Tail Light

[florence]

My CB500/4 has a painted steel tail light/number plate holder.  Is this correct for UK model?  Some 500/4s seem to have a chrome unit; is this US only?

Also, can anyone clear up manufacturing dates?  Honda tell me my bike was made in December 1974 but I thought they stopped making 500s in 1973, although still available to buy in UK.  Bike was registered in 1976. (Frame number 2069XXX, engine 2106XXX)

[SteveD CB500K0]

Both of my standard 500s have a painted unit.

[florence]

I just looked at your pictures, the Gold one is particularly nice.  Mine has a grab rail which goes round the seat, I suppose that must be a later fitting as mine is newer than yours.

[Bryanj]

Honda made 500's up to late 74 whilst also making 550 K0 for the US and just to confuse matters there are 500 K2's in the US built earlier with higher frame numbers.
Makes dated a UK 500 a Honda only job and they email Japan who check the factory build records, unless its really early when they got lost, alegedly, in a fire

[matthewmosse]

3 more painted tailights here, one for each year 72 thru to 74