I had a brand new CX in 1978, I still think it's one of the best bikes I ever had. I'll admit it was odd looking but it had everything a touring biker would want, the engine alone was a jem.
I took my black and red 1978 out after it was broken in and with brand new oil in it I ran it down the interstate to see what it would do top speed. I got 114 out of it. Since it was just a plain jane with no fairing I was pretty well tucked in. Everything went good until I decided to sit up again at around 90 mph. I thought I was going to peel off the bike. Scared the shit out of myself. I thought that wasn't too bad util I saw that Honda said it would run 105. For a 500 that wasn't all that bad.
@TBullCajunbreadmaker I hear you. I spent the first year riding my Deluxe fairly at posted speeds. Then one day I said hmmm this thing revs way higher than what I was riding it. Wo and behold it was quite a frisky engine up in the higher rpm range. A great machine overall. There still many out there that are well maintained and can be had for a reasonable amount.
Just got back from an evening riding around the lanes on mine. It never fails to put a grin on my face, and you can't ask for more than that. I've lost count of the number of old boys who come up to me at gas stations and tell me they "used to have one of those". I've had four CX's over the years, all black ZAB's. I just ignore the haters who call it a plastic maggot - you either get it or you don't. Other bikes have come and gone, but it's my CX that I'll never get rid of. Thanks for posting the video!
Was a courier throughout the 80's and 90's, had 250,000 miles out of one of my CX's until the head gasket let go on the M25, still got me off the motorway though. Really miss adjusting the camchain every Saturday morning Great bike.
Same here - I did almost 500,000 miles as a London courier between 1983 and 1996 - a lot of it on two CX 500. You had to be totally aware and focused to survive, which is why so much of that time is still vivid in my memory. The main downside to them, apart from the top-heavyness was the weak front brake compared to later bikes.
Back in 1979 I had a red CX500, which on a favourite left-hander could be laid over at the apex, then open the throttle and it just 'stood up' and purred away. Ah - memories!
I've just literally got one, the '84 Eurosport version, in black with orange and silver lines. It has 18.743 miles on it, looks like new, the paint is in perfect shape, it just needs a little carburetor synchronizing and service...oil change, brake pads and such and it's like new. Can't wait to take it for a ride! Will keep it in it's original state, maybe 30 years from now it'll be worth a small fortune :)))). Cheers from Romania!
@@bikerdood1100 Hey brother! So, did everything I said above and last Friday I took the CX for a ride. It rides superbly....the shaft transmission is super soft and delicate and the clutch too. The only thing that comes as a surprise to me is the fact that the bike would not lean into corners as modern bikes do. Is that a thing for those motorcycles that were built back than? It doesn't bother me, and i understand that we're talking about 40 years old bikes, but i would like to know if mine has a problem or not. Of course i still have to get used to it, as i only drove it for like 20 miles or so (it was cold outside) :)). Thanks in advance for your response! Cheers!
@@MaramuresDualSport well not really But the thing is a CX is a little top heavy compared to say a Guzzi They tern ok but like an early GSXr they need a bit of encouragement You have to show them who’s boss It’s a feeling you get used to and riding them becomes second nature quite quickly
The "Plastic Maggot" was an underrated bike. Early problems with the cam chain tensioner put a lot of people off them. Hugely popular with couriers it was a go anywhere do anything bike. The most surprising thing was how well they handled - they were absolute gems in this department.
I was the Service Manager at a Honda Dealership in California in the mid-1980's. CX500/650's were very popular, with many in the wrecking yards because of expensive mechanical issues that required dropping the engine (stators, cam chains, clutches, water pumps). made repairing them cost prohibitive at times.
Nicely done ! I'm Canadian and have owned a 1982 CX500 Custom since 1984. I purchased it from my brother who rode it with a passenger from coast to coast with no issues. I took my wife from the East coast to New York, again with no issues. It did require the engine to be split to replace a stator and when the replacement failed I parked it in my shed where it has languished for some 20 years. I keep telling myself to dig her out and restore her however the elements have not been kind to her. The task is daunting... Perhaps this winter.
I have had my 1982 GL500 Interstate for 15 years, used but still very road worthy. Wanted one new in '82, but I was only 17 then, so I had to wait my turn, lol! Even 2-up I have gotten 65 mpg, and ridden for hours without tiring me, my passenger, or the bike. It will always be my favorite with it's huge fuel tank, great handling, ample luggage, and low maintenance cost. It never struggles to carry a full load and is always a blast to ride. My son has one just like it, as well as an '82 Turbo, and commutes with both on a regular basis. It was offered as a commuter, cruiser, touring bagger, eurosport & supersport, all from one basic design. All done while maintaining affordability, reliability, and ride-ability for virtually everyone. Honda made this such a compact, innovative, and versatile platform, I don't think they will ever achieve the same again, especially not in a mid-size bike.
I bought a used one in 82 or 83 for road racing in WERA (western Eastern Road Rocing). Slow, heavy, but bullet proof. Ran it for one year before going to an RD350. Used Dunlop K81R tires in those days which wore like iron (and had just a bit more grip). Ran the 24 hour race at Rockingham, NC and won the light weight class - all the other light weights had problems, but we just kept that CX500 circulating for 24 hours. The next weekend we went to South Florida and rode a 2 hour endurance race on the same tires. Qualified for the WERA National Championships at Road Atlanta, and finished 6th against a horde of Yamaha TZ250s. They were all way ahead of me until it rained and the fast guys had to pit since they were on slicks. Good memories from when I was faster than everyone else on the track (or maybe I was really slow, but my memory isn't as good as it used to be).
Loving my CX650 Turbo, such character. Been off the road for a few months whilst I did the triple bypass. Looking forward to having a play again. Great upload, thanks. ☺
I owned a CX500 Shadow 1989 and it was a fabulous bike for long distance travel on freeways or highways and could travel all day at 70 mph without any stress on the motor because it had a very torque engine for a 500 cc bike. It always needed the best engine oil available and barely needed topping up between oil changes,The motor was a gem and I covered over 250 Kilometres with daily trips of over 200 klm each day .I had my son two up many times and still did 100 mph .Remember to change the oil and oil filters regularly and check the water reservoir and gap your spark plugs often.Put cheap oil in it and you will lock up the or spin a main bearing on the crankshaft,Very much a under rated bike for its time .
I loved my red CX500 with the black wheels and small screen. Picked up new from Mitcham Motorcycles London, immediately rode two up to the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. What a memorable bike it was, I wish I could go back in time.
I bought one of the very first bikes that were delivered to the dealerdhips in the U.S. I looked at the bike one time and I had to have one. This is one of only two bikes that I bought brand new that exceeded my expectations in just abot every way. It was an excellent bike for just about everything. I thought that it was one of the best bikes being made. In 1978 I could have bought other bikes that were faster but this bike punched all of the right buttons especially for a 500 cc displacement bike. I don't know why but it carried a premium price. It's one of those bikes that you only come across every once in a lifetime of owning a lot of bikes. The bikes that you didn't want to sell ad the one that you kick yourself for not hanging onto, even today. If you could find one that is half decent shape, you would probably pay what it cost new back then. They are one of the most desireable bikes you can have for turning into a cafe racer.
I have a 1982 GL 500 with 90.000 kms on it. The bike still looks great with no rust and runs fine. Just picked up a new rear tire today from Facebook. Got 47.000 kms from the rear tire on it now so its time for a new one. These bikes are great, not to many bikes that are 42 years old are still on the road.
I live in Canada but only ride in the summer months. I'm allmost 70 years old now and the bike is getting a bit heavy for me but still love to ride it.
I'm on a 1982 GL500 currently and unlike the CX, the GL's have a single rear air-adjustable monoshock and air adjustable front air shocks. This combination makes it a dream to ride and _super_ comfortable for long distance riding
I owned a CX500 for a few years, loved it, had many bikes since the CX, still running a VTR 1000, but would prefer to still be running around on my CX.
