Honda CX500

An ownership experience of a three year old 1977 Honda CX500 in the early eighties including why it was chosen, what it was like to ride and own, how it was viewed and its literal strengths and weaknesses.
This true story was written and narrated by the owner featuring photographs of the bike plus some additional credited images to illustrate the tale.
Filmed on an iPhone 14 Pro with sound recorded on a Røde ME Wireless microphone set up then edited using the LumaFusion App on an iPad Pro [6th Generation].
Photos credit lie with the author unless otherwise shown.
Previous bike stories links as described in the video are as follows:
Gilera 50 Touring [moped] - • Gilera 50 Touring
Yamaha DT175 [Trail bike] - • Yamaha DT175
Honda CB200 [Commuter/road bike] - • Honda CB200
Vinceunlimited Bikes playlist - • Bikes
A Film by Vince © 2024

[@eeee3279]

I sold my JAWA 638 (just parked under tarp, for a decade) to a friend and MB C124 OM603 to another one- to get one Silverwing (a la Interstate) imported to me from Poland, two months ago. Just before they are seemingly gaining popularity again and cut and gutted to something they are not.
Just today did stator on kitchen table and basically tiding up after quadruple bypass. Then i think im ready to take first meters of test drive with it and start thinking about licence. It did seem bit cramped for my 1.85m height but early to say. Cant swap to pillion seat yet- no keys. Wish me luck with this top heavy dreammachine. :D

[@vinceunlimited]

Thanks for taking a look at my video and for your comment. I have not ridden a Silver Wing myself but the seating position and handlebar sweep should help with the top heavy weight. Plus I guess the smaller custom style tank would be less heavy than the high mounted behemoth on the standard CX500 like I had. Good luck with your classic purchase but take it easy at first, given your op. Should be a comfortable cruiser for you. Vince

[@caz1100]

Loved my cx500, did a lot of miles on it

[@vinceunlimited]

Hi Caz, Thanks for taking a look at my video and for your comment. I suspect most CX owners felt that way. The bike has a habit of getting under your skin in a good way. Mocked by only those who don't really know them. Vince

[@adep6189]

I was 16 when the CX 500 first appeared i was riding a puch M50 ..i use to go to my local Honda Dealer in south london Lewisham . Parks Honda .. they had rows of them in the showroom for sale.... I use to look at them and wish.. i had money to buy one
Im 62 now and down to only three bikes 🤓 a BM GS of couse (the age ) a beautiful Ducati and a CX 500 i bought it 6 years ago its mint now .. Red like your one 1981 .. i have had over a hundred bikes in my time.. and yet if i can i always take the Mags . Love this bike it gets a lot of attention, especially now as there are not many left ,dispatch riders smashed em all up in the 80s and the few remaining people have decided to chop em up for what i call a short moment in time , to make café racers .. shame .. i would sell the GS and probably the 916 bought that new in 1997 its also Red and mint.. but the Mags have to put it in the box with me when i go 😂.
Enjoyed your story thxs for sharing
Ade

[@vinceunlimited]

Hi Ade, Thanks for watching my video and your comments about your bikes and your CX500. I took a look at the video you posted on RUclips. Your bike sounds just like I recall from the days I had mine, clearly beautifully maintained. Keep up the good work, you've earned yourself another subscription. Vince