Topic: Best bike around 1,200 used? (how about CX500?)

[Gordon]

Well guys, he did it. Got a pretty clean 81 CX500 Custom. Black & blue with hard bags. I actually like it a lot. This trip is kind of a big deal for us (5K miles!) and I think we just would have felt sort of mismatched on bikes so far apart size wise. May sound lame, but the vibe of the trip is important. And we'll be riding together a lot, we're the only guys we know with bikes.

Hopefully it works out well for him. 

In all seriousness, though, bikes don't need to be even close to the same size for the riders to be able to enjoy riding with each other.  I used to have a great time riding my 400F with my friend who rode a Harley Ultra-Classic.  The bike needs to be a good fit for it's own rider, not for what the rider's partner is on.   

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

It would have probably made more sense if I had mentioned pretty much the only other guy he hangs out with has the exact same bike bike as me (which steams me). I don't blame him for avoiding a 70's CB.

My condolences to your friend who owns the Harley. 

[Achmed]

Those CXs apparently have some kind of pushrod deal to operate the valves since the cylinders are all twisted out of alignment from each other and the camshaft is in the bottom of the engine. Maybe it's not so weird but I haven't had any experience with that type of engine.

To sum up: I have nothing to add here. Carry on.

[Green550F]

My uncle had a GL500. Wonderfull light solo touring bike, but top heavy in town. In fact his GL1500 handled better in town! That aside, I wish I had his old GL500!

[bill440cars]

Here's your next task: Make it look like this:

       You know, I'm not much on those bikes, but THIS is a REALLY CHOICE Build! I AM MOST impressed!!!!!!!  That CX500Cafe IS REALLY IMPRESSIVE!