Honda CX500

[DGXSER]

Flirting with the idea of picking up one of these. Said to have been sitting for a few years and no battery. Anything I should look for or expect to be a problem? Typical things that need attention other than brakes, carbs, and tank after sitting so long?

[jwhughes3]

I'd expect it all to be a problem

But I think I'd check to see if the wiring had been rigged up or stock mostly. Just think it is easier if all stock to get it going again.

You know what to look for - you've been as deep into a bike as anyone I know.


I do like the looks and size of those...


John

[barberad]

I looked into these a few years back. I remember something about the lack of availibility of certain parts. Stators or something to that effect.
I think the "Flying V" looks pretty cool if done up right. There were even some turbo models.
Here's a link to one of their forums: http://cx500forum.com/
Dan

[DGXSER]

Thanks John...I know a bit about these XS11's thanks to all the great help I have received from others on this site that helped guide to gaining my own first hand experiences.

Never owned a CX500, so just trying to see if they have any known defects like the XS11 fuse box, or pickup coil wires, 2nd/1st gear issues. That kind of stuff, things I should probably just budget money to fix since it probably will not run.

[FJ111200]

The alternator is one of the first things to pack up, and it's at the back of the engine, and replacement or repair means it's an engine out job.
I know 'cos i've had 2 when i was a despatch rider.
Early models had a problem witht he top end, i.e. the camshaft and tensioner, but Honda should have fixed that under warranty.
The crankshaft is supposed to be good for 200,000 miles, when it then goes West, i never got mine up into those mileages.
But apart from that, they're a good little shafty, liquid cooled aswell. Parts are still available and relatively cheap.

[exquized1]

I had a 82 CX 500 turbo which was my first bike. It was a good bike only thing I didn't like was you never knew when the turbo would hit. It was wicked to ride in the rain. I put many miles on it and it still on the road (motor). My bike got stolen and wrecked bad the motor now rests in a different turbo bike. I think I have a pic.



Tried to make it took like the bike FX rode in the Nightrider series.

[soccer4m]

cx

I had one also,,,,when they first came out. They were the first jap, shaft,watercooled full sized, small bore, vtwin touring type bike and it was cheap. I had it three years and remember it to be a nice cruiser, full size, but slightly underpowered, especially two up. It was typical Honda, smooth, troublefree, easy to get on and go. For mileage, I think it was high forties. The sound was cool, being like a small Guzzi with a slight buzz at speed. The alternators are known to be a problem but it never went out on mine. All in all, I would recommend for a city cruiser, but for long distance it isnt up to higher speed cruising, but it is a very unique type of bike. Good luck, Mike

[tarzan]

I had one of those.It was my first street bike years ago.It was smooth and fun to ride.Mine was a full dresser.CX500 Deluxe.
The only problem I had with mine was the fan.I developed a knock in the engine and feared the worst.I couldn't figure it out.I had to take i t to the dealer.It turned out the fan was molded to an aluminum hub,and over time, the bond between the plastic fan and the hub had separated.So the fan would rock on the hub, causing the knock.
The bike was a little underpowered, but for my first bike, it was great and very reliable.