‘69 was, I believe, the first year some 500s (not all) got the TLS front brake.
The unit 500s, especially the later twin carb Daytona’s, are real rev monsters and don’t hang about. They’re light too and handle brilliantly. Definitely a true classic Brit bike.
Still not as quick as a decent 650 though, which in turn, aren’t as quick as a decent Cdo... just to put into perspective.
They’re physically small too, so might not suit the bigger built rider.