Topic: Hello from Georgia

[dustyc]

Hi everyone,
A couple months ago I picked up a 72 CB500 that  had been sitting outside for several years. Every last bit has rust on it.  It came with high handlebars king/queen seat, sissy bar -generally things that aren't my thing.  I am a man with a plan though and this weekend I picked up another 71 CB500 that the guy had cut to make a chopper, but was in much better shape.  Fortunately he didn't get too far.   My plan is to get it going(I've almost got it back together already) then take the 72 down and repaint the frame and build a mostly stock bike using parts from both, but with my own preferences. 

My grandad had lots of bikes mostly HD, but some Hondas, but I didn't get any and didn't really know him as he passed away when I was just a kid.  My uncles had Goldwings and Silverwings, come to think about it, most of my uncles have bikes on both sides.  Anyway, I've been looking for the last year for what I would like to be my first street bike.  I've read a good bit here and decided a CB500 would be the one for me.

So wish me luck with this plan of mine. I hope to get to know y'all and maybe one day offer my help once I know something about these bikes. 

Edited to add: I just uploaded a pic of the 71 as my profile pic.  2 days ago it was a basket case(no front brakes, no electrics, no seat,  no fenders, dead battery, hadn't run in a year and a half, etc.).  Today I started it!

Cheers,
Dusty

[Bar50]

Good luck, keep the pics flowing (it helps to see your own progress on some projects!)  Watcha' gonna' do with the funky seat and bars???   

[Bob Wessner]

I second the good luck wish, also the need for pictures. Take them periodically as you progress and you will be self-impressed. Of course, you have to share them with us.

[dustyc]

I usually document my projects pretty good with pictures.  You're right, it is nice to see the progression.  I'll make sure I put them up here to give hope to all who buy a basket case.   

I don't want to toot my own horn, but I think I did right getting a parts bike that although rusty was complete and together.  The guy I got the 71 from said everything was there, but there have been some hardware that wasn't in the box.  It's really nice to have an example to go from and rob parts from.

As far as the bars and seat, I'm going to wait until I've got it together to decide what to do with what's left.  I figure I'll have alot of good spares, or maybe since I'll have a frame that's been cut for a  chopper, and a seat and bars that are chopper style, maybe I'll make one.  Hard to say at this point.  You get first dibs if I get rid of them.

[dusterdude]

welcome and keep up the good work.