1982 Honda CX500

Summary:

Rat bike for a dirty rat?

Faults:

Hole in expansion chamber.

Clutch cable rubs against the frame and is wearing through.

Front brake was terrible at first, but it bedded in with use, and got better and passed an MOT.

The engine was running hot; as there was a hole in the expansion chamber, the radiator could not be topped up.

Shaft drive made a whining noise.

Rusty exhaust and radiator.

General Comments:

Performance is rather slow as most cars seem to be faster at the traffic light grand prix.

I took it up to 90mph once; that was enough.

Seat is not comfortable after about 50 miles, as then I had to get off to stretch my legs.

The noise it makes is rather feeble and annoying.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2010

1981 Honda CX500

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

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

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

4th Jul 2010, 23:10

I love them, I had 2 in the past, never let us down, had to reluctantly sell the second when our first son was born.

Just bought my third 15 years later with only 53000 on the clock. Some might say they are ugly, well not to me, and some of the CX Cafe racers I have seen are awesome, don't believe me?... Google them! They just keep going and going.

My Custom had the old Alpha pipe (long gone now) and it sounded like a hot rod... Bliss.

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