I bought a 1979 Deluxe in very good condition in 1996. I got to enjoy it until I hit deer one morning on my way to work. Though it got totaled I never went down. I sold it to a motorcycle salvage yard. It was one of my favorites of the many bikes that I have ridden. I believe a mechanic designed that bike . It was so easy and convenient to fully service. Great bike.
Bought a 1981 US Import CX500 Custom to get back into biking 14 years ago. Still have it although it doesn't get used much as I also have a 2013 HD Sportster XL883L to ride.
@bikerdood1100 strangely I sold a 1987 R80RT in 2019 when I moved from NL to Germany and kept my 2005 Wee-Strom which I've had since 2011. I know R80's have appreciated but I'm glad I kept the Wee for performance, reliability and 2-up comfort. Can't keep 'em all!
Several of my friends had CX500 and they were very good bikes. The engine did look like an air compressor or something but we got used to it and grew to like it. Compared to the other bikes that size at the time, it was a luxury touring machine with great passenger accomodations. I do wish people would stop cutting these up. The styling of the original was quite good and it's distinctive, as opposed to yet another amateur bodge.
I am putting my bike back on the road after close to 20 years in storage. 81 model, near stock condition except for the headlight and front signals. I found used parts to put it back to original. I agree, the styling is classic although I understand how riders want their bike to be unique.
THE most underrated bike by a mile, I had a black original one in the early 80's and it did everyone admirably, I would love to find another one now.....
I remember having to do warranty work on these due to Honda using the wrong bolts to retain the cam chain guide and and tensioner. Instead of using high shear strength bolts they used high torque bolts which sheared off..
I have owned 3 of these bikes over the years my first was a 1980 model brand new, i did 13000 Miles on it in 6 months in the UK before heading out to Australia, had a hell of a job finding a good one there and then sold it for a bigger bike, after moving to NZ found a basket case and rebuilt it over a 2 year period and had to sell it once completed due to young family and needed the money, almost impossible to find one here now,
I was amazed to see the CX on a list of worse bikes ever, I think these things are just cut and pasted by someone who’s never ridden a motorcycle In their life
Ah, the indomitable Plastic Maggot. I loved the concept, sound, and looks when this first came out. Still love it today. It makes a great base bike for a cafe racer project.
@@bikerdood1100 - for me, I liked it because it was 'different' to the UJMs of that time. It looked, sounded, and felt different, and that imparted character. Its V twin configuration also seemed to connect to an older era of biking in some way. It was a bike I wish I had owned. Instead, I went for two very diffident bikes of that time - an XJ750 and an RD350LC. These days, many years later, I have a heavily modified R9T and a restored GPz900R A1. I'm old school like you 🙂
I bought a nice clean one in the late 80’s…dirt cheap because it had a rattling cam chain (easily fixed, even though it was an engine out job) got the piss ripped out of me on a regular basis by my mates on cooler machines, but one by one they learned to respect the Plastic Maggot because when they broke down and needed a bike to borrow, it was always there, always working.
I had a 1979 CX 500 that was referred to in Canada as the standard model. The one I had was similar to the 1978 model with the 18 inch rear wheel and 19 inch front. I was able to beef up the rear suspension by purchasing after market shocks and springs. I also bought a fairing for the bike a Vetter Windjammer. I quit my job and went riding out to eastern Canada and the Province of Newfoundland. Once that was done we headed west. Yes I was two up! The bike ran very well we went right to the west coast of Canada. By this time the CX was into its third rear tire. What to do, what to do? Go south down to Southern California. I had checked the valves and reset the cam chain tensioner once on this journey and done regular oil changes. Other than that just kept riding. Arriving at our new home in Calgary, Alberta the ride ended more than 30,000 KM on the odometer. This was one tough motorcycle that I rode a further 50,000 KM. At the end of the first year I noticed some rattling in the engine like a loose cam chain. I was working for a local Honda dealer at the time and that got our attention as the 1978 models got a recall for the cam chain and the tensioner. The Honda rep was interested in having a look at what was going on as he had not seen any 1979 model CX 500's with this many miles or this type of problem. We took the engine out of the frame and had a look. The tensioners was broken and the reinforcement plate a modification was damaged. The rep was told about the issue and he was in touch with the factory. He made a point of coming to see the issue and report on it. To make a long story short I got an upgraded modification from the factory. There were no more issues after this though later on the alternator had to be changed out as it held the ignition triggering device and the bike would idle all day but would not rev beyond 3000 rpm. That's another story though. It ran strong for many more years before I sold it to buy a new Honda CX 650 E. This was another fine motorcycle. Thanks for sharing your story about the CX 500.
Worked in a Honda dealership in the 80's great bike, no warranty issues, built like a tank, if you want a bike to survive the apocalypse there you go, if you revved them on the centrestand they twitched to one side
I only rode a CX500 once and remember being impressed by it's poke , my bike at the time was a Kettle and compared to that I felt I was sat on top of a tall bike on the CX . Move on to the late 90s and whilst at work near Scunthorpe a courier delivered parts from London aboard an original early 500CX on it's third time around the clock . Just watched your overlooked bikes , pleased to see the Goldflash on there , Dad had one and toured Europe on it on various trips in the fifties, including a 10 week trip to Scandinavia . As a kid our family transport was a Flash with double adult Watsonian chair , great times. Thanks for some great videos.
Love the version with the small fly screen. Don't really like the custom. Silver Wing is the perfect touring bike. Turbo is freaking awesome!! All are way different than anything at the time.
I had a brand new one in 1979 HNE 676V red with full white Honda fairing & panniers ( had to wait an age for panniers as there was a Transport strike) wonderful experience for an 18yr old 😂
One of the better touring i had in my life! i had in first the original 500CX , in second a 400CX custom, good mécanique but her handling was very just, and finaly a silver wing 650CX, too heavy and alls this damned plastics! The first one, the original stay the better and excellent in my memory! i make many nices rides with it alone or with passenger and keep it a long time. Before, in the 70' i had a MOTO GUZZI V7SPECIAL. Excellent also, and the HONDA 500CX was well after it! But all that is already an old story!
Thanks for the nostalgia trip. I bought a second one back in 1982. It was the first proper motorcycle I ever had and loved it. I still remember the feel and sound of it, and not to mention the really comfortable seat. I, perhaps foolishly, traded it in for a VT500 a couple of years later. The VT was a good bike but it wasn't the CX. Watching your film makes me want to have one again. Thanks bud. Kind regards, Robert.
Yep. I’ve got one. Similar tale to yours too mate. My Best Man, (at that time, just my best mate and years before I was hitched) had one. We had loads of fun on his, so when I got back into biking (after a 40 year gap - I had to have one in my mini collection, and I have a stunning 1982 model. The lines of that bike are still utterly gorgeous. Looking sideways at the tank, or down from the tank to the engine are just stunning. I’ll never sell it. It will be my lads, and Grandsons’ along with my 1975 GL1000 “full fat” version 😉
I had 2 cx's . One had plastic fenders and one had chrome fenders . I don't remember the years or letter designations yet my last one was around 2005 . It kept blowing out the cdi on one side . It was an old bike at that time so it doesn't surprise me that it acquired electrical problems however after it blew out the second time on the same side i sold it . The upside was one cylinder was still firing so even when it would blow I could still ride it home .
On older bikes as we have found recently with the SV the regulator rectifier is prone to failure so electrical equipment blowing out doesn’t surprise me at all
@@bikerdood1100 there was something about the cx 500 that was not esthetically pleasing to my eye . My very first bike ( and only brand new bike ) was the 50cc MB5 . It was ugly too lol . Yet both of those models have a cult following to this very day . What's crazy about the ugly statement is I believe all bikes are beautiful. Kinda like women . There are no ugly women , some are simply hard on the eyes.
...."there wasn't a better bike.." there was a Kawasaki GT550, which was even more poular with dispatch, couriers and well everyone really. I had one '88 to the present day. Like you I'd take the missus camping on it to the other end of the country. Great vid and I love your channel, at the moment I reckon you're the best bike channel on YT.
