31st May 2012, 20:01
I was just wondering. I'm trying to sell my 1983 CX650C for 2600. It has been completely redone; new tires, battery, and lot of other stuff, but anyway a guy told me that the bike brand new in 1984 was only 2300 dollars. What was the actual MSRP at that time?
Thanks, Mike.
23rd Jul 2012, 20:14
In answer to Mike on May 21st. relating to the 1983 retail price of a CX650E: the Looney had then about seven fold+ today's purchase power.
Also, I agree with you, it is a lovable old beast, I would not sell mine!
Gian
At: Vicenza, Italy.
27th Aug 2012, 02:19
I simply love the bike!! I scored a black '83 CX650E for $2200 CND!! 4x ~300km trips in a week! And it ran like a top!! Got up to speed real fast when getting back on the highway! Decent gas mileage!
The only problem was "throttle thumb", and it's a bit of a beast going around tight corners!! Cruised at 110 - 120kph without a whimper, and still had lots of throttle for passing! Considering I had never been on a highway and never rode the bike in rain (killed two phobias that day!!!), it handled marvelously!!!
The growly sound is a bonus, because drivers actually hear the bike and don't try to murder me!!
40 000+ kms on the bike, and it runs excellently!
2nd May 2013, 00:21
I agree with the comment of frame alignment, and would like more info from the fellow who straightened yours.
Please reply to saintpeter11@hotmail.com.
If others read this and have questions, try stringing the wheels for alignment. If you don't know how to do this - ask an old timer.
We used to do this to make sure the chain was running true on our dirt bikes.
Cheers, Pete.
9th May 2013, 07:15
I paid $2695 CDN for mine in Sept 1983 (I still have the bill of sale AND the bike). This was a price reduction though, because at the time, the bike market was in a slump and dealers were offering pretty good discounts. I think the non-discounted price would have been around $3,000.
18th Aug 2013, 21:26
I agree with you on the CX650E. I got the white one (ya, I know) from my brother for 500 bucks. He had it sitting for 10 years, and the tank, tires, brake pads, and a bunch of the rubber, and carbs were done. I'm almost done with the rebuild, thinking about some long distance tours 1000+km... The only other bike like it for new is the Moto-Guzzi... and that starts at 7500 bucks Canadian.
4th Jun 2014, 07:57
Great bike. I have had mine for 5 years. It still turns heads. I had a CX500A new in 1980, and the 650 is such a better bike, though a little clumsy at low speeds.
Will never sell this bike, and I have had about 15 others.
15th Jun 2014, 12:03
Hi Folks: I bought my black CX650E brand new off the dealer's floor in Sudbury back in 1984. After sitting covered in my garage for a long time due to the cost of insurance in Manitoba, I finally put it back on the road last year. Spent a little over $1200 on new tires and a complete check up. The spring tune up was a lot less this year, and the shop owner complimented me on the shape of my 30 year-old Honda. It is still a blast to ride, and like most other 650Es, it still turns heads. Glad to read that most of the other owners love their bikes as much as I do. Stay safe everyone, and have a great summer!
25th Jun 2014, 05:05
I feel that you may have underrated this motorcycle, as I have one and enjoy everything about it. As a classic now (32 years)... it is in showroom condition and has never been dropped.
Sorry for your luck. If you disliked it from the start, maybe you should have left your money in your wallet. Remember there were approx. 1200 sent to Canada; those of us who held on and took care of our rides; they are worth more now than the original store price. I was offered $9000.00. I have number "7" off the run and the motor has never been opened. Matching frame and motor makes the deal. This baby is mint, sorry you feel this way.
Kindest Regards, Mark.
25th Jun 2014, 05:33
I simply enjoy my CX 650 E and so does everyone who asks where I bought and if they have any more. A head turner, and in showroom condition. I have a lot of pride in my workmanship. If you're looking for hard to find parts, email me. From decal replacement to hard to find parts.. Regards CX 650 E, #7 off the lot. josheph@fibreop.ca
6th Dec 2014, 01:51
Hello - I'm also in Manitoba, and I have two 650e's (one 1983 black, a real good runner, and a white 84, as well as a half a parts bike). Reply to this if you would like to talk CXs, parts, etc.
