Topic: My bike a month later (before + after pics)

[Goldbug]

Here are some pics of the 1973 CB500 I picked up last month:

Before
Before

After
After
After
After

[cmorgan47]

if all you'd done was get rid of that fairing, it would've been an improvement.
nice color, looks much better.

[Roastem]

man thats a nice lookin bike....now...LOL.  that faring looked like it belonged on the BAT BIKE.  anyone besides me remember that bike?? Adam West rode it....? ah who cares...

Nice bike man.

[Chris Liston]

I'd put the front fender back on.  it helps with stabilzing the forks.  Looks like a nice improvement though.  Nice Job.

[Goldbug]

I'd put the front fender back on.  it helps with stabilzing the forks.  Looks like a nice improvement though.  Nice Job.

I didn't realize. However, I am sure I can improvise something that is stronger without putting the fender back on.

[prsman23@hotmail.c]

Here's an idea:
http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=12996.0

[ProTeal55]

Looks good.....

[jidai]

I dig that color, clean clean clean. Congrats on this project.

Front Fender ++, you could go for one of the lower profile ones if you want but with the weather that's coming (plus the stabilization issue mentioned above) you're going to want something there.

[Goldbug]

I'll get something in there before I ride it next. I'm not a fan of weather so I have some time to figure something out, it's rainy and cold here now.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm very pleased with the transformation. I can just stand there drinking a beer and admiring my handwork, been awhile since I had a project like that. Who knew getting a $650 bike would be the best decision I've made in years? So far the total investment is around $800. Still needs tires and a carb rebuild though.

The tank color is Duplicolor Cast Iron engine paint. Duplicolor engine paint is just about the most forgiving rattle can paint there is.

[ProTeal55]

Front Fender ++, you could go for one of the lower profile ones if you want but with the weather that's coming (plus the stabilization issue mentioned above) you're going to want something there.

Adding a steering stabilizer will help add SOMETHING to the front.
I added one, and felt a noticeable difference (still need a brace though)