Die CX 500 war meiner Meinung nach ein ganz tolles Motorrad. Die gabs in Deutschland meines Wissens nach offen mit 50 PS und gedrosselt mit versicherungsgünstigen 27 PS. Und die Chopper-Version war schon richtig schick.
Had a Custom, 1983 I think it was, with a clear faring. Heavy for a 500 but very comfortable and engine was quite smooth. for its super short stroke, it would pull smoothly from low rpm. A person could do an oil change, plugs, valve lash and carb sync on a lunch break. Brakes and suspension were adequate by the era’s standards. Really a practical motorcycle, but practical isn’t really what causes shoppers to spend money at the dealer’s showroom.
True light they were not. People complain about modern bikes being heavy like it’s something new. A lot of bikes in this period were a bit lardy. Honda”s Super Dream 250 springs to mind as a bike in serious need of loosing a few pounds.
@@bikerdood1100 Yeah. Weight is not necessarily bad, depending on what you are trying to do. Heavy bikes are generally stable with a smooth ride. Safe to say the CX500 wasn’t intended to be flickable up a curvy canyon, but it is planted down the highway in gusty winds.
I had one after passing my test on a CB250N (Super Dream) around '83. It was comfortable, reliable and easy to work on. It also developed a progressive weave at 106mph which I used to provoke to ease the boredom of a long daily commute. I sold it to purchase a GSX1100E and didn't miss it for a single day thereafter.
Best bike i owned. I liked my 1979 GL 1000 Goldwing and Yamaha XS650 but the CX500 was the better bike to ride, more fuel efficient, smooth and good for city and high way driving. Only a bit ugly design but great and comfortable work horse.
I’ve had 3 cx500’s over several years all from new. One had a full fairing fitted and s&w air shocks. I loved them all. Although I would’ve loved say 65 bhp, would’ve made a lot of difference. You said about the cam chain, I need to correct you on that, it was the cam chain tensioner that was crap which led to the cam chain problems. In between these bikes I had a Honda cbx1000 a moto guzzi lemans 850 as well as Kawasaki z900 and the first gold wing 1000. Ended up with a Kawasaki z1000 mk2 before finally a Kawasaki kz1100 shaft.
I had a Black one back in early 80’s. still my wife’s (girlfriend at the time) and my favourite bike. Loved the sound, comfort and could ride it everywhere all day 👍🏼
I was riding a CX500TC, That was fun bike. Only the problem was the alternator was located inside of the engine. Once it becomes inop, you have to disassemble whole engine.
Such a sweet engine! I couriered on it for several years and did some touring around northeast states and Canada. Just loved the bike. Still regret selling it.
I was a courier in London from 87 to 91, first bike i had was a CX500, it was a company bike, then i bought an XBR500 which turned out to be a really good courier bike as well.
Just discovered your channel. Subscribed. Although I grew up in the’70’s in Canada, you review all the bikes from my youth. The models over seas are slightly different than North America but essentially the same. I had a friend who owned a 1977 CX500. She loved it. She would tour with her father on his Harley. I lost contact with her as we got older, so I never got to ride her, or her CX 500.
Yes indeed American market bikes had to meet Californias emission regs I expected. Plus Americans do like the bars a little taller and of course there’s the dirt track thing which has only become a thing in Europe quite recently
I bought a used CX500 Turbo and had it for a few years. It was entertaining to say the least. It was like a truck, straightening your arms until you hit red line. One thing though, is that it was totally predictable, and never felt like it wasn't completely in control.
Amazing how this was the first bike I ever went pillion on in 1985 as 13 year old and was so excited 😆 but it started me up and I’m still going good on any motorcycle I never owned one and never likely will but that memory from 1985 is beautiful!
I was 15 in 1985 my dad had a X reg honda cbx550FL2 with the fairing. The styling was very similar to the re styled white cx500 on here. The bike is still at dad's house hope to get it back on the road one day.
Having been a fan of the CX since launch and an owner from 81-83 and for the last 20 years, they are my all time favourite bike. I’ve owned 3 500Z and a 650ED, which I will never sell. I was a manger of the UK owners club for a number of years. When at shows you always meet ex dispatch riders who boast of getting 200, 300, 400 thousand miles out of a CX. Now that’s one seriously great motorcycle.
@@bikerdood1100 bought my 650 for commuting too, with a 500 for touring. Did Edinburgh to Southampton with only stops for a slash and fuel, that seat is so comfortable. Now ride a Pan, which is just a big CX
I had three of them at various stages. Including the Dresden Day Tripper which was painted up like a B17 Bomber. It did 350,000 miles before it simply refused to run any more. Solution, a friend bought it, tracked down an engine and it ran on and on...I think it eventually rusted away....
When my friend wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle, I found a '79 CX 500 Custom for him. I gave it a tune up and was surprised how easy it was to work on. The contra-rotating clutch and alternator stopped a lot of the rocking when you blipped the throttle. Took it for a 100 mile ride, came away very impressed. I had a Honda VFR 700 at the time, the CX was worthy competition for highway mileage.
Had a black cx back in the early 80s. Regretted the day i sold it. Great bike. The only issue i had was numb fingers after being on the bike for a while. Frettons of Coventry suggested replacing the factory grips with foam aftermarket grips . Did the trick.
I wish someone would do a tribute to the old Honda CBR1000F Hurricane. I bought mine new in 1990 and its still looking pretty good, most of the power is still there too.
@@bikerdood1100 I'm getting kind of old, 67, so getting stupid is not my thing anymore. But riding the Dragons Back in Virginia every year is still a good time.
I loved my 1979 CX. For it's time it handled very well ( especially once a decent set of shocks was fitted. S&W) and despite a heavy front wheel weight bias. The forks were very flexi. The cam chains didn't so much wear out as the tensioner would break at the top tensioner slipper fastener. I fixed it permanently by making the top bolt a floating mount. I always wanted the twin disc front model, but I had moved onto the first narrow case in line 4 Yamaha the XJ550.
I had a siverwing in fact I owned 2 of them, loved them great bikes, I was a courier in London back in the early 90’s there were literally hundreds of them flying around, great days great bikes. Loving the cafe racer thing that people are doing these days
Had four CX500's and loved them. Not so keen on some of the modded bikes and I always lusted after a Eurosport but never got my hands on one. At least their value is going up enough, hopefully to keep the nice ones original. Never ride on the pillion of a CX Custom...it's a nightmare!
Thanks for a great video and tribute to a unique motorcycle. Very enjoyable to watch. I have had the pleasure of riding this type of motorcycle on many occasions. Therefore, I concur with your analysis of this motorcycle.
Agree with the video assessment. Rode one for a number of years and always enjoyed the experience. One issue was, on long drives, the hot air coming off the cylinders roasted ones shins.
Bit of a Marmite bike do you think? I had a '79 bike, secondhand, tensioner mod done. Thrashed it for many, many miles. Never missed a beat, minimal maintenance. Not exciting, but dependable. Thoroughly enjoyed owning it, as many have said - it was the default courier hack back in the day. I don't think anyone has mentioned the cleverly engineered heads, which were twisted inboard so the carbs were out of the way. The whole package really was something when launched.
Well if sporty machines are your thing for example then it wouldn’t be the bike for you that’s for sure. I had a CBR600 after and never really got on with that bike
Always wanted a 650 Eurosport but couldn’t afford one I still think they are a beautiful bike and if and when I see one for sale in good condition I’m buying it
I had a 1980 CX 500 Delux for over 20 years. Very good bike. I put Vetter fairing and paniers on and I think it looked great. It would lift the front wheel shifting from first to second and would carve the local mountain roads with ease. Very good in the twistys despite its appearance. Passed many a "sport bike". The seat was not comfortable for log rides and the brakes could have been stronger, but if they made a modern version of this basic layout in say a 850cc adventure, I would be all over it.
