1980 CX500 Cafe Racer build up. Go big or go home!

[makegooddecisions]

I've seen a lot of spoke conversions on the german sites on these CX's (Just google gullepumpe and you'll see what I mean) but they've all used a bolted ring setup. I'm keen to see where this goes.

http://youtu.be/pmA5ibZgayI

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Here's what happens when you leave your old dirty CX radiator laying around for your Dad to see. He grabs some polishing compound, a buffing wheel and some gets some good old fashioned elbow grease working...LOL! Thanks, Dad!!!

 

[gentlemanjim]

Regarding your spoke wheel conversion. Isn't there anaother Honda model with soked wheels that will swap in?

 

[Staffy]

For the CX500 on the rear, no there aren't. The hub setup is unique to the bike and there's nothing else that will fit on.

 

[benmclendon]

I'm in the middle of a 1981 CX project myself. I've located a local CNC machine shop that can make the spoke attachment rings for both my front and rear hubs. The problem is, by the time I get them back from Buchanan's with new rims and all laced up.... I'll have over $800 in the wheels alone.

I'm Thinking, I'm Thinking...

 

[VietHorse]

And test fitting the ZX6R triples for the inverted front end...

So that means you 're using usd front forks from ZX6R?
I am going to have my CX650 cafe' project and I 'd love to have the usd front forks. However, putting to much money into that is smthing I don't really want.
Any suggestion for budget usd front forks, please.
Thanks.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

I'm not running the rings like everyone else, I've got something else up my sleeve. I should have the finished hub here in a couple weeks ( I hope). As far as the forks go, I actually ended up with TWO complete inverted front ends (from the clip ons to the calipers). Got them both off craigslist luckily (200 ish each).

If you're building a Honda, get a Honda front end, the steering neck will probably bolt right up like mine is...just order a new set of tapered bearings from Alex G at All Balls Racing, that dude knows his shizzle.

I'll have some more progress pics in the next day or two, I spent the evening sand blasting the frame, swing arm, and other little bits.

Cheers!

Ron

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Frame stripped...slowly but surely going to reassemble the pile of parts into someone that resembles a motorcyle once again...

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Made a little progress today, did some engine cleaning and painting....

 

[Red Devil]

Looking awsome! cant wait to see the wheels!

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Looking awsome! cant wait to see the wheels!

Yeah, me too! I spoke to my machinist buddy, and the hub should be done any time now. Just have to decide to go vintage DID or modern Excel...(probably the latter just because of the safety/technology edge that 30+ years will give you, lol).

~Ron.

 

[Scrappyike]

I have a GL500i and am interested in a CX500 cafe project so I will be following your progress. I love the transverse engine but the frame of the CX not quite an easy task to turn into a cafe. Good luck.

 

[Sonreir]

I saw a great looking CX500 café at a motorcycle show a few weeks back. I'll agree with the statement about the frame though. Good luck, man!

 

[Staffy]

I've seen that CX before. In fact, I think that may have even been a DTT build. I remember the hoops in the frame's rear and the single sided shock. Nice bike that.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Finally got my hardware for the engine...replacing all bolts with stainless Allen goodies.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Well, I know I haven't posted much on this, but the life of Middle Aged dad of teen aged girls kinda got in the way...

Long story short, I swapped the CX to my dads friend Larry here In town (he's really well known in the CX community). He plans to restore the old girl to showroom condition...which really won't take much. I got an running CM out of the deal for my wife...she doesn't know about it yet.

 

[Getnjgywitit]

So we never got to see the spoked wheels on this thing. That's too bad. Where abouts are you? I saw that you raced AFM on another post. I did as well about six years ago or so. I also raced an SV with a GSXR front end on it. Great bike. I still have it. One of my favorite bikes to ride.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

I'm in Elk Grove, ca. Suburb of Sacramento. I have the plans all made up to build the spokers, but after (months of) consideration, I just figured the CX was too top heavy for the wife. I figured the cm would be a great little bike for her to bomb around on.

I picked up a cb550 in the late summer, and have been having a blast on it thus far (I sold off my 999s and gsxr Telefonica. They were just gathering dust).

 

[Getnjgywitit]

Yeah! I know Elk Grove! I go up there to visit my buddy. He has a black and gold 1977 XS650 that is beautiful along with some other cool toys.