Topic: Canttuckmyshirt's CB500 Project Log

[canttuckmyshirt]

Ok,

Here is my project log. I got this CB500 off of Craigslist for $500! It came with a king/queen seat, Dyna S ignition, Abe Henry wheels, crash bars, highway pegs, Jardine pipes, etc..

Before:


I have since sold the crash bars and king/queen seat (on this board of course).

I am adding a Dunstall seat & tail, redid the carbs, new chain and cables, etc.. Different dyno and point covers (square fins, not rounded). New levers. I just started stripping odd unused bits
This is where I am now:



Just waiting for rearsets, bars, taillights and signals. I'll post my frame mods tomorrow. I'm still on the fence on whether or not I will relocate the battery and fuse panel.

This is phase one. Phase two will include an upgraded front end (I have air shocks, but I want dual brakes and to keep my existing wheels), paint & full powder coat.

[LoopsAndLogic]

Much better from before

 Have you thought about shorter bars or clip-ons?

Very nice bike!

 Best of luck.

[ProTeal55]

Clip-On's on that bike would be tight.
Love the wheels (and I usually dont like mags)...

[canttuckmyshirt]

I’m really on the fence. Either clipons or drag bars. I’m still doing my research. Are you guys recommending clipons above or below the triple trees?

[DME]

Below.

[jabbadeznuts]

looks purdy 

[canttuckmyshirt]

Below.

That would probably be a little low for my taste (that Dunstall tank is HUGE). How bad would lowering the front fork, to put them above the triple, affect my handling?

[Geeto67]

I’m really on the fence. Either clipons or drag bars. I’m still doing my research. Are you guys recommending clipons above or below the triple trees?

Come over to my shop in queens (where you and yout buddy looked at my GT380). I have a bunch of different bars you can try out. I have three different styles of clubmans, three different styles of clipons, and a drag bar and superbike bar. If you still have my number call me and I might be able to come to you, if you don't have it then pm me.

AS for clip ons, +1 for above the top clamp, much more comfortable and solves a lot of tank clearance issues. 

[heffay]

i agree w/ geeto on the above the bars... not that below would be better or worse but, above can be done too.
as long as you don't drop the triples too much your handling may actually improve.  its all about how everything else is set up and interacts w/ that change that will dictate a good or bad outcome. 
what i'm saying is... fiddle w/ it, don't just lower the triples and call it as good as its gonna get.  adjust the suspension and maybe even lower the rear to accommodate a lower front end.

[ProTeal55]

I got a bad back for a 27 year old, so I pu tmy clip-on's above the top tree.
Might not look as nice and clean, but I can put 120 miles on my scoot in one night and have
no aches what so ever...

[doug_id]

Nice looking bike 

I am 42 and I like the drag bars.   The clubmans and the clipons (below the tree) where to extreme for me.

Reminds me I need to sell my black clubmans......   

[canttuckmyshirt]

Come over to my shop in queens (where you and yout buddy looked at my GT380). I have a bunch of different bars you can try out. I have three different styles of clubmans, three different styles of clipons, and a drag bar and superbike bar. If you still have my number call me and I might be able to come to you, if you don't have it then pm me.

AS for clip ons, +1 for above the top clamp, much more comfortable and solves a lot of tank clearance issues. 

Geeto,
I will have to give you a call and come by again some time soon. So that should take care of the bars.

I guess I will just need to concentrate on getting rear sets and finalizing the tail/seat/signals.

[Tim.]

I'd say go middle of the road and get a set of adjustable tomaselli clubmans.

[babyfood1217]

OMG, where did you get that tank.  I think, perhaps, maybe, I really really, really like it....Alot.  the black one.  Yup, pretty sure I do.

[babyfood1217]

Nevermind...dunstall.  getting my eyes checked now.

[canttuckmyshirt]

I just realized another year has gone by and I have done NOTHING with my CB500. (Been too busy riding the 06 GSX-R)

I'm contemplating a new tank seat combo. Here are some more pics.. What do you think? Keep the 750 dunstall tank or should I splurge for a Benji setup? Benji's Foxy Boxy looks pretty similar to my setup...

The Dunstall tank is terribly uncomfortable between my legs. I imagine my inner thighs will get all bruised up. Am I crazy??





Rearsets and clipons are still in the plan.. Considering dual disks too.

[olds-cool]

Get rid of your sidecovers, change the bars, and keep the tank/seat combo.  It'll look hot.

[KB02]

Get rid of your sidecovers, change the bars, and keep the tank/seat combo.  It'll look hot.

+1   

[canttuckmyshirt]

Get rid of your sidecovers, change the bars, and keep the tank/seat combo.  It'll look hot.

+1   

Right on. Thanks guys.

I plan on doing all of the above. I was thinking custom side covers that are low-profile like the CB400/4 has.

[Geeto67]

The Dunstall tank is terribly uncomfortable between my legs. I imagine my inner thighs will get all bruised up. Am I crazy??

you are not crazy...you are using a cb750 Dunstall tank on a cb500/550 frame. the tank is too long for the frame and your stock footpegs are too far forward for where the end of the tank is. I don't think you are going to get brusied but you need to move your riding position back a couple of inches for that tank to be close to comfy. Rearsets and a different seat should help you in that direction.