I can see why Honda did replace it. The more conventional layout V twin could be used in a broad range of bikes from cruisers to adventure bikes. A very Honda decision I suppose
Though I adored these machines before my graduation from High School in May 1980, I never could find one till 2018 when both a Virago and a Custom came up for sale as a package deal. I rushed over to collect them, but the seller offered delivery to make space for his new Harley Soft tail he'd just purchased. Most everything was still there, though some items were removed, as he never could sort out why it never ran right. The CX is an icon for the motorcycle world, and even my VT-500C could compare to the CX-500.
My CX is on it’s way to becoming a cafe racer, hopefully done this fall. I replaced a lot of cam chain tensioners in 79 (Honda recall) at the Honda shop where I was working.
The tensioner was a problem, and was always something of an Achilles heal for the bike so replacement is wise. On my Eurosport I found the cam chain it self stretched at fairly low miles too. Which was a pain but loved that bike all the same
Here in the US I've owned 2 CXs and a GL, all excellent bikes. Did a lot of long distance touring of the US, Canada and Alaska. Even hit a moose with the GL which survived with only a crunched fairing and instruments. Two of the bikes had over 100,000 miles when I sold them.
Had a deluxe and still have a 500 turbo.. Love riding it. has almost 40k miles and looks new.. Modded the engine back in the day for more off boost power and overall power..
I have a CX650 Eurosport in the garage. Got it running a couple weeks back, the first time it ran in around 8 years (I've had it for 2) and it sounded sweet as a nut except a blowing exhaust seal.
I need a bikini fairing for my CX650E, parts for that model are non existent here in NZ, the parts guy at the local Honda dealer actually said "Theres no such thing" when i asked about a CX650 air filter :-)) Had to get one from CMS in the Netherlands.
I have a 1982 GL500 standard model, no farings or windshield. It has the original small trunk and 43k miles. It needs some minor work to stop the oil seeps but it rides so smooth. It was sitting for a few years when i picked it up and basically was push to start after a carb clean. Nothing like honda power
I don’t understand why Honda didn’t continue with a naked Wing to run along side the fully dressed bike, or why they ended US production for that matter
@bikerdood1100 definitely, they could have made a v4 style silverwing/goldwing. But now it's constricted by EPA and profits. Only boring inline twins and 4s. Although, the inline 4s as a 250 would make more sense on the street. I wish companies would use profits to experiment along with refinement, and maybe a few revivals of proven platforms
It’s not necessarily about emissions to be honest Sales of larger bikes have been consistently falling for years now squeezing those profit margins and resulting in a much less varied selection of machines available for the average punter As for inline fours even they are becoming increasingly rare these days
Known in the trade as the Honda Dung Beatle , the No1 choice of schleppers and plodders everywhere . And the most undercleaned bike ever made , we got little work on them apart from servicing . Their chrysalis was the CD 175 , the T34 of the bike world , they were "run in" at 200,000 .
On the CD ? They take a wee stretch when new , an adjustment at about 10,000 should take you to 30-40,000 before another check . Or it could have been a 1/1,000,000 dodgy chain link , sometimes even the monkeys fall o0ut the trees . A CD was one of the 1st Jap engines I dismantled and everything inside was twice the tolerance it needed to be . Crank bearings could be used on a bus , valve stems thick as a Chippie's pencil , cast conrods and a short stroke low comp The 1st Datsuns were built like that , they rusted under you before the engine popped . Cheers B .@@bikerdood1100
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I had a brand new CX in 1978, I still think it's one of the best bikes I ever had. I'll admit it was odd looking but it had everything a touring biker would want, the engine alone was a jem.
Totally agree
It was a bike I always liked but never had the money to buy one.
I'd still love one now even more so
I took my black and red 1978 out after it was broken in and with brand new oil in it I ran it down the interstate to see what it would do top speed. I got 114 out of it. Since it was just a plain jane with no fairing I was pretty well tucked in. Everything went good until I decided to sit up again at around 90 mph. I thought I was going to peel off the bike. Scared the shit out of myself. I thought that wasn't too bad util I saw that Honda said it would run 105. For a 500 that wasn't all that bad.
@TBullCajunbreadmaker
I hear you.
I spent the first year riding my Deluxe fairly at posted speeds.
Then one day I said hmmm this thing revs way higher than what I was riding it.
Wo and behold it was quite a frisky engine up in the higher rpm range.
A great machine overall.
There still many out there that are well maintained and can be had for a reasonable amount.
Bought my first new bike, a blue CX500 in 1978. Changed fairings, seats and luggage on it. Toured around Europe. A great bike
They are great for munching up the miles
Just got back from an evening riding around the lanes on mine. It never fails to put a grin on my face, and you can't ask for more than that. I've lost count of the number of old boys who come up to me at gas stations and tell me they "used to have one of those".
I've had four CX's over the years, all black ZAB's. I just ignore the haters who call it a plastic maggot - you either get it or you don't. Other bikes have come and gone, but it's my CX that I'll never get rid of.
Thanks for posting the video!
Couldn’t agree more
I owned a used 1981 Honda CX500 Custom back in 1989. It was one of the best motorbikes I ever owned. It was almost maintenance-free!
Pretty solid things
Well apart from the cam chain tensioner on some bikes
I was a London despatch rider in the 1980/90's as the cx500 was the pinnacle despatch bike, economical, reliable, shaft drive no outlay
Brilliant
Was a courier throughout the 80's and 90's, had 250,000 miles out of one of my CX's until the head gasket let go on the M25, still got me off the motorway though. Really miss adjusting the camchain every Saturday morning Great bike.
Indeed they were, cam chain could be a pain however
Same here - I did almost 500,000 miles as a London courier between 1983 and 1996 - a lot of it on two CX 500.
You had to be totally aware and focused to survive, which is why so much of that time is still vivid in my memory.
The main downside to them, apart from the top-heavyness was the weak front brake compared to later bikes.
😂
Back in 1979 I had a red CX500, which on a favourite left-hander could be laid over at the apex, then open the throttle and it just 'stood up' and purred away. Ah - memories!
I found it handle quite well for its size and weight
I was a London dispatch rider in the late 80s. Maggots were the best dispatch bikes ever made.
That’s something I hear a lot
Never dispatched but used one for everything from Sunday blasts to my daily commute, brilliant
I've just literally got one, the '84 Eurosport version, in black with orange and silver lines. It has 18.743 miles on it, looks like new, the paint is in perfect shape, it just needs a little carburetor synchronizing and service...oil change, brake pads and such and it's like new. Can't wait to take it for a ride! Will keep it in it's original state, maybe 30 years from now it'll be worth a small fortune :)))). Cheers from Romania!
Nice 👍
@@bikerdood1100 Hey brother! So, did everything I said above and last Friday I took the CX for a ride. It rides superbly....the shaft transmission is super soft and delicate and the clutch too. The only thing that comes as a surprise to me is the fact that the bike would not lean into corners as modern bikes do. Is that a thing for those motorcycles that were built back than? It doesn't bother me, and i understand that we're talking about 40 years old bikes, but i would like to know if mine has a problem or not. Of course i still have to get used to it, as i only drove it for like 20 miles or so (it was cold outside) :)). Thanks in advance for your response! Cheers!
@@MaramuresDualSport well not really
But the thing is a CX is a little top heavy compared to say a Guzzi
They tern ok but like an early GSXr they need a bit of encouragement
You have to show them who’s boss
It’s a feeling you get used to and riding them becomes second nature quite quickly
The "Plastic Maggot" was an underrated bike. Early problems with the cam chain tensioner put a lot of people off them. Hugely popular with couriers it was a go anywhere do anything bike. The most surprising thing was how well they handled - they were absolute gems in this department.
Very true
The cam chain was always a week link even on my Eurosport. Honda ? But it was probably the bikes only weakness really
I remember these as 'plastic maggots' too.
