Topic: CX500 Build :Update- this is going on hold

[rachet]

**putting this project on hold because of some new projects-follow the link to see them!**
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=31751.0

So I'm all about the CB SOHC motor but I was able to pick up a CX500 for just 125 bucks and figured, what the heck, lets play!  I have a miller welder and a cutting torch and my trusty grinder so I decided to burn some metal and see what happens.  This is great practice for future projects and sharing some pics seemed like a good thing to do.  This forum has really inspired me to just get out in the garage and build something, Anything!  I hope you enjoy!

As usual I started right in with out grabbing the camera, but i was able to "simulate" the original tank.


I extended the tank 3 inches following the same lines as the tank.


doing this made the end of the tank way to wide, so I had to section out an inch and a quarter wide piece.





It was about right here when I ran out of gas for my welder and had to stop.  So I spent some time grinding down my not so pretty welds.  I will of course go over everything and use some kind of in-tank liner to prevent leaks.





and lastely, a quick mock up of the extended tank on the frame.




That's it for now, but I will update it as I progress.

Later~

[bill440cars]

      Hey ratchet, pretty cool way to start a project! Never really thought of using a CX500 for a build, but you've certainly got MY attention! Lead on brother!


                                 Later on, Bill          

[rachet]

Thanks Bill!  In order to complete a stylish, impressive build you have to have a good clean plan of action. . . I really don't. at all.  In anyway.  I do have a vision in my mind's eye though along the cafe racer look (of course) and again, this is to help me learn.  Worst case is I'm out 125 bucks, but how much knowledge will I gain?  I'm also thinking "mono-shock".  Any opinions/ideas around that?

i appreciate the support!~

[bill440cars]

Thanks Bill!  In order to complete a stylish, impressive build you have to have a good clean plan of action. . . I really don't. at all.  In anyway.  I do have a vision in my mind's eye though along the cafe racer look (of course) and again, this is to help me learn.  Worst case is I'm out 125 bucks, but how much knowledge will I gain?  I'm also thinking "mono-shock".  Any opinions/ideas around that?

i appreciate the support!~

          See, you should have kept quite, you had me convinced that you had a plan of action. Seriously though, you seem to have an idea of where you want to go with it and just let it flow. The "monoshock" idea sounds cool but, I don't really have any input on that idea. I have wondered about a conversion of that sort myself, but never went beyond thinking about it. A fellow named "James" has his bike in the March BOTM nominations and his has a monoshock system with a single-sided swingarm

           


           

[Godffery]

  I'm also thinking "mono-shock".  Any opinions/ideas around that?

i appreciate the support!~

   Dose this help any ?
http://springvinmoto.com/gallery/album105
   Or
http://springvinmoto.com/gallery/album186

   Godffery

[bryanj]

Only 3 things to remember on engine:-

(1) If you remove the water pump impeller use a NEW GENUINE HONDA PART copper washer under the nut

(2) Fit a new camchain

(3) when you refit the engine pour the first pint of oil in down a pushrod tunnel (valve cover off of course). If you dont you will starve the cam of oil for a while and wreck the hardening on the cam followers

[S-Dog]

For the monoshock I would look at a GL500.  You could probably get the rear swing arm and fab a mount on the CX500 frame.  They are essentially the same bike with the exception of the rear end.(monoshock vs. conventional)

[my78k]

just tagging this one for future reference for me...I inherited a CX500 from my bro in law. Of course the final drive is shot and not sure what else as I haven't picked it up yet but I will see soon. With any luck will be picking it up tomorrow!

Dennis

[fuzzybutt]

I too, am watching this build as i was just given an 80 cx500 deluxe

[rachet]

Well now I'm getting excited to work on it!  The feed back and info is both helpful, and inspiring.  I did pick up more gas for the welder and plan on finishing the tank enough to mock up a fiberglass seat Saturday/Sunday.  I plan on hammering in some knee inserts first so the Fiberglassing might wait till Sunday, or later in the week.  I don't have a lot of FG experience so we'll see what happens but I expect good things.  The link to the mono-shock set up is Awesome! and it's set my mechanical mind in overdrive for how I will configure mine!  the down tube on the cx500 is under the seat, so modification may be required.

