[net.cycle] Honda CX500 Questions

stevew@copper.UUCP (Steve Wood) (08/26/86)

I have recently purchased a 1979 Honda CX500 with 17,700 miles. Since
then I have put an additional 2000 miles on it. Some general questions:

1) Any typical problems with this model year? I have heard of a transmission
   problem which was fixed after introduction; what was the problem and
   how can I tell if my bike has it? Occassionally the transmission will
   "pop" into a lower gear; am I not shifting correctly/completely? There
   is no problem if I shift slowly.

2) Where can I get a bigger tank? At ~100 miles/fill-up, I have to make
   lots of stops. Does the SilverWing tank (~5 gals) fit this bike?

3) How long should I expect the engine to last, assuming routine maintenance?

4) There seems to be a flat spot (maybe even a dip) in the power curve
   between 5900 and 6300 RPM. Is this normal? This works out to be 60mph
   in fifth gear and as I do a lot of highway riding I notice it a lot.

5) The pipes are a little loader than I generally like. Any recommendations
   on non-Honda pipes? Would new pipes improve performance?

6) Any recommendations on fairings/bags/racks for this bike?

7) After warmup, there is what I consider a lot of noise from the engine,
   much more than a friends GPz550. Is this normal for this many miles, or
   should I have someone look into it?

8) I paid $750. Did I get taken? The local paper has them for $600-1000.

9) What else should I know? Any CX500 clubs out there? Any Christian biker
   clubs in the Portland area?


			Stephen Wood
			...tektronix!copper!stevew

hsc@mtuxo.UUCP (h.cohen) (09/06/86)

>>1) Any typical problems with this model year? 
The cam chain tensioner should be adjusted fairly frequently.
The easy way (and just as good as the official way): While the engine
is idling, loosen the nut on the adjuster so that the tensioner
can seek its own level, then tighten the nut again.
If you still have the stock shocks, they are shot.
Get a good-quality replacement, like S&W.  Consider high-quality
multi-rate or progressive springs while you're at it.
It's a fairly safe bet the bike has the original brake fluid.
Replace the brake fluid and bleed the brake carefully - I can
almost guarantee you'll notice a significant difference.

>>2) Where can I get a bigger tank? At ~100 miles/fill-up, I have to make
>>   lots of stops. Does the SilverWing tank (~5 gals) fit this bike?
You must have the CX500C.  The CX500D tank or SilverWing tank may fit
if you hacksaw the front tank mounts off your bike and attach
the rubber bosses used on the CX500D and GL500, and if you hacksaw
off the back mount on the CX500D/GL500 tank so that it will clear your seat.
Better you should learn to live with the small tank, I think.

>>3) How long should I expect the engine to last, assuming routine maintenance?
You may need a top-end job around 80K~120K miles.

>>4) There seems to be a flat spot (maybe even a dip) in the power curve
>>   between 5900 and 6300 RPM. Is this normal? This works out to be 60mph
>>   in fifth gear and as I do a lot of highway riding I notice it a lot.
I don't think this is normal.  Check carb sync.  Also, try a K&N
air filter (replaces stock filter in stock air box, *not* tiny ones
that bolt on carbs).
>>5) The pipes are a little loader than I generally like. Any recommendations
>>   on non-Honda pipes? Would new pipes improve performance?
Except for small weight reduction, no.

>>6) Any recommendations on fairings/bags/racks for this bike?
Vetter Quicksilver works very nicely.
Put on a huge tank bag before you start attaching things to the back.

>>7) After warmup, there is what I consider a lot of noise from the engine,
>>   much more than a friends GPz550. Is this normal for this many miles, or
>>   should I have someone look into it?
You don't say what kind of noise.  Noticeable ticking may mean loose
tappet adjusters.  

>>8) I paid $750. Did I get taken? The local paper has them for $600-1000.
This model does everything reasonably well and seems to last forever.
They're cheap because they were not a sales hit in a fickle market.
Suppose you paid $100 too much:  over the next 50K miles ...

Enjoy,  Harvey S. Cohen, Lincroft, NJ, mtuxo!hsc