1971 CB500 frame prep

[MattPK]

I have a 1971 CB500 barn find that I want to turn into a cafe bike. What do I need to do to the frame as far as reinforce and modify to accomplish this? What bits and pieces can be cut off if I wand a simple clean look?

I've had no luck looking for pics or tutorials addressing this online. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[plagrone]

The reasons there's no tutorial is because it's a personal choice what you do and don't want to keep, and also because it's pretty self explanatory. Ask yourself questions like do you want to keep the stock airbox, and do you want the ability to ride two up, do I want to relocate my battery and reroute wiring? That should let you know what tabs you want to delete. As far as reinforcement, most people just weld in a rear hoop, sometimes with frame slugs, nothing else is really necessary, unless you want to add some gusseting just for some extra rigidity.

From your question I can tell you have a long road ahead of you. Do some reading, lurk a bit, and you will find answers.

And if you can, get the bike running before you tear it apart

 

[Tim]

I removed the duplicate posts you put in other areas. This is the right place to start, but don't begin by duplicating your posts in an effort to get a response.

As has been suggested, get the bike running first. Post pics, introduce yourself, have a plan and you'll find lots of help here. Beginning with such an open ended question as your first post and duplicating it across other areas makes it look like you're trolling.

 

[MattPK]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your input. Its a long term project that I am sure will be a bit costly (financial and mentally). Sorry about the multiple posts, I didn't know the ground rules. Therefore I'll play the "new guy" card this one time if you don't mind.

Unfortunately the bike is stripped because of the incredible amount of corrosion the wheel and suspension had. The carbs were also in terrible shape. The motor only has 4k miles on it since its owner passed away just a few years after he purchased it. Its basically a ground up build.

Cheers

 

[wowbagger]

Yeah, it all depends on the final look/functionality that you're going for. Most will "detab" the bike by cutting off the side cover tabs and other airbox and accessory mounts that they don't plan on reusing. The back end also usually gets chopped somewhere behind the shock mounts and a cafe hoop is welded in. Exactly where to cut depends on the size and shape of the seat you want, if you want't a cafe cowl or a flat brat seat. Here's a shot of my '71 CB500 frame with all the tabs marked that I cut off. This removed the airbox, side covers, inner fender mounts and rear peg mounts. I chose to keep the rear fender and center stand mounts since I ride it pretty heavily in all weather and the center stand is a handy maintenance tool.

 

[MattPK]

That is perfect! Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

 

[wowbagger]

Keep in mind that I chose to leave some tabs since I was keeping the stock tilt seat and seat lock. The best thing to do is mark each mounting tab as you remove parts you're not going to reuse.