1972 CB500Four how far do i go?

tonci

tonci

Active Member
Hey guys,

I am looking for some advice on what kind of work i should do on my 1972 CB500Four.

IMG_20120201_165838-1.jpg


As the photo shows the bike is currently in very close to original and excellent condition, but i am hoping to make a few changes leaning towards the cafe racer look.

I am currently waiting on delivery of a new seat with the cafe rear cowling on a repressing of an original seat pan. Other than this i am planning on installing clubman style bars with all internal wiring and a set of smaller, chrome gauges (which im yet to find), and shortend fenders, new lights

On my last ride i lost the battery side cover which has got me thinking, i can either buy a new sidecover and have it colourmatched to my bike by a local car painter or i could use this as a chance to remove both sidecovers and all the items beyond like many of you on here have.

This is where your advice comes in.

What exactly is behind the side covers? both in regards to items that need to be relocated and others that can be removed all together.

My first major question is battery relocation, i have noticed many of you have relocated it to under the seats cowling, however because of my new seats design this wont be an option for me, what other options do i have?

Before i look seriously at this is it a realistic goal with my very limited skills, knowledge and experience?

Any suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Tonci
 
holy crap that thing is clean

first off keep the paint scheme and don't touch it

i would just put a nice cafe seat with a nice cowl on it, ditch the rear fender, and the put some clip ons on it and then clean up the gauges if you want but other than that, leave it alone, it looks friggin sweet already
 
Agreed on leaving that beauty alone and just loving and riding it. Find yourself a crusty old one for cheap and hack away at that one. You have a 40 year old preserved little chunk of history right there.
 
If you really have your heart set on changing it, I wouldn't do anything that can't be undone. That thing looks to be in great condition and I've noticed (advertised, at least) prices going up for mid-range and smaller sized 4 cylinders.
 
I would just put on clubman handlebars, and the honda giuliari seat or a replica. ;)
Nothing else your bike is too beautiful, as it is right now !

Have Fun
 
I wouldn't do a single thing to that beauty. Not one thing! But it's your bike, your call.
 
thanks guys!

awesome to get this reaction on my bike. I think i will try retain as much of the original look as possible, just change out the seat which is already on its way and see how i like it.
I think having a look at the suspension, bushings and tires will be worth it, although they do seem pretty good at the moment.

and in NZ our laws regarding vehicles can be quite strict. we need to have all four turning signals, brake/stop light, headlight (always on, day or night by law) and things like the licence plate must be readible from45degree angles from the rear of the bike (this can make remounting a licence hard if your wanting to side mount)
I will let you know when my new seat arrives and i will post a picture of it.

Cheers
Tonci
 
As minimal set of mods go for me, I like putting on a set of flat bars from the CB400f, especially if you keep the original footpegs. I think clubmans won't feel right with the original footpeg location. The CB400f bar is low, narrow and clean looking. Then, I'll remove turn signals (don't need them in MI), go with one modern mirror on the right (bar end if you like that), shortened fenders, smaller rear light (cb160 type) and new rubber pieces (grips, footpegs, etc.). Other mods I would do won't change the aesthetics (tires, brakes, ignition, lighting, etc). Finally, just get it to reliably start and run. Nothing is more frustrating than a bike doesn't start and run - reliably. Even with the stock exhaust, in-line fours make glorious sound! All of the above can be reversed (save the original parts, though!)
 
i've been wanting clubman bars for some time, bit i figure it will greatly affect my riding comfort unless i get rearsets which im not really after. maybe superbike bars are the way to go
 
They work out great and really help clean it up a bit without a drastic change in riding possition.
 
I second that. A set of superbike bars, and perhaps a sporty seat, and you'll want to be on that girl all day long ;)
I have superbike bars on my KZ1000 and find them to be perfect for me. They look good, they're comfortable, and they
don't take much, if any, getting used to. The clubmans will have you humped over and uncomfortable without rearsets and
a lower seat.
 
Does anyone know the product number for Hagon shocks that fit the CB500? also someone mentioned brass bushes, are these bought or need to be machined?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light
    • www.jadusmotorcycleparts.com
    www.lostapostle.ca/
    www.sparckmoto.com

    Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom