1985 Honda CX650E review from United Kingdom

Rear brake was binding after being stored for a while when I borrowed this CX from my friend.

Speedometer drive at the front wheel has stopped rotating the cable. Needs fixing, using the rev counter at present.

Lots of vibration in bars, reduced with weighted bar-ends.

Has been fitted with touring fairing, and the screen is old and I couldn't see through it in the rain or the dark, so I have removed it.

I was lent this bike from a friend a couple of months ago to sort out a temporary transportation issue.

First impressions after being off two wheels for about four years was that it was a bit of a heavy wobbler, but after a couple of weeks and removing the screen so that I can see where I am going, it's great fun.

Not fantastic at slow town speeds, as the motor tends to surge a bit, but okay from 40mph onwards.

I've really taken to it, and enjoying my 52 mile round trip daily commute.

Sounds great; it has a real throaty grunt and the power is there all the way.

I went on a ride out a week or so back with a bunch of CBR 600 and Bandit riders, and it held its own for most of the journey. Had to slow down through the twisties, and almost came a cropper on a set of four in a row where the last one tightened right up, but it's a very forgiving bike.

I shan't be riding this for very long, but I would say go for it to anyone considering one.

Happy riding.

Alex.