Hello Mark. I have a 1972 500/4 as well (and I had one in 1972!) I don't think the cases were painted on these bikes. Just laquered. Later models were painted however (400/4) and so I'm sure that you can get paint to match. I used Sperex VHT 1200 on my 500 in the 70's (but I used red and black - it was the 70's afterall!) The Sperex had to be baked on (in the oven!) but proved resistant to fuel, oil, brake fluid, heat and everything else. Unfortunately the bike did not prove so durable and expired in 1979 with 50k+ miles on the clock.
Steve
Post edited by: SteveD CB500F, at: 2006/08/10 14:42