Honda CX500 Reviews from United Kingdom

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1981 Honda CX500

Model year	1981
Year of manufacture	1981
First year of ownership	2006
Most recent year of ownership	2007
Acceleration marks	4 / 10
Roll-on Performance marks	4 / 10
Handling marks	3 / 10
Braking marks	3 / 10
Reliability marks	3 / 10
Comfort marks	7 / 10
Dealer Service marks	8 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	6 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	4.8 / 10
Distance when acquired	12215 miles
Most recent distance	12745 miles
Previous motorcycle	Vespa PX 125

Summary:

Probably was nice commuting machine in its time

Faults:

The motorcycle is extremely difficult to start in the Autumn/Winter weather, although it runs OK once started.

The brakes have reached the point where they need serious attention, although they were working reasonably when the bike was purchased.

Handling is suspect, perhaps due to tyres/shock absorbers.

General Comments:

The bike and seat are comfortable on long trips.

The handling is poor. This may be due to poor tyres/tyre matching or shock absorber problems.

Could be excellent for commuting at lower speeds, has a nice feel for this, but the poor handling characteristics/braking result in a lack of confidence in the machine.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2007

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30th Aug 2008, 05:59

I suggest your bike needs some serious work - it should be a lot faster than a scooter! From memory they had about 50hp and were not a heavy bike, so acceleration should be brisk. When tuned correctly they are very smooth.

Handling was good for a soft powered bike - check the tyres, swing arm bearings and head stock bearings for wear. Check the wheels are aligned.

The early models had a problem with the cam belt, which should have been replaced under warranty. When this was done, the mechanic was supposed to stamp a * (star) by the engine number.

17th Mar 2009, 18:48

I owned an '80 CX500 from '82-84. Sure wish I had kept it.

Mine had a Vetter fairing and saddle bags, which were nice, but looked a bit dorky.

It started and drove nicely.

I thought the seat was a bit high and I'm 5'11". I loved the water cooled engine and shaft drive. The only maintenance I remember was leaky front shocks.

25th May 2009, 02:41

...while I did not have a cx500... I did own a 82 GL 500 Silverwing, which is essentially the same bike... just with touring fairing and small trunk...

It was my first bike, which I had purchased in 87...

Extremely well mannered bike with plenty of power for any riding I needed to do...

And in the first summer I had the bike I put 27000 km on it...

Wish I never sold the bike :-( Would buy another one for puttering around town now, if I could find one.

In reply to 30th Aug 2008, 05:59

11th Dec 2012, 20:05

The cam is actually driven by a HYVO chain. 3 punch marks are present on the engine number of recall bikes.

1983 Honda CX500

Model year	1983
Year of manufacture	1983
First year of ownership	2006
Most recent year of ownership	2006
Acceleration marks	7 / 10
Roll-on Performance marks	7 / 10
Handling marks	6 / 10
Braking marks	8 / 10
Reliability marks	10 / 10
Comfort marks	9 / 10
Dealer Service marks	5 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	7.6 / 10
Distance when acquired	40800 miles
Most recent distance	41500 miles
Previous motorcycle	Honda XL600R

Summary:

Brilliant tourer with loads of power

Faults:

New indicator switch fitted.

General Comments:

This is a solid and really reliable machine, starts first time everytime, and is brilliant on long trips.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2006

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