CX500: ScrapMetal's CX500 Project

[ScrapMetal]

Re: ScrapMetal's CX500 Project

Front is 19 reverse Comstar, rear is 18 standard Comstar. The standard front was single disc on 33mm forks, not confidence inspiring.

 

[Erskine]

Re: ScrapMetal's CX500 Project

Front is 19 reverse Comstar, rear is 18 standard Comstar. The standard front was single disc on 33mm forks, not confidence inspiring.

Yeah I can imagine, is there an 18 front twin disc comstar option? I'm thinking in terms of a cafe sidecar outfit by the way, and scoping out square section tyre availability with out custom built wheels.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Re: ScrapMetal's CX500 Project

If you raise the rear tank mount an inch or so it would look much better IMO.

Yeah, I like the paint too

Tried it today. No go. I might have to alter my seat latch a little to make it work, which would move the seat further back from the tank. I think that's a project for another time. I'm working on front wheel and exhaust next.

Keep the ideas coming though!

 

[ScrapMetal]

Re: ScrapMetal's CX500 Project

Erskine, I'm not certain about the wheel size, maybe overseas?

As to the engine, I had some blacking out in mind but I'll be photochopping first before spraying. I like the light look, but wouldn't mind a few dark accents.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Got a little time the past few days to put a few changes I've been working on together.

Changed the fork seals, painted the sleeves black, gave the radiator cover a shot of black while I was at it. Stripped and painted the front black wheel to a silver/aluminum hoping to somewhat match the rear - which is steel I'm told. All in all, not a bad night.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Been a while but got some things done:

* Rattle can painted a CB900F front fender to stiffen up the front a little. Not certain I care for the look, might chop it up a little or just chop and black it out. I'll play with Photoshop a little.

* Worked on a battery relocation hanger. I used 2 stock hinged battery "boxes" and a strip of metal hanging from an engine support near the footpegs. I like the design but need to rework with stiffer materials. Also, the yellow battery is a bit of an eyesore, but I can live with it.

* Completed my first ever home made seat. Fairly happy with the outcome but will need to be done again, a little longer and it needs some shaving toward the front, I felt a little pinching/cutting into my thigh just sitting on it. I'll also be placing a rear pad on the hump, so that will help with the visual disproportionality.

 

[ScrapMetal]

OK, got the Harley slash exhaust mounted and I am on my second seat. This seat is better in length but the cover leaves much to be desired, lookin' like a nice winter project. Wires and electric much more hidden. She's all inspected and I've ridden her on the road a few miles.

Short list:
**** raise forks about 3/4 inch
**** progressive springs or slap some spacers in the tubes
**** steering stops
**** new valve covers (turbo or cx650 - more symmetrical with wider lines)

 

[jwarriner]

I think it needs a seat that matches the lines of the frame.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Do you mean follow the lines of the glass seat and hump? I was thinking of going two piece down the line. Having the long section on the bottom, and then a small semicircle or oval as a back piece on the hump part. Right now I'm just happy to have a seat, ha ha! This winter will give me some time to get more of the aesthetics worked out.

A more rounded version of this:

 

[jwarriner]

The seat should follow the dip in the frame and not have that gap is what I am saying.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Yeah, that gap sucks on these frames. I tried to "hide" the gap a little with the metal crescent piece under the glass seat. It is black like the frame. Without it all you see is wires and sunlight.

Do you make your own seats? I noticed your CBs come with straight lines. Lucky (or just smart)

 

[jwarriner]

I did make my own seat for my CB500 and I am about to make my own seat for my 550 which is currently using the factory seat pan. The CB550/500 is not straight, it also has a dip similar to your bike but perhaps less dramatic. What I did was make the seat out of wood, sectioned it into two pieces and put it back together with metal brackets with a slight bend.

 

[Oette]

My father had a lift-up at his CX 500, too. He used a Guliari seat for a CX and modified it a bit to offer a passenger's place. It's a tight fit, but works. Of course you can enlarge the hump if no passenger seat is needed...

Here's a pic for you

This is from my CB 550 build. Used the stock seat pan and welded a section of another bike's tank on it... Pics are not the latest...

Maybe it is an inspiration.

Cheers

 

[ScrapMetal]

Oette,

I see the way the CB frame curves now. I like the seat pan idea there, however, I could probably not do that on my CX as I'm a tall goon and need to sit back further.

That CX is sweet! Looks as though the seat doesn't follow the lines on the frame either. Personally, I don't think you could follow that frame and sit humanly, but this is my first build, so what do I know

Thanks for the post and pics, every little bit helps me understand more!

 

[ScrapMetal]

jdub,

After looking at Oette's post, I don't think that would work for me on the CX. I need to sit way back on the seat, but then again, I suppose padding can hide a lot!

As my first build, I'm thinking it needs to stay the way it is, unfortunately I painted without the bike set up, so the lines are even more deceiving as the bottom of the seat edge is painted black, with only a thin white strip. Should I do a second build I'll certainly think more about the frame and the seat lines.

Thanks!

 

[Oette]

Oette,

I see the way the CB frame curves now. I like the seat pan idea there, however, I could probably not do that on my CX as I'm a tall goon and need to sit back further.

That CX is sweet! Looks as though the seat doesn't follow the lines on the frame either. Personally, I don't think you could follow that frame and sit humanly, but this is my first build, so what do I know

Thanks for the post and pics, every little bit helps me understand more!

Probably you are right at this point. Another option is to lower the bail connecting the frame's rear. But unfortunately you need every inch of height for a good sitting position.

 

[Tolka]

Nice project
what rear suspension you use? and what gel battery you use?

 

[ScrapMetal]

Hey Tolka, thanks.

I grabbed some Harley shocks, not certain what model but I'd guess Sportster. The gel battery I'm using is MotoBatt. If you'd like the specific model let me know. I like the MotoBatt gel, it keeps a strong charge longer, especially after several start attempts. Plus, you can set it almost any way but upside down.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Not much to report lately. I've been dicking around with my carbs and troubleshooting some rpm issues. After adding my slash cut exhaust I have new problems with jetting/mix screws. I hate to say it, but I'm thinking I may need a new stator sooner rather than later, but I'm hoping I can get away with just swapping out my CDI.

 

[ScrapMetal]

Tried "new" coils, didn't help. As a bonus, I threw my back out so work on the bike has been postponed a few weeks. Ugh.

Hopefully the new covers will be on next week, and the carbs/flat spot worked out.