23rd Jan 2015, 22:23
Hi from John in the UK. It's a long time since you wrote about your bike.
Someone is selling one not far from my city. What would I look for, as this bike has 32,000 on it?
You can email me. Just to give me your thoughts on your bike. The bad side and the good side... but you could be no more, as this site with you on it is over 9 years old.
email.racing.1020@hotmail.co.uk.
26th May 2015, 21:25
The CX 650 was only made one year, 1983. If yours is an 87, it sat at a dealer for a long time before being sold.
23rd Jun 2015, 13:50
The CX650E was made in 1983 and 1984, not just 1983. However, my 83 bike does not have an 'E' after the CX650 on the side cover, and as far as I know, this was typical for all the 1983 models. When I visited the dealership again in 1984, I noticed that the 'E' had been added after the CX650 on the side covers for the 84 models. As far as I am aware, this is the only way to tell an 84 from an 83 at a glance.
23rd Jun 2015, 14:13
Hi John,
I guess you are referring to me, the original poster. I haven't visited this site for quite a while, so looking at the date of your posting, you've probably either bought the bike or passed on it by now.
32,000 isn't much on these bikes. I suppose you'd look for any leaks around the engine (coolant and/or oil). Pull the plugs as this is a good indicator as to how the engine has been running. Check the forks for any pitting or fine ridges on the front.
My tank started to rust out at the extreme rear lower left side, causing fuel to slowly trickle down the side cover and soften the plastic. So run your finger around the bottom edge of the tank on the inside and see if there's any wetness.
The starter generally has a hard time initially to get the engine to start cranking, and if the battery is a bit weak you may have to let it rock back off compression then 'catch it on the rebound', but it should spin the engine OK once it gets over the first compression hurdle.
My rear shock would never hold an air pressure setting for good. 42 PSI would be maybe 35 after a three or four days. Don't know if they were all like this, but it's not that big a deal. Just becomes part of your pre-ride check.
The front forks can be set from 0-7 PSI. I run mine at 3. You can do them with a bicycle pump because you'll lose the air while removing the pump. You have to do it with a push-on and hold compressor's tire fitting. But only about one second as the reservoirs are very small. Then bleed them down to the PSI you want by quickly pressing on and releasing a tire gauge.
I suppose the biggest tip off as to the bike's condition is its appearance and how the current owner feels about it. Hope this helps.
By the way, I have just taken a deposit on mine and the new owner should take delivery in a couple of weeks. After almost 32 years, I'm sorry to see her go, but I feel that in the time I have left I should experience a few more bikes.
20th Jul 2015, 03:31
Hi all,
I am the new (2nd) proud owner of this bike! All I can say "she is in mint condition" and I am very happy with it. I have always liked the CX, but to get my hands on this CX is awesome.
Will keep this going as long I can!
Kinen.
21st Sep 2015, 00:42
I live on Vancouver Island. I'm looking to buy one. Let me know.
Axle650@gmail.com
11th Sep 2016, 02:54
Ummm... I know what you mean, but truly there was no such currency as a "loonie" until 1987 ;-)
8th Jun 2017, 01:19
It was ahead in its time, being a liquid cooled/side v twin/shaft drive (today's Moto Guzzi) that can rock a bit side to side at slower speeds, but allows feel for the motor. Looks cool at stop lights; just don't get too outta hand because this beast will stand up... I own one with 48xxx and she will get a triple bypass cleanup and be maintained for another 50xxx.
23rd Sep 2017, 11:03
Hi,
It's Ian from Hervey Bay Australia here. I have had my CX650E for 10 years now and I have kept it absolutely original. I have had many bikes over my 45 years of riding bikes, and this one, even though made in 1983, is the best. It still turns heads and has a character of its own. So what if it doesn't do 300kph or look like a racing bike. It's comfortable, reliable, handles OK, and it's got shaft drive!!! And that lovely v twin sound!
13th Sep 2011, 05:05
"I now own two of these bikes. At 40k miles, the starter clutch, cam chain, and stator all crapped out. Both bikes. This is a definite issue to the CX650 engine."
This is really an issue with the starter motor. The earth path for the earth brush is inadequate, and a wiring mod, strapping the brush to the body of the starter fixes starting issues.
Onetrack.