Yes indeed. Me too. I think the expression must've spread across the UK and rightly so because mine certainly was. @@anemone104
I was the Service Manager at a Honda Dealership in California in the mid-1980's. CX500/650's were very popular, with many in the wrecking yards because of expensive mechanical issues that required dropping the engine (stators, cam chains, clutches, water pumps). made repairing them cost prohibitive at times.
Cam chains were always a problem, most of the other stuff improved over time
Nicely done ! I'm Canadian and have owned a 1982 CX500 Custom since 1984. I purchased it from my brother who rode it with a passenger from coast to coast with no issues. I took my wife from the East coast to New York, again with no issues. It did require the engine to be split to replace a stator and when the replacement failed I parked it in my shed where it has languished for some 20 years. I keep telling myself to dig her out and restore her however the elements have not been kind to her. The task is daunting... Perhaps this winter.
The placement of the stator isn’t the best
@@bikerdood1100 Understatement ;)
I have had my 1982 GL500 Interstate for 15 years, used but still very road worthy. Wanted one new in '82, but I was only 17 then, so I had to wait my turn, lol! Even 2-up I have gotten 65 mpg, and ridden for hours without tiring me, my passenger, or the bike. It will always be my favorite with it's huge fuel tank, great handling, ample luggage, and low maintenance cost. It never struggles to carry a full load and is always a blast to ride. My son has one just like it, as well as an '82 Turbo, and commutes with both on a regular basis. It was offered as a commuter, cruiser, touring bagger, eurosport & supersport, all from one basic design. All done while maintaining affordability, reliability, and ride-ability for virtually everyone. Honda made this such a compact, innovative, and versatile platform, I don't think they will ever achieve the same again, especially not in a mid-size bike.
It was a great bike indeed, except possibly the cam chain on some bikes
I bought a used one in 82 or 83 for road racing in WERA (western Eastern Road Rocing). Slow, heavy, but bullet proof. Ran it for one year before going to an RD350. Used Dunlop K81R tires in those days which wore like iron (and had just a bit more grip). Ran the 24 hour race at Rockingham, NC and won the light weight class - all the other light weights had problems, but we just kept that CX500 circulating for 24 hours. The next weekend we went to South Florida and rode a 2 hour endurance race on the same tires. Qualified for the WERA National Championships at Road Atlanta, and finished 6th against a horde of Yamaha TZ250s. They were all way ahead of me until it rained and the fast guys had to pit since they were on slicks. Good memories from when I was faster than everyone else on the track (or maybe I was really slow, but my memory isn't as good as it used to be).
Lightweight 2 stroke much better choice for racing
Loving my CX650 Turbo, such character. Been off the road for a few months whilst I did the triple bypass. Looking forward to having a play again. Great upload, thanks. ☺
Nice
Enjoy getting back to riding
I liked the fairing on the Turbo
Don’t know why they didn’t use it on the standard bike too
I bought cx500 year 1982, fixed it, bit mod it and I'm loving it. It drives nice for a 40y old bike.
They are pretty refined by 1980s standards
I owned a CX500 Shadow 1989 and it was a fabulous bike for long distance travel on freeways or highways and could travel all day at 70 mph without any stress on the motor because it had a very torque engine for a 500 cc bike. It always needed the best engine oil available and barely needed topping up between oil changes,The motor was a gem and I covered over 250 Kilometres with daily trips of over 200 klm each day .I had my son two up many times and still did 100 mph .Remember to change the oil and oil filters regularly and check the water reservoir and gap your spark plugs often.Put cheap oil in it and you will lock up the or spin a main bearing on the crankshaft,Very much a under rated bike for its time .
We didn’t get the shadow that I can remember. Great torque laden motors though brilliant for long journeys
I loved my red CX500 with the black wheels and small screen. Picked up new from Mitcham Motorcycles London, immediately rode two up to the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. What a memorable bike it was, I wish I could go back in time.
Now that’s a nice ride out 😎
I bought one of the very first bikes that were delivered to the dealerdhips in the U.S. I looked at the bike one time and I had to have one. This is one of only two bikes that I bought brand new that exceeded my expectations in just abot every way. It was an excellent bike for just about everything. I thought that it was one of the best bikes being made. In 1978 I could have bought other bikes that were faster but this bike punched all of the right buttons especially for a 500 cc displacement bike. I don't know why but it carried a premium price. It's one of those bikes that you only come across every once in a lifetime of owning a lot of bikes. The bikes that you didn't want to sell ad the one that you kick yourself for not hanging onto, even today. If you could find one that is half decent shape, you would probably pay what it cost new back then. They are one of the most desireable bikes you can have for turning into a cafe racer.
We all have those machines, the why did I let it go bike
The police in Ireland used these for many years.. Very distinct sound.
Great video
🇮🇪🍀👍
🙏
I have a 1982 GL 500 with 90.000 kms on it. The bike still looks great with no rust and runs fine. Just picked up a new rear tire today from Facebook. Got 47.000 kms from the rear tire on it now so its time for a new one. These bikes are great, not to many bikes that are 42 years old are still on the road.
I’m guessing a non UK resident ?, here the salted roads turn the best machines to rust
Unfortunately
I live in Canada but only ride in the summer months. I'm allmost 70 years old now and the bike is getting a bit heavy for me but still love to ride it.
I've got a GL650 Silverwing owned it for about 25 years it still run as good as new
Well yes aperture from the odd cam chain problem they are pretty solid
My last bike and still remember it with fondness after owning Ariel, Triumph, Bmw and Ducati.
No better phrase than my first bike
No sadder than my last
Good Choice though
I'm on a 1982 GL500 currently and unlike the CX, the GL's have a single rear air-adjustable monoshock and air adjustable front air shocks. This combination makes it a dream to ride and _super_ comfortable for long distance riding
Well of course the Eurosport is a mono on the back, I had a Guzzi with air shocks, they seemed to work pretty well
I love mine too. Bought it new.
I owned a CX500 for a few years, loved it, had many bikes since the CX, still running a VTR 1000, but would prefer to still be running around on my CX.
They are just so darn useful
I bought a 1979 Deluxe in very good condition in 1996.
I got to enjoy it until I hit deer one morning on my way to work.
Though it got totaled I never went down.
I sold it to a motorcycle salvage yard.
It was one of my favorites of the many bikes that I have ridden.
I believe a mechanic designed that bike .
It was so easy and convenient to fully service.
Great bike.
Spoke to a guy who had an accident for the same reason
Those dear are big old beasts
CX500's comprise a large part of my biking history. Thanks for this :)
Glad you enjoyed it
I still think the CX eurosport is a cracking looking bike.
I always liked the styling
Bought a 1981 US Import CX500 Custom to get back into biking 14 years ago. Still have it although it doesn't get used much as I also have a 2013 HD Sportster XL883L to ride.
Good to have a mix of machines
Two very different V twins
Back in 1982 when I thought my SL125 was a decent size my older brother's mate arrived on his CX. It seemed huge. What an iconic machine ..
They were pretty big. As big as a BMW R80, but more lively
@bikerdood1100 strangely I sold a 1987 R80RT in 2019 when I moved from NL to Germany and kept my 2005 Wee-Strom which I've had since 2011. I know R80's have appreciated but I'm glad I kept the Wee for performance, reliability and 2-up comfort. Can't keep 'em all!
Several of my friends had CX500 and they were very good bikes. The engine did look like an air compressor or something but we got used to it and grew to like it.
Compared to the other bikes that size at the time, it was a luxury touring machine with great passenger accomodations.
I do wish people would stop cutting these up. The styling of the original was quite good and it's distinctive, as opposed to yet another amateur bodge.
I don’t mind some of the custom jobs, some are a bit pants, but I do worry if some day there’ll be no original bikes left
I am putting my bike back on the road after close to 20 years in storage. 81 model, near stock condition except for the headlight and front signals. I found used parts to put it back to original. I agree, the styling is classic although I understand how riders want their bike to be unique.
THE most underrated bike by a mile, I had a black original one in the early 80's and it did everyone admirably, I would love to find another one now.....
Mine was white
It was a lovely bike
Had a cx500 custom when 19. What a machine! Would sit on 130km/h all day long 2 up. Easy to work on but was thirsty. Was a great bike.
Yes easy in May ways.some jobs were a bit tricky however. I had to pull the barrel of mine, not easy, most jobs were pretty straight forward though
How thirsty was it?
I remember having to do warranty work on these due to Honda using the wrong bolts to retain the cam chain guide and and tensioner. Instead of using high shear strength bolts they used high torque bolts which sheared off..
What is it with Honda and their Cam chain systems
I went round europe camping with my wife on the pillion on one of these.. Wonderful machines.
Yep very reliable, exempt the usual cam chain , Honda ?
I have owned 3 of these bikes over the years my first was a 1980 model brand new, i did 13000 Miles on it in 6 months in the UK before heading out to Australia, had a hell of a job finding a good one there and then sold it for a bigger bike, after moving to NZ found a basket case and rebuilt it over a 2 year period and had to sell it once completed due to young family and needed the money, almost impossible to find one here now,
Oh still a few kicking around our damp little island 😂
@@bikerdood1100 maybe but those I have looked at have been abused or have too much missing and price wise stupid money.
One of the best bikes ever, reason.. versatility simple , owned over 30 bikes 2 cx 500s loved em.
I was amazed to see the CX on a list of worse bikes ever, I think these things are just cut and pasted by someone who’s never ridden a motorcycle In their life
Ah, the indomitable Plastic Maggot. I loved the concept, sound, and looks when this first came out. Still love it today. It makes a great base bike for a cafe racer project.
Funny how the bike creates so many strong memories
@@bikerdood1100 - for me, I liked it because it was 'different' to the UJMs of that time. It looked, sounded, and felt different, and that imparted character. Its V twin configuration also seemed to connect to an older era of biking in some way. It was a bike I wish I had owned. Instead, I went for two very diffident bikes of that time - an XJ750 and an RD350LC. These days, many years later, I have a heavily modified R9T and a restored GPz900R A1. I'm old school like you 🙂
I bought a nice clean one in the late 80’s…dirt cheap because it had a rattling cam chain (easily fixed, even though it was an engine out job) got the piss ripped out of me on a regular basis by my mates on cooler machines, but one by one they learned to respect the Plastic Maggot because when they broke down and needed a bike to borrow, it was always there, always working.
They can plod on and on, which was of course the point on the thing. There’s a reason so many dispatch riders used them
I was a school boy when this was out, and there was one on my street.
I loved the look of the bike and still do.
They a appeared as I neared the end of my school career and when I started to ride they were a popular choice for used bikes
I've always respected these machines.
Yes they pretty much do what ever you ask of em
I had a 1979 CX 500 that was referred to in Canada as the standard model. The one I had was similar to the 1978 model with the 18 inch rear wheel and 19 inch front. I was able to beef up the rear suspension by purchasing after market shocks and springs. I also bought a fairing for the bike a Vetter Windjammer. I quit my job and went riding out to eastern Canada and the Province of Newfoundland. Once that was done we headed west. Yes I was two up! The bike ran very well we went right to the west coast of Canada. By this time the CX was into its third rear tire. What to do, what to do? Go south down to Southern California. I had checked the valves and reset the cam chain tensioner once on this journey and done regular oil changes. Other than that just kept riding. Arriving at our new home in Calgary, Alberta the ride ended more than 30,000 KM on the odometer. This was one tough motorcycle that I rode a further 50,000 KM. At the end of the first year I noticed some rattling in the engine like a loose cam chain. I was working for a local Honda dealer at the time and that got our attention as the 1978 models got a recall for the cam chain and the tensioner. The Honda rep was interested in having a look at what was going on as he had not seen any 1979 model CX 500's with this many miles or this type of problem. We took the engine out of the frame and had a look. The tensioners was broken and the reinforcement plate a modification was damaged. The rep was told about the issue and he was in touch with the factory. He made a point of coming to see the issue and report on it. To make a long story short I got an upgraded modification from the factory. There were no more issues after this though later on the alternator had to be changed out as it held the ignition triggering device and the bike would idle all day but would not rev beyond 3000 rpm. That's another story though. It ran strong for many more years before I sold it to buy a new Honda CX 650 E. This was another fine motorcycle. Thanks for sharing your story about the CX 500.
Honda and their dam cam chain tensioners
Worked in a Honda dealership in the 80's great bike, no warranty issues, built like a tank, if you want a bike to survive the apocalypse there you go, if you revved them on the centrestand they twitched to one side
They do twitch but less so than a flat twin BMW
Worked as a dispatcher in London in the early 90’s, and yep, did it on a 11 year old CX500.
Sure got a soft spot for them 👍
As do many of us
I do too
I only rode a CX500 once and remember being impressed by it's poke , my bike at the time was a Kettle and compared to that I felt I was sat on top of a tall bike on the CX . Move on to the late 90s and whilst at work near Scunthorpe a courier delivered parts from London aboard an original early 500CX on it's third time around the clock . Just watched your overlooked bikes , pleased to see the Goldflash on there , Dad had one and toured Europe on it on various trips in the fifties, including a 10 week trip to Scandinavia . As a kid our family transport was a Flash with double adult Watsonian chair , great times. Thanks for some great videos.
Definitely has a big bike feel that’s for sure. Great for two up touring
Love the version with the small fly screen. Don't really like the custom. Silver Wing is the perfect touring bike. Turbo is freaking awesome!! All are way different than anything at the time.
They certainly were
I had a brand new one in 1979 HNE 676V red with full white Honda fairing & panniers ( had to wait an age for panniers as there was a Transport strike) wonderful experience for an 18yr old 😂
Nice
Never owned one, but 2 of my mates had them in the early 80's. Super reliable. The London dispatch riders all had them after the 400/4's .
Loved mine great commuter bije
My first roadbike was a blue CX500, and I bought another one a few years later. Very fuss free and smooth running machine.
Well said
One of the better touring i had in my life! i had in first the original 500CX , in second a 400CX custom, good mécanique but her handling was very just, and finaly a silver wing 650CX, too heavy and alls this damned plastics! The first one, the original stay the better and excellent in my memory! i make many nices rides with it alone or with passenger and keep it a long time. Before, in the 70' i had a MOTO GUZZI V7SPECIAL. Excellent also, and the HONDA 500CX was well after it! But all that is already an old story!
Had the Eurosport model
Handled pretty well
Not Guzzi well of course
Thanks for the nostalgia trip. I bought a second one back in 1982. It was the first proper motorcycle I ever had and loved it. I still remember the feel and sound of it, and not to mention the really comfortable seat. I, perhaps foolishly, traded it in for a VT500 a couple of years later. The VT was a good bike but it wasn't the CX. Watching your film makes me want to have one again. Thanks bud. Kind regards, Robert.
Yes the VT lacks the charisma of the CX
Most comfortable motorcycle seat ever made. Great bikes.
They were pretty comfortable for sure, it’s very much style over content today stylish but not a good place to sit
That’s right
1987 I rode my CX 500 from Denver to Chicago and then on to Ft McClellan, AL. It served me well in a time I did not have much cash.
Sounds like a great trip
20 years old and I'm riding a 1981 cx500 custom as my first owned motorcycle 🫡
Brilliant
They are great bikes and full of character
Yep. I’ve got one. Similar tale to yours too mate. My Best Man, (at that time, just my best mate and years before I was hitched) had one. We had loads of fun on his, so when I got back into biking (after a 40 year gap - I had to have one in my mini collection, and I have a stunning 1982 model. The lines of that bike are still utterly gorgeous. Looking sideways at the tank, or down from the tank to the engine are just stunning. I’ll never sell it. It will be my lads, and Grandsons’ along with my 1975 GL1000 “full fat” version 😉
I really enjoyed mine although the dreaded cam chain gave trouble in the end
I meet some guy who had one from new he'd done 400 50 thousand miles and still loved his bike 🏍 ♥
Good to know, there must be reason there are so many still around
I had 2 cx's . One had plastic fenders and one had chrome fenders . I don't remember the years or letter designations yet my last one was around 2005 . It kept blowing out the cdi on one side . It was an old bike at that time so it doesn't surprise me that it acquired electrical problems however after it blew out the second time on the same side i sold it . The upside was one cylinder was still firing so even when it would blow I could still ride it home .
On older bikes as we have found recently with the SV the regulator rectifier is prone to failure so electrical equipment blowing out doesn’t surprise me at all
@@bikerdood1100 there was something about the cx 500 that was not esthetically pleasing to my eye .
My very first bike ( and only brand new bike ) was the 50cc MB5 . It was ugly too lol . Yet both of those models have a cult following to this very day .
What's crazy about the ugly statement is I believe all bikes are beautiful.
Kinda like women . There are no ugly women , some are simply hard on the eyes.
...."there wasn't a better bike.." there was a Kawasaki GT550, which was even more poular with dispatch, couriers and well everyone really. I had one '88 to the present day. Like you I'd take the missus camping on it to the other end of the country. Great vid and I love your channel, at the moment I reckon you're the best bike channel on YT.
Oh I doubt that
Remember the GT, an uncle of mine had one for a while, he had been a BMW man during the 70s but he loved his GT
Die CX 500 war meiner Meinung nach ein ganz tolles Motorrad. Die gabs in Deutschland meines Wissens nach offen mit 50 PS und gedrosselt mit versicherungsgünstigen 27 PS. Und die Chopper-Version war schon richtig schick.
27ps and that weight would have made the poor thing pretty slow
They were fascinating cult bikes...kinda like a 350 four cylinder...especially the turbo bikes!!!..they had their niche !
Pity the variety of bikes around today aren’t as varied. Back then the choice of machines available from Honda alone was marvellous really
Beautiful Bike, Honda don't make bad bikes, they just make some better than others.
Oh
They have had they moments
Good and bad
@bikerdood1100 the worst most unreliable bike I've ever owned was a 250 CZ the best most reliable was a honda cb 125
Had a Custom, 1983 I think it was, with a clear faring. Heavy for a 500 but very comfortable and engine was quite smooth. for its super short stroke, it would pull smoothly from low rpm. A person could do an oil change, plugs, valve lash and carb sync on a lunch break. Brakes and suspension were adequate by the era’s standards. Really a practical motorcycle, but practical isn’t really what causes shoppers to spend money at the dealer’s showroom.
True light they were not. People complain about modern bikes being heavy like it’s something new. A lot of bikes in this period were a bit lardy. Honda”s Super Dream 250 springs to mind as a bike in serious need of loosing a few pounds.
@@bikerdood1100 Yeah. Weight is not necessarily bad, depending on what you are trying to do. Heavy bikes are generally stable with a smooth ride. Safe to say the CX500 wasn’t intended to be flickable up a curvy canyon, but it is planted down the highway in gusty winds.
Just getting one back on the road ,first start today runs Nic after sitting for a couple years
Just keep the battery healthy and boom 💥
Got a 1982 cx500cb sitting in the shed for the past 11 years, might get it back on the road some day.
Well what it’s built to do
I had one after passing my test on a CB250N (Super Dream) around '83. It was comfortable, reliable and easy to work on. It also developed a progressive weave at 106mph which I used to provoke to ease the boredom of a long daily commute. I sold it to purchase a GSX1100E and didn't miss it for a single day thereafter.
Mark one judging from the weave
Best bike i owned. I liked my 1979 GL 1000 Goldwing and Yamaha XS650 but the CX500 was the better bike to ride, more fuel efficient, smooth and good for city and high way driving. Only a bit ugly design but great and comfortable work horse.
Very true the first model in particular was not a looker
I’ve had 3 cx500’s over several years all from new. One had a full fairing fitted and s&w air shocks. I loved them all. Although I would’ve loved say 65 bhp, would’ve made a lot of difference. You said about the cam chain, I need to correct you on that, it was the cam chain tensioner that was crap which led to the cam chain problems. In between these bikes I had a Honda cbx1000 a moto guzzi lemans 850 as well as Kawasaki z900 and the first gold wing 1000. Ended up with a Kawasaki z1000 mk2 before finally a Kawasaki kz1100 shaft.
Well the tensioner wasn’t great but on my machine the chain did stretch quite quickly
I had a Black one back in early 80’s. still my wife’s (girlfriend at the time) and my favourite bike. Loved the sound, comfort and could ride it everywhere all day 👍🏼
Same here
I was riding a CX500TC, That was fun bike. Only the problem was the alternator was located inside of the engine. Once it becomes inop, you have to disassemble whole engine.
It was a pain same problem form Guzzi but the clutch in their case
Such a sweet engine! I couriered on it for several years and did some touring around northeast states and Canada. Just loved the bike. Still regret selling it.
It is a great motor
I was a courier in London from 87 to 91, first bike i had was a CX500, it was a company bike, then i bought an XBR500 which turned out to be a really good courier bike as well.
I dispach rode a cx 500 Blue , for years in London the old plastic maggot served me well !
Ah the dispatch riders favourite
Just discovered your channel. Subscribed. Although I grew up in the’70’s in Canada, you review all the bikes from my youth. The models over seas are slightly different than North America but essentially the same. I had a friend who owned a 1977 CX500. She loved it. She would tour with her father on his Harley. I lost contact with her as we got older, so I never got to ride her, or her CX 500.
Yes indeed American market bikes had to meet Californias emission regs I expected. Plus Americans do like the bars a little taller and of course there’s the dirt track thing which has only become a thing in Europe quite recently
I bought a used CX500 Turbo and had it for a few years. It was entertaining to say the least. It was like a truck, straightening your arms until you hit red line. One thing though, is that it was totally predictable, and never felt like it wasn't completely in control.
I think the only people who dislike or have no respect for these bikes never owned one
Amazing how this was the first bike I ever went pillion on in 1985 as 13 year old and was so excited 😆 but it started me up and I’m still going good on any motorcycle I never owned one and never likely will but that memory from 1985 is beautiful!
Similar story except I was 16
I was 15 in 1985 my dad had a X reg honda cbx550FL2 with the fairing. The styling was very similar to the re styled white cx500 on here. The bike is still at dad's house hope to get it back on the road one day.
Having been a fan of the CX since launch and an owner from 81-83 and for the last 20 years, they are my all time favourite bike.
I’ve owned 3 500Z and a 650ED, which I will never sell.
I was a manger of the UK owners club for a number of years.
When at shows you always meet ex dispatch riders who boast of getting 200, 300, 400 thousand miles out of a CX.
Now that’s one seriously great motorcycle.
Used mine for commuting and all sorts, it was excellent. Not everyone’s cup of tea of course, but there’s no accounting for taste
@@bikerdood1100 bought my 650 for commuting too, with a 500 for touring.
Did Edinburgh to Southampton with only stops for a slash and fuel, that seat is so comfortable.
Now ride a Pan, which is just a big CX
I had three of them at various stages. Including the Dresden Day Tripper which was painted up like a B17 Bomber. It did 350,000 miles before it simply refused to run any more. Solution, a friend bought it, tracked down an engine and it ran on and on...I think it eventually rusted away....
Solid old things
What a gorgeous bike Honda made. I'm considering a CX500 someday, but for now I'm riding a Honda Elite 250 scooter, and a chopper.
Interesting mix of machines
Thank you for putting this together!
My pleasure
When my friend wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle, I found a '79 CX 500 Custom for him. I gave it a tune up and was surprised how easy it was to work on. The contra-rotating clutch and alternator stopped a lot of the rocking when you blipped the throttle. Took it for a 100 mile ride, came away very impressed. I had a Honda VFR 700 at the time, the CX was worthy competition for highway mileage.
