Author Topic: Opinion on CX500?  (Read 2196 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Blasbo

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 358
Opinion on CX500?
« on: November 19, 2009, 03:09:23 PM »
Saw a 1978 Honda CX500 on feebay. Starting bid is $500, buy it now is $900. Looks to be in good shape, semi cafe style.
Anybody have experience and/or opinions? ???
I do kind of like the flying V look of it.
« Last Edit: November 19, 2009, 03:15:27 PM by Blasbo »

Offline 750goes

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,128
  • it will live
Re: Opinion on CX500?
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2009, 06:02:28 PM »
I ride one to work every day...it's a cx500 custom - 81 model
if it's been looked after - then it will run reliably for a long time
great torque - and if you want you can flog it pretty hard as well.
check the charging system - the cx stator can be know to be faulty - and it is engine out (not hard though) replacement job or rewiring needed. Also water pump mechanical seal and camchain should be done at this time too.
Very simple to work on

cheers


Offline MRieck

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,565
  • Big ideas....
Re: Opinion on CX500?
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2009, 04:44:14 AM »
I agree with the above points. Stator is a well known problem
Owner of the "Million Dollar CB"

Offline Terry in Australia

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 33,321
  • So, what do ya wanna talk about today?
Re: Opinion on CX500?
« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2009, 04:54:44 AM »
Nice little commuter bike mate, motorcycle couriers around the world loved them for their reliability and comfy ride, but they're heavy and underpowered, with no performance gear available (no-one ever raced one seriously) so I guess it depends on what you want it for. Cheers, Terry. ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline B.O.X.N.I.F.E.

  • The Stumped
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,137
Re: Opinion on CX500?
« Reply #4 on: November 21, 2009, 10:57:29 AM »
Sadly more experience working on them than I'd like. If doing the stator/water pump seal repair frightens you don't buy it. There is a very good chance it will need at least one.

Also, the CDI's in many of these bikes are starting to go bad due to age.

That stuff aside, they're cool bikes. You'll love doing tune up's, easiest valve lash adjustment in the world.
1974 CB550

32 days and 5,536 miles on a CB550...

http://kerncountykid.blogspot.com/

and a couple years later, 38 days and 9,102 miles...

Forever West

... and all of it in a 4 mintue video

<a href="Not a valid vimeo URL">WWYY?[/url]

Offline bryanj

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,029
  • CB500 Number 1000036
Re: Opinion on CX500?
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2009, 02:06:30 AM »
If you take the engine out always pour the first litre of replacement oil into the engine via a rocker box or you will wreck a cam/followers
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Blasbo

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 358
Re: Opinion on CX500?
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2009, 11:08:37 AM »
Thanks for the feedback y'all.
Bidding has gone up to more than I want to spend considering the potential problems.