I'll try and have pics up Saturday night/Sunday morning of my progress.

[olds-cool]

Bill, do you have any better sans of that article or know where I can rear some more details?

[750goes]

It must be a revolution about to happen.. I just bought an 81 CX500 Custom, for a good price, and it runs sweet as a nut... just to play with of course..

[bill440cars]

Bill, do you have any better sans of that article or know where I can rear some more details?

       I got that info from links that were in James posts of the March nominations. Might ought to check with him on that. Maybe he could be talked into putting in a thread with complete details and pictures. Be worth a shot.

                                   Later on, Bill

[pedritol]

Hi; I just joined.  I teach school, and summers, I fix cx500s & gl500s.  Also, I swap parts, and buy/sell parts.  for example, I have two old gl500s frames (well, one is just the back half) that have swingarms & monoshocks.  I have a dented cx500 tank that doesn't look rusted at all.

 these are fun bikes, and durable engines.  A couple tips include:  1) use the antifreeze that is silicate-free.  2) consider an in-line fuel filter as the carbs can clog with just tiny dots of dirt or rust.

anyway, email direct if you have questions or need parts.

Peter plaws@radford.edu

[rachet]

I'm bummed that the weekend got away from me because of family coming to town.  I have yet to finish welding up the tank, but I always get into a hurry so Here are a couple of seat pics. 







This is just the rough beginnings so it's not all smooth and shiny. . . Yet!

I'm still looking for that "perfect" seat design, but I do have a few ideas.  Once I've finished shaping I will of course fiberglass it and then add padding.  I'm trying to leave enough room for the battery and electrics, time will tell If i did or not.

On a side note I think I've figured out how I'm going to do the "mono" shock.  I'll start by cutting off the current shock mounts and relocating them on the main down tube.  Then I'll fab up an adapter off of the swing arm to bolt the shocks to.  Now I just need time to do it!

Later~

[rachet]

I was able to spend a few hours today after work in the garage and decided to rework the tail-end of the bike.  I started by removing the original brace.



After that, I removed the Original shock mounts.



I didn't get any pics of sectioning the original brace down, but here is the the trimmed brace welded back.



My Handy-Dandy Grinder made quick work of the cuts and my trusty-ol' Welder placed it back.  I do plan on moving the mounts (or more likely fully fabricate new mounts) to this general area on the down tube.


I'm going to try on Sunday to work more with the seat pan and fiberglass it all up.

[rachet]

I was able to spend a few hours in the garage Saturday and of course neglected to take photos of the build, but here is a quick recap. 

Using Floral Foam (the green foam you stick fake plants in) I was able to sculpt the design of my cowl the way I wanted.  I had to glue a couple of pieces together to get the correct width and finished up with cardboard in a few places as well.  I used blue painters tape and covered every thing in it and then applied a coat of Fiberglass and resin.  About an hour and a half later it was dry enough to apply a second coat.  It's still not as thick as it needs to be, but I was able to pull it all off and take pictures of it.

Let me know what you think!  It's really my first time using FG and I know I have a LOT of work ahead of me.  I suggest using rubber gloves and a face mask.  Especially on the cutting and sanding of this stuff.  Nasty!  and boy does it stink to HIGH heaven.  I used cheap-O-Bondo brand FG, I know there is better out there, but it's what I had.







Is it bad I'm already planning on modifying my custom made seat cowl?  Here is a pic of what I plan on doing.  the marked area will be cut out.



It's already going Faster!~

[rachet]

I totally forgot!  I checked, and a gel battery will fit on it's side in the cowl. That means I will at least be able to relocate the battery, if not all the electronics.  Woot!