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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Karma :
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Posted: 11:11 - 03 Apr 2015 Post subject: No.27 - 1981 Honda CX500 |
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I thought I'd start a 'project diary' for this bike:
Honda CX500 (498cc), registered November 1981 (suffix X-reg) in Shrewsbury.
I bought it back in October 2010, from memory I think the guy that owned it had bought a newer bike, he had owned it for just over 4 years. The MoT had expired in April 2010.
I bought it as running, think I only paid about £200-250. I was going to run it straight in for an MoT when I got home, but on checking the lights the indicator switch shorted and started smoking. I rolled it into the shed to sort out later, and it just kept getting put to the back of the TTD list.
I then moved it to storage away from home due to a break in.
However, I dragged it out of storage on Wednesday. The plan is to get it running and MoT passable, and then have it as an 'on-the-road project'. It may end up on the road quicker as planned though, as it looks like my car has just died, and I don't really want to buy another one at the moment.
I have another CX as well, also stored away from home. In the end I'm intending to get both of them on the road, swap a few parts between them, and sell the better/more original one, and keep the shitter...
The only photo so far is of it in the back of the van on the way home:
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/EAM-Enterprises/temporary_zpsauqn1vri.jpg
...I might need a new numberplate (dropped a box on it).
I've got to grab a new battery, rinse the tank out, check the fluids, then see if she'll fire up... ____________________ '07 Honda CBF500 / '93 Vauxhall Astra (www.fb.com/2wdOffRoader) / '04 Vauxhall Movano
Projects: '81 Honda CX500 x2 / '85 Land Rover One-Ten / ...plus many horticultural things.
||| Bike Test: DAS: PASSED 13/02/2009 ||| Car Test: PASSED 22/05/2005 ||| |
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yen_powell |
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yen_powell World Chat Champion
Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Karma :
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WD Forte |
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WD Forte World Chat Champion
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Snowdonia Rider |
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Snowdonia Rider World Chat Champion
Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Karma :
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Posted: 13:34 - 03 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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Keep the pics and posts coming, I'll be interested in this ____________________ I want your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
Suzuki GP125 Suzuki GSX600F Suzuki SV650S KTM EXC250F SkyTeam Bongo 125
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SnowdoniaRider |
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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
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WD Forte |
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WD Forte World Chat Champion
Joined: 17 Jun 2010 Karma :
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Posted: 17:09 - 03 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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Totally unsexy and uncool
If it were a dog it would be some scabby flatulent old mongrel
But I dunno, they kinda grow on you.
I some times wonder why I'm not sick and tired of mine
when other bikes have been and gone.
Probably speaks to my inner pikey ____________________ bikers smell of wee |
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blurredman |
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blurredman World Chat Champion
Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Karma :
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Posted: 18:19 - 03 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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I am also someone who has had one for the past few years. Sometimes I hate it, and I do think it is ugly. But alas, it is reliable enough not to break down completely and has a certain comfortability about it that cannot be rectified on another bike for such a small price.
I look forward to seeing how this thread develops. What's the mileage on the bike? It seems that the majority of the high mileage examples of over 50k seem to be fairly uncommon and only the cherished lower mileages (20-40k) are found for the most part.. ____________________ CBT: 12/06/10, Theory: 22/09/10, Module 1: 09/11/10, Module 2: 19/01/11
Past: 1991 Honda CG125BR-J, 1992 (1980) Honda XL125S, 1996 Kawasaki GPZ500S.
Current: 1981 Honda CX500B - 91k, 1987 MZ ETZ250 (bored to 295cc) - 38k, 1990 MZ ETZ251 - 49k, 1979 Suzuki TS185ER - 9k, 1972 MZ ES250/2 - 17k. |
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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Karma :
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Posted: 18:43 - 03 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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I think it's at about 65k, but I'll double check. I'm not one to go by mileages, especially when its on a bike like this. Most CX's seem to have 'borrowed' parts from other ones over the years, so I never know if its the original clocks!
