In 2008 while I was attending the European Bug In #2, I saw this CB500 at a shop we visited in the Netherlands and without any hesitation, purchased it. I didn’t have to purchase it from the Netherlands and know they are available in Japan and the US but there’s a reason for everything and I believe in encounters like this. After purchasing it, I remember thinking back to the 70s, when I would see on the 405 Freeway in southern California, how the rear shocks were swapped for rigid bars.
So, the rear shocks were changed to rigid bars, Borrani “H” model aluminum rims with the front tire being an Avon Speedmaster 3.00-19 and the rearbeing a M&H Drag Slick 4/26.6-18. This Drag Slick is Key and very hard to find and took one year to locate and only because Harpoon, who did the FREAKIN’ awesome paint, had one and said, “It’s from my friend, but if you want to use it, go for it.”
That was in November. At first it was Avon tires on front and back but after changing the rear to the M&H slick and seeing the square shape, it looked so perfect!
The exhaust is one-off original, the front tubes are from a CB750 that have been cut to Drop it down, the headlight brackets are from a 70s era Kawasaki motorcycle which were commonly used on customizing bikes but are not that easy to find today.
However, with the assistance of of eBay, it has made searching much easier. If you look hard enough and long enough for anything, it’s bound to come up. The real point is having the money at the right time to buy it. Back in the day, you could only buy what was within literal reach. The fins and valve cover, the points cover, etc. were collected over time. The handlebar is original stock that was shortened 1-inch on both sides (what a waste), the light & gauges are original stock and left in place.
The stock headlight is actually a bit too big but for a 70s Drag Bike, it would have a large round number plate right there so it has that feel to it. Trying to balance something that is unbalanced, I did try on a smaller headlight to see how it looked.
The seat is completely original one-off. I wanted a seat the fit flush as possible to the frame and this was the best way to do it. The paint, as mentioned before, was handled by Harpoon (Harpoon Kustom Paint), whom was featured in MOON Illustrated Magazine #4. I wanted a paint job that people would see and Freak Out so I turned to someone that had the ability and I’ve seen and liked many of the bikes he has painted. With all the aluminum parts polished like chrome and custom paint this Japanese bike looks so cool!
Special thanks to Harpoon Kustom Paint and IM Factory (website in Japanese)
by Shige Suganuma