Very true I did a great deal of Highway travel and found it ideal
Had a black cx back in the early 80s. Regretted the day i sold it. Great bike. The only issue i had was numb fingers after being on the bike for a while. Frettons of Coventry suggested replacing the factory grips with foam aftermarket grips . Did the trick.
I noticed that Because my thumbs would go numb on long rides
I wish someone would do a tribute to the old Honda CBR1000F Hurricane. I bought mine new in 1990 and its still looking pretty good, most of the power is still there too.
So the jelly mild style bike
Not sporty definitely a sports tourer
Finding body work may be a challenge so take good care of he
@@bikerdood1100 I'm getting kind of old, 67, so getting stupid is not my thing anymore. But riding the Dragons Back in Virginia every year is still a good time.
I loved my 1979 CX. For it's time it handled very well ( especially once a decent set of shocks was fitted. S&W) and despite a heavy front wheel weight bias. The forks were very flexi. The cam chains didn't so much wear out as the tensioner would break at the top tensioner slipper fastener. I fixed it permanently by making the top bolt a floating mount. I always wanted the twin disc front model, but I had moved onto the first narrow case in line 4 Yamaha the XJ550.
They were great bikes indeed for commuting and motorway work
I had a siverwing in fact I owned 2 of them, loved them great bikes, I was a courier in London back in the early 90’s there were literally hundreds of them flying around, great days great bikes.
Loving the cafe racer thing that people are doing these days
Well it has made the old bikes cool
1983 Honda VF750F that came after was WOW
Not as wow as the VFR
Great bike...great video brought back some good memories....👍
Thanks
Had four CX500's and loved them. Not so keen on some of the modded bikes and I always lusted after a Eurosport but never got my hands on one. At least their value is going up enough, hopefully to keep the nice ones original. Never ride on the pillion of a CX Custom...it's a nightmare!
I hade a Eurosport and appreciated the improvements
I hade a Eurosport and appreciated the improvements
Thanks for a great video and tribute to a unique motorcycle. Very enjoyable to watch.
I have had the pleasure of riding this type of motorcycle on many occasions.
Therefore, I concur with your analysis of this motorcycle.
Thanks . I think myself and many others have a soft spot for these bikes
Agree with the video assessment. Rode one for a number of years and always enjoyed the experience. One issue was, on long drives, the hot air coming off the cylinders roasted ones shins.
Bit of a Marmite bike do you think? I had a '79 bike, secondhand, tensioner mod done. Thrashed it for many, many miles. Never missed a beat, minimal maintenance. Not exciting, but dependable. Thoroughly enjoyed owning it, as many have said - it was the default courier hack back in the day. I don't think anyone has mentioned the cleverly engineered heads, which were twisted inboard so the carbs were out of the way. The whole package really was something when launched.
Well if sporty machines are your thing for example then it wouldn’t be the bike for you that’s for sure. I had a CBR600 after and never really got on with that bike
Always wanted a 650 Eurosport but couldn’t afford one I still think they are a beautiful bike and if and when I see one for sale in good condition I’m buying it
Me too , had a 500 Eurosport and a friend has a 650, loads of mid range punch, lovely bikes
How many years did Honda build the 650E? I was told only for 83.
I had a 1980 CX 500 Delux for over 20 years. Very good bike. I put Vetter fairing and paniers on and I think it looked great. It would lift the front wheel shifting from first to second and would carve the local mountain roads with ease. Very good in the twistys despite its appearance. Passed many a "sport bike". The seat was not comfortable for log rides and the brakes could have been stronger, but if they made a modern version of this basic layout in say a 850cc adventure, I would be all over it.
I can see why Honda did replace it. The more conventional layout V twin could be used in a broad range of bikes from cruisers to adventure bikes. A very Honda decision I suppose
Though I adored these machines before my graduation from High School in May 1980, I never could find one till 2018 when both a Virago and a Custom came up for sale as a package deal. I rushed over to collect them, but the seller offered delivery to make space for his new Harley Soft tail he'd just purchased. Most everything was still there, though some items were removed, as he never could sort out why it never ran right. The CX is an icon for the motorcycle world, and even my VT-500C could compare to the CX-500.
It was a remarkable design for its time
My CX is on it’s way to becoming a cafe racer, hopefully done this fall. I replaced a lot of cam chain tensioners in 79 (Honda recall) at the Honda shop where I was working.
The tensioner was a problem, and was always something of an Achilles heal for the bike so replacement is wise. On my Eurosport I found the cam chain it self stretched at fairly low miles too.
Which was a pain but loved that bike all the same
found one that had been sitting for 20 years in a shed , didnt take much to get it back on the road, also had a gl650 interstate great tourer
GL was pretty rare in Britain
Here in the US I've owned 2 CXs and a GL, all excellent bikes. Did a lot of long distance touring of the US, Canada and Alaska. Even hit a moose with the GL which survived with only a crunched fairing and instruments. Two of the bikes had over 100,000 miles when I sold them.
Well just shows how tough they were
Had a deluxe and still have a 500 turbo.. Love riding it. has almost 40k miles and looks new.. Modded the engine back in the day for more off boost power and overall power..
At least it’s a liquid cooled motor the air cooled turbo bikes had a lot heating problems
At least it’s a liquid cooled motor the air cooled turbo bikes had a lot heating problems
I have a CX650 Eurosport in the garage. Got it running a couple weeks back, the first time it ran in around 8 years (I've had it for 2) and it sounded sweet as a nut except a blowing exhaust seal.
Great news , exhaust is an easy fix at least
Fancy selling it?
@@abbersj2935 already have a buyer in line for it 👍
@@2Thumbs0402 OK. All the best :)
I need a bikini fairing for my CX650E, parts for that model are non existent here in NZ, the parts guy at the local Honda dealer actually said "Theres no such thing" when i asked about a CX650 air filter :-)) Had to get one from CMS in the Netherlands.
I have a 1982 GL500 standard model, no farings or windshield. It has the original small trunk and 43k miles. It needs some minor work to stop the oil seeps but it rides so smooth. It was sitting for a few years when i picked it up and basically was push to start after a carb clean. Nothing like honda power
I don’t understand why Honda didn’t continue with a naked Wing to run along side the fully dressed bike, or why they ended US production for that matter
@bikerdood1100 definitely, they could have made a v4 style silverwing/goldwing. But now it's constricted by EPA and profits. Only boring inline twins and 4s. Although, the inline 4s as a 250 would make more sense on the street. I wish companies would use profits to experiment along with refinement, and maybe a few revivals of proven platforms
It’s not necessarily about emissions to be honest Sales of larger bikes have been consistently falling for years now squeezing those profit margins and resulting in a much less varied selection of machines available for the average punter
As for inline fours even they are becoming increasingly rare these days
Known in the trade as the Honda Dung Beatle , the No1 choice of schleppers and plodders everywhere . And the most undercleaned bike ever made , we got little work on them apart from servicing . Their chrysalis was the CD 175 , the T34 of the bike world , they were "run in" at 200,000 .
Well speaking from experience, unless the cam chain goes
Mine went at just over 30,000 miles
On the CD ? They take a wee stretch when new , an adjustment at about 10,000 should take you to 30-40,000 before another check . Or it could have been a 1/1,000,000 dodgy chain link , sometimes even the monkeys fall o0ut the trees . A CD was one of the 1st Jap engines I dismantled and everything inside was twice the tolerance it needed to be . Crank bearings could be used on a bus , valve stems thick as a Chippie's pencil , cast conrods and a short stroke low comp The 1st Datsuns were built like that , they rusted under you before the engine popped .
Cheers B .@@bikerdood1100
They were heavy and had stater problems, had to pull the engine. Love the v twin sound
Yeh very compared to my V50 Guzzi, but after api tried a BMW R80 it felt like a light weight
good vid, learned a good bit and enjoyed it👍
Cool