Honda Cx 500 on 2040-motos

Honda Other description

Honda CX 500, was first introduced at 1978 as a new age approach to the idea of a motorcycle. It was the first motorcycle for Honda with V twin engine,water cooling, shaft drive, electrical start, tubeless tires, and big service intervals. The best part of this motorcycle is its engine. Even though it is only 500 cc it puts out 50 hp, 36.5 kw at 9000 rpm and 43 Nm of torque at 7000rpm. By comparison , Buell Blast 2006 at 500 cc has 34 hp 24.8 kW with 41 Nm torque at 3200 rpm. Suzuki GS 500 2000, 47 HP 34kW and 40.0 Nm Torque. By far even today cx 500 engine is the paragon for 500 cc size engines. Such performance was achieved by creating a high rpm engine (9200 red line) with push rods vs overhead cam chain. Making it powerful bullet proof and easy maintenance. Transmission placed at the bottom and spinning counter-wise the engines rotation, made the driving experience smooth and gave an increased sense of control at the throttle. This is to date the fastest push rod 500 cc engine. My motorcycle started of as a 1979 model, but a long a way I picked up 1982 cx500 custom with 9000 miles on the clock and out of the two bikes I build one. Right now it has everything from 1982 CX 500 motorcycle except the tank(4.5 gallons), frame, wheels and old engine guard. It has Transistor Ignition vs older CDI ignition. TI is superior in every respect except you can not run start the bike, but unless you have an old battery it is not an issue. Motorcycle is in great condition. All the fluids were recently changed, oil has another 2500 miles left in it. The cam chain tensioner still has plenty of travel to go and the chain doesn't emit clanking sounds. The water seal near the water pump doesn't leak. There are no other leaks from any gaskets. The following upgrades were performed on the bike. Rear suspension shocks were replaced with HD air adjustable shocks, providing a far superior handling and comfort in riding performance. Front fork is air adjustable also. Original oil filter was replaced with a converter adapter to fit normal automotive filter. I have tested it for 1200 miles and so far it is far superior to original set up. Also now you can easily buy an oil filter from any automotive store. ( I still have an original oil filter which can be mounted back easily.) Original mechanical fan was replaced with Ducati electric fan. Handlebar stabilizer was attached mainly for windy days on a highway at speeds above 80 mph. With it I am able to cruise at such speeds relaxed with one hand on the handlebar (not that I advise to do so). Three upgrades which I never got around finishing. The switch to the fan which is under the seat on the left is manual one (no thermal sensor). The Original seat from 1982 CX 500 was bolted on to the frame, the seat from 1979 CX500 had clasps which made it easy to take off. I kept the clasps but never installed the front holder to the seat. ( I drove for 5000 miles on it and there was no problems.) The original horn sounds like a road runner(beep beep), I have two car horns separately but never got around installing them. None of those unfinished upgrades poses any impediment to the quality or enjoyment of the ride but for the sake of perfection they have to be done. Alas I don't have the time for it. Personal experience of the ride. This motorcycle is perfect as a first rider or urban casual rider. It has plenty power to move the bike from 1 2 or 3 gear,(that means on the streets no unnecessary down or up shifting) and has enough power to travel way above highway speed limits. I never felt under powered on the highway. Top speed I took it to was around 100 mph. Yet the motorcycle is very forgiving which was important for me at the beginning. The 1979 CX 500 was my first bike. Once I drove my bike side by side with 1974 Honda CB 550, my bike felt more cruise worthy vs CB crotch rocket feel, albeit my bike was faster and more powerful overall. The way the power is dispensed on the CX engine is at around 5000 rpm you have enough power just to cruise comfortably with no drama at preferred speed, but if the need arises you can push it to 8000 rpm and fly away. Honda CB felt like it was always on. The reason I am parting with it is the size of the motorcycle. I cannot afford to have two bikes at this time. I am 6.2 foot tall and even with foot pegs on the engine guard for any trip over 150 miles my legs cramp severely. The bike is build like a cruising crossover yet my sitting position is like on a crotch rocket with my long legs. I had only one long trip before, 1400 miles on the 1979 CX and my legs nearly killed me. Right now I am getting to a point where I want to travel longer distances so this bike is out of question for me. Plus as sad as it sounds I am also getting to a phase where I want to try different motorcycles. I think I covered most of the points Happy bidding and Thank you for watching! Good luck!