I don't think they are the most attractive bikes by a long shot, but they seem pretty comfortable. At 6ft2 with size 13/14 feet, my choice of bikes can be quite limited. I have to fold myself up to get on a sports bike, then get cramp in my legs after 1/4 mile! Cruisers are my ideal type of bike, but just don't have time for the chrome! I want a bike I can use whenever I want, not just when the sun is out... ____________________ '07 Honda CBF500 / '93 Vauxhall Astra (www.fb.com/2wdOffRoader) / '04 Vauxhall Movano
Projects: '81 Honda CX500 x2 / '85 Land Rover One-Ten / ...plus many horticultural things.
||| Bike Test: DAS: PASSED 13/02/2009 ||| Car Test: PASSED 22/05/2005 ||| |
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Oldie |
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Oldie Brolly Dolly
Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Karma :
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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Karma :
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Posted: 19:08 - 03 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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Hmmm... The 'seat'. ...that I know needs some TLC. Rusted put around the edges. I might see if I can try and weld it up, will check the seat on the other one first...
Oh, and forgot, I have a spare engine as well. So if there are major issues I can rebuild one then swap. But I'm hoping that won't be required! ____________________ '07 Honda CBF500 / '93 Vauxhall Astra (www.fb.com/2wdOffRoader) / '04 Vauxhall Movano
Projects: '81 Honda CX500 x2 / '85 Land Rover One-Ten / ...plus many horticultural things.
||| Bike Test: DAS: PASSED 13/02/2009 ||| Car Test: PASSED 22/05/2005 ||| |
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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Karma :
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Posted: 19:41 - 03 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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I need a new battery before I can do much, I'm after a cheapy for now.
There are some on eBay for £25 (new), am I likely to get one cheaper elsewhere, or is that my best bet? ____________________ '07 Honda CBF500 / '93 Vauxhall Astra (www.fb.com/2wdOffRoader) / '04 Vauxhall Movano
Projects: '81 Honda CX500 x2 / '85 Land Rover One-Ten / ...plus many horticultural things.
||| Bike Test: DAS: PASSED 13/02/2009 ||| Car Test: PASSED 22/05/2005 ||| |
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WD Forte |
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WD Forte World Chat Champion
Joined: 17 Jun 2010 Karma :
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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
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Posted: 21:07 - 03 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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My next question was to double check the battery code.
Just out of interest, what did you change on your seat. I've seen some cut down ones on cafe racers, but they don't look comfortable in the least! ____________________ '07 Honda CBF500 / '93 Vauxhall Astra (www.fb.com/2wdOffRoader) / '04 Vauxhall Movano
Projects: '81 Honda CX500 x2 / '85 Land Rover One-Ten / ...plus many horticultural things.
||| Bike Test: DAS: PASSED 13/02/2009 ||| Car Test: PASSED 22/05/2005 ||| |
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WD Forte |
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WD Forte World Chat Champion
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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
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Posted: 22:43 - 03 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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Rest assured this will not be a showpiece...
If I get time tomorrow I might have a better look at a few bits, one being the throttle grip, as its not returning on its own.
I'm considering joining the CX-GL club, hoping the discounts will be worth it, but experience of doing that with car owners clubs leads me to think it won't! I can picture them all being rivet-counters, and I won't be heading down the 'genuine parts' route... ____________________ '07 Honda CBF500 / '93 Vauxhall Astra (www.fb.com/2wdOffRoader) / '04 Vauxhall Movano
Projects: '81 Honda CX500 x2 / '85 Land Rover One-Ten / ...plus many horticultural things.
||| Bike Test: DAS: PASSED 13/02/2009 ||| Car Test: PASSED 22/05/2005 ||| |
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WD Forte |
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WD Forte World Chat Champion
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Oldie |
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Oldie Brolly Dolly
Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Karma :
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Posted: 07:06 - 04 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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https://www.cx-gl.org.uk/forum.php
I pay my £10 pa, but not for the discounts etc - just great help when needed, especially as there are always guys doing re-builds and someone before you has undoubtedly suffered your pain.
