Definitive answer on badge coloring? (gold vs. silver)

[3030vision]

I thought that I'd run across this information before, but I can't seem to find it on honda305.com or the 'net in general.

Does there appear to be any rhyme or reason for the different color badges on a particular bike? I'm specifically interested in the '64s (what I have). The pictures of the reproductions I see on this site are silver. The ones I see on eBay are gold. I have one of each. If I ever replace them, I'd like to bike to look as close to stock as possible.

And yes, I'm obsessing. Bike is in the shop and i *can't wait* to get it back and ride it... for the first time!

Finally, how much should I expect to pay for good reproduction badges? If I thought I could find good originals, I'd be all about it.

Thanks in advance.

[DavidK]

For a few years, I have made various badges for 1960's Hondas, all follow the same rules.
The original Honda badges for all models (CB72 CB92 etc) use a clear badge with a gold type laquer then a 'chrome' plating. The whole lot is painted black on the back to protect the plating as well as give a black background to the Wing and words when viewed from the front.
With time and sunlight the original Gold laquer fades to clear leaving a silver finish.

I found most of this out as I carefully stripped old badges down to the clear shell, before I made moulds of them.

I used modern gold laquers on the badges which I made. These would not fade.
So the answer is both Gold and Silver are ok. Gold for the original showroom look and silver for a well used bike.

Just to confuse matters more, I have seen late genuine Honda spare parts badges which are not of the same quality as the original production runs. These sometimes use silver paint instead of 'Chrome' and no gold laquer.

[3030vision]

Wow, I would have never guessed that the silver badges are simply a result of fading of the original gold laquer coloring. These kind of details are fascinating to me. I also find it really interesting that many of the reproductions are made in silver. I guess that is a true color of sorts, even if it's not the original color for the bike. I wonder how many people know that.

Thanks DavidK!

[LOUD MOUSE]

As for the CB/CL72/77 badges they were GOLD when first made. .........lm

Wow, I would have never guessed that the silver badges are simply a result of fading of the original gold laquer coloring. These kind of details are fascinating to me. I also find it really interesting that many of the reproductions are made in silver. I guess that is a true color of sorts, even if it's not the original color for the bike. I wonder how many people know that.

Thanks DavidK!