Topic: Top triple tree differences

[Scott S]

 I have a '71 or '72 CB500/4. The P.O. says it's a '72 but the VIN indicates a '71. Title paperwork is on the way from the DMV, so I can't say for sure...

 Anyway, the right side clamp is broken on the top triple tree. A member of another forum sent me one from his parts stash but it's different. He seems to think it's from a '72. The stem and fork holes are the same, but my bike has the gauge panel. The replacement tree doesn't. The tach/speedo mounts are also different. I think I can make it work but any idea what that's all about? I even noticed in the Clymer manual that they show two different configurations.

[haill]

the tach and speedo  gauges got bigger from the 71 into the 73.
the mounts changed to accommodate the change.
the VIN if starts with a cb500-104----- will indicate a 71 if it starts with  cb-500-2---- represents a 72 and so fourth.
One of the good things about parts suppliers is the online parts pages. Go to Bike Bandit or CMSL which find is even better for they list the correct honda part numbers for each year and country the bike was produced for, which is another issue to keep in mind. Enter your year and then the year of a 73 and note the differences between parts your ordering/interested.
You can view the subtile changes between years with things like seat latches, gauges etc that don't show up when buying stuff for a cb500 thinking it's all the same bike.
regards Keith