🙂
Follow the Builder
- Facebook: @kimmo.larsson1
- Instagram: @enduromupp
