1978 CX500 Build

[jwdmotorsports]

Hello.
I've been registered on here for a while but haven't really posted. This will be my first motorcycle build.
I picked up a 1978 Honda CX500 a few weeks ago for $120. Clear title. Excellent tank. CX650 engine.
I'm still up in the air on whether to use the 650 engine or sell it and buy a 500 engine. If anybody knows a good source for info on a 650 swap please post a link.
I have attached a couple pictures of what it looked like when I got it and what it looks like now.
Given that I have three small children my build progress will probably be somewhat slow.

 

[Maritime]

Welcome. The CXforum has 650 engine swap info and CXman on this site has loads of Knowledge on the subject. I would keep the 650 myself.

Cheers.

Maritime

 

[cxman]

welcome

it looks like you have a project on your hands

was it running with the 650 in it i cant get enough detail out of the pics to see the end of the output shaft to see

nor can i see the ends of the front cradles

 

[jwdmotorsports]

The 650 has never been mounted on the bike. Previous owner said that the original engine was locked up when he got it. Engine was pulled and the 650 bought. From talking to him it didn't sound like the project ever really got off the ground.

 

[cxman]

that is what i figured from the looks of it

but you do have most of the stuff you need

well good news is it can be done lol i do them all the time

you need a bunch of stuff and work to do it including you will have to pull the rear cover off the motor

and swap the out put shaft for a cx/gl type

you will need a wiring harness and controls and coils and ignition switch for the ti motor

and probably a mikuni carbs set

when done they go like hell and run 130 mph





cafe style with 650 but the owner wanted it to look like a stock 500 !!!

 

[jwdmotorsports]

Where abouts are you located cxman? Curious to know if you're near any of the places I frequent on business or family travel.
Wouldn't mind seeing a completed 650 swap in person.

 

[jwdmotorsports]

I kind of like painting the engine to look like a 500.

 

[cxman]

Lexington nc

i also swapped on cx500 rocker covers onto the 650 to help the look

 

[caferay]

Did the US get the CX650ED?

This was a Canadian/Euro model. It had much better brakes than the CX500s.

It was then morphed into the CX650Turbo.

 

[cxman]

nope canada only

i have a black red and silver one of those a great bike

 

[jwdmotorsports]

Hmmmm.......I'm going to be in the Raleigh area next week.

Truth be told I like black and would probably paint the engine black even if it was a cx500 engine.

 

[cxman]

why dont you bring the 650 motor and let me have a look at it way more fun

i probably have all the stuff to finish the install

 

[cxman]

i sent you a pm

 

[jwdmotorsports]

This is for sale local to me. Good upgrade?
http://bham.craigslist.org/mpo/4195694448.html

 

[cxman]

good upgrade but you may want to shorten the forks they are a bit longer

 

[jwdmotorsports]

Kanticoy stopped by today to look over the bike. Started plans for some frame modifications.

 

[jwdmotorsports]

Cxman, I doubt I'll have room to put the engine in the van along with the kids, luggage, etc next week. I got your PM. I'll give you a call if I'm going to be able to get over your way. I'm through the Carolina's a lot. So, if this trip doesn't work out I'm sure one in the future will.

 

[DesertKZ]

Welcome. The CXforum has 650 engine swap info and CXman on this site has loads of Knowledge on the subject. I would keep the 650 myself.

Cheers.

Maritime

X2 on the CX500 forum, some really smart dudes over there.

 

[jwdmotorsports]

I've read a lot of stuff over on the cx500 forum but still need to register.

 

[jwdmotorsports]

So, I have about $400 worth of stuff I want to order from DCC. It would seem I need to up my post count before I order so I can get the 10% off discount.