If you like RC500s...

Robgvx
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Robgvx
Edited Date/Time 4/24/2015 10:23am
...and you're on Facebook, you may want to keep an eye on this page.

https://m.facebook.com/docwobimports

Re-build thread on the ex-Thorpe 1986 RC500.

Re-builds don't get much more top-drawer than this one.
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Robgvx
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Robgvx 11/11/2014 1:01pm
11/11/2014 1:01pm
Rear axle. Ever seen anything like this? Different size wheel bearings....



Robgvx
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Robgvx 11/11/2014 1:03pm
11/11/2014 1:03pm
And the linkage has needle roller bearings that fit in the bush rather than the race.



Aceofspades 11/11/2014 2:38pm
11/11/2014 2:38pm
Great stuff Rob! The technical detail of works bikes are interesting as hell.

The Shop

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Shawbridge Husky 12/6/2014 8:19am
12/6/2014 8:19am
Robgvx wrote:
And the linkage has needle roller bearings that fit in the bush rather than the race. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2014/11/11/70297/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
And the linkage has needle roller bearings that fit in the bush rather than the race.



I would hazard that is custom made for rapid servicing under race conditions. So easy to slide out, clean, lube and reassemble as a cassette compared to the standard set-up.
Robgvx
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Robgvx 4/19/2015 11:54pm
4/19/2015 11:54pm
Black silicone on the spokes.....?



Mega $$ radiator.




barkhard696
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barkhard696 4/21/2015 2:31pm
4/21/2015 2:31pm
Did they have trouble removing the roost damage from Johnny O'Mara's CR125? (Only joking!) That is an amazing bike and the resto is fully worthy of the subject
MXM
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MXM 4/22/2015 9:04am
4/22/2015 9:04am
barkhard, you just made my day with that comment, funny shit. What a beautiful bike!
Robgvx
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Robgvx 4/22/2015 11:17am
4/22/2015 11:17am
barkhard696 wrote:
Did they have trouble removing the roost damage from Johnny O'Mara's CR125? (Only joking!) That is an amazing bike and the resto is fully worthy of...
Did they have trouble removing the roost damage from Johnny O'Mara's CR125? (Only joking!) That is an amazing bike and the resto is fully worthy of the subject
The roost damage was minimal. Unlike that inflicted to Villopoto's bike this year...

Smile
barkhard696
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barkhard696 4/22/2015 8:26pm
4/22/2015 8:26pm
>Unlike that inflicted to Villopoto's bike this year...

Ouch! Too true
chuckdavies
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chuckdavies 4/23/2015 1:13am
4/23/2015 1:13am
Robgvx wrote:
The roost damage was minimal. Unlike that inflicted to Villopoto's bike this year...

Smile
Hahaha yes wobs!

Unreal build by the way, love that it's restore not replace!
Robgvx
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Robgvx 4/23/2015 2:32am
4/23/2015 2:32am
chuckdavies wrote:
Hahaha yes wobs!

Unreal build by the way, love that it's restore not replace!
I'm not Wobs by the way.
chuckdavies
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chuckdavies 4/23/2015 5:29am
4/23/2015 5:29am
chuckdavies wrote:
Hahaha yes wobs!

Unreal build by the way, love that it's restore not replace!
Robgvx wrote:
I'm not Wobs by the way.
Sorry just assumed (Rob/rc500) Smile
Red141
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Red141 4/23/2015 7:23am
4/23/2015 7:23am
Wow! How do they obtain these works bikes?
Bluelion
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Bluelion 4/23/2015 9:38am
4/23/2015 9:38am
Red141 wrote:
Wow! How do they obtain these works bikes?
Lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
newmann
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newmann 4/23/2015 11:11am
4/23/2015 11:11am
Red141 wrote:
Wow! How do they obtain these works bikes?
Bluelion wrote:
Lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sometimes that's not even enough!Laughing

Right place at the right time and having your name on a very short list also helps. Well, that and lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$. Did I forget to mention an understanding wife? I joke with her about how much money I have saved by buying that RC500 I have. No telling how much money I have spent over the years buying bike after bike because one was better than the other. Since getting the RC, let's just say I haven't found anything better. Just one of those things that you never thought you could ever own.

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Robgvx
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Robgvx 4/23/2015 2:21pm
4/23/2015 2:21pm
Red141 wrote:
Wow! How do they obtain these works bikes?
Thorpe had three - 1985, 1986 and 1989 - given to him by Honda. A few years ago he put them all up for sale and advertised them at the VMXdN. All three sold to private collectors - two in the UK and one overseas.

All three were non-runners with no engine guts. However I believe all three are running now. Amazing how people can find complete engine internals for a one-off factory bike when they know where to look.
newmann
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newmann 4/23/2015 2:43pm
4/23/2015 2:43pm
Red141 wrote:
Wow! How do they obtain these works bikes?
Robgvx wrote:
Thorpe had three - 1985, 1986 and 1989 - given to him by Honda. A few years ago he put them all up for sale and...
Thorpe had three - 1985, 1986 and 1989 - given to him by Honda. A few years ago he put them all up for sale and advertised them at the VMXdN. All three sold to private collectors - two in the UK and one overseas.

All three were non-runners with no engine guts. However I believe all three are running now. Amazing how people can find complete engine internals for a one-off factory bike when they know where to look.
Howerton got his RH250 from Suzuki as a trophy with no guts in it other that a kickstart shaft and countershaft. He is quite the mechanical type and managed to install all the internals from a 1982 RM250 and made the thing run. Very cool stuff.

I just wish someone could have found me a real 1978 RC500 pipe. Also still looking for some new or really nice works shrouds and side panels for a 1983 SR500 ex Howerton bike if anyone could point me in the right direction.
Bluelion
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Bluelion 4/24/2015 10:23am
4/24/2015 10:23am
Red141 wrote:
Wow! How do they obtain these works bikes?
Bluelion wrote:
Lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
newmann wrote:
Sometimes that's not even enough!:laugh: Right place at the right time and having your name on a very short list also helps. Well, that and lots...
Sometimes that's not even enough!Laughing

Right place at the right time and having your name on a very short list also helps. Well, that and lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$. Did I forget to mention an understanding wife? I joke with her about how much money I have saved by buying that RC500 I have. No telling how much money I have spent over the years buying bike after bike because one was better than the other. Since getting the RC, let's just say I haven't found anything better. Just one of those things that you never thought you could ever own.
Yeah the right place at the right time... Plus the money in hand... I have been at the right place at the right time but no money....Sad

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