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Motorcycle Repair/1975 Honda CB500T

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Expert: Bill Silver - 7/7/2009


Question
I am looking for a dwell angle for my 1975 Honda CB500T.
I have yet to find an actual number. I have founds hints, but not an actual value. Can you please help? Thanks --Kenn

Answer
Kenn, it isn't all that critical, but the tune-up book from Honda shows 90 degrees on the 2cyl scale.

What is REALLY important is that the points are never both closed at the same time. If you close the points down too much, they will both be closed momentarily and that will draw too much current from the system, causing only partial coil saturation for both coils, which will create performance problems.

Bill Silver

Motorcycle Repair

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Bill Silver

Expertise

Need help with vintage Hondas from the 1960s? I am an expert with 250-305cc bikes in particular and most all of the other pre-91 models, in general. I do NOT claim to have a great deal of experience on Gold Wings, Cruisers, ATC/ATVs and dirt bikes.

Experience

I have owned/ridden/maintained Honda motorcycles for 35 years. I have written five books on Honda repairs and collecting. I was a service manager for two Honda shops back in the 1980s.

Organizations
VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) of North America

Publications
VJMC newsletter, as editor for two years and as contributing editor currently.

Education/Credentials
3 years auto shop in high school, teacher's aide in Automotive Technology in Jr. College, Diesel mechanic course in college, self-taught mechanic and automotive writer.

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