Don't even have a CX anymore but still find the site good reading. Not for everyone, of course, but I still find the need to fill my old head with even more technical wizardry that I'll probably never use. |
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yen_powell |
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yen_powell World Chat Champion
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stevo as b4 |
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stevo as b4 World Chat Champion
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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Karma :
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Posted: 12:13 - 04 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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I've got you guys to ask for advice though, rather than the CX-GL club!
I might join in the end though, depends how stuck I get sourcing any obscure parts.
I've seen a few bits on some of the cafe racers that I might replicate, but comfort and practicallity are above all, so the low handlebars are not for me. Also most seem to remove the filter box and relocate the battery, leaving a massive gap in the frame, that and the hard-tail make it look front heavy... ____________________ '07 Honda CBF500 / '93 Vauxhall Astra (www.fb.com/2wdOffRoader) / '04 Vauxhall Movano
Projects: '81 Honda CX500 x2 / '85 Land Rover One-Ten / ...plus many horticultural things.
||| Bike Test: DAS: PASSED 13/02/2009 ||| Car Test: PASSED 22/05/2005 ||| |
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WD Forte |
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WD Forte World Chat Champion
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Posted: 14:06 - 04 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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Stevo
The turbos are tucked in at the front
https://fc02.deviantart.net/fs8/i/2005/357/8/f/Honda_CX650_Turbo_Mechanicals_by_Azraphale.jpg
The guys I knew with them said they were fantastic to ride
but a PITA to own.
Teds bike is a 'B' the typical 'maggot' style with CDI ignition
preceded by the A and the original Z.
These and the Custom are all based on the twin shock, single spine frame
( my favourite for its simplicty and practicality)
The Gls and Euros have basically the same engine but with TI ignition and different frames, forks and monoshock suspension
which can become a PITA at this stage of their lives.
The 650s and 400s were and are scarce compared to the 500s
I have mate with a 650 lump in a Custom twin shock frame
He's clocked up 60,000 plus on it and its still going strong cos he knows how to look after it. ____________________ bikers smell of wee |
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stevo as b4 |
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stevo as b4 World Chat Champion
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Posted: 15:03 - 04 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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First time I've ever seen one of ones lumps with the blower set up fitted.
I always assumed the turbo was fitted behind the engine/hidden down low, like the XJ and XN turbo's were. It was the CRK kits that got me thinking that if the turbo was located in that empty space of the frame that Ted mentioned, it would make a nice feature.
Then again if the turbo is at the front it won't burn your arse, and I think the 82bhp would go much better in a stripped down lighter more basic looking bike build. |
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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
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Posted: 16:09 - 04 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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WD Forte |
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WD Forte World Chat Champion
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Ted |
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Ted World Chat Champion
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Posted: 17:36 - 04 Apr 2015 Post subject: |
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With the frame I was thinking of getting a wire brush on it, then brush painting primer and black paint.
I'm glad you mentioned they rot from the inside out, I've poured used engine oil into metal framework before, so will probably do that. (messy, but cheap)
The paint on the tank looks like plasticoat or similar. I'm assuming it cracked in the sun, but the oval mark looks like pressure has been applied, the only way that springs to my (dirty) mind is the buttock print of a petit women... Maybe the last owner had some fun on this bike! ____________________ '07 Honda CBF500 / '93 Vauxhall Astra (www.fb.com/2wdOffRoader) / '04 Vauxhall Movano
Projects: '81 Honda CX500 x2 / '85 Land Rover One-Ten / ...plus many horticultural things.
||| Bike Test: DAS: PASSED 13/02/2009 ||| Car Test: PASSED 22/05/2005 ||| |
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Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 8 years, 361 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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