I had the same dilemma with my 71' 500. I have a bone stock 750K3, and had every intention of returning the 500 to its original glory, but not do frame off. WELL.... I pulled the motor out to fix some seals, and the next thing you know the frame is @ the powdercoater.
I found this cool beehive taillight by accident and mocked it up on the fender, and custom fever overcame me. I lowered it, bought a 550motor on ebay, wide low bars ect ...ect.....I have more fun on it than I ever imagined..... I love a correct, stock bike, but anybody can have one, customizing is art-like, a personal statement. You can always go back to stock anyway. Variety is the spice.... I say have some fun........ here's how it worked out for me>>> I looked forward to my winter evenings..