'81 Honda CX500 in the works
- Thread starter GoBears0305
- Start date
biker_reject
Over 1,000 Posts
Your machine is turning out very nicely!
GoBears0305
Been Around the Block
Re: '81 Honda CX500 - seat cowl in the works
Picked up an old tank last week and started chopping for the seat cowl. Kind of a shame since the tank was in good shape. As you can see, still a lot more to cut and shape (i also want to slim it down by cutting about 1 1/2 to 2 inches from the center and having it welded back together).
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3588500370_edde986fa1.jpg">
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3580169971_a71dcf14f6.jpg">
I also picked up a set of EMGO Shorty Mufflers (still need muffler gasket though...there just mounted there loosely), replacing the Harley pipes and heavy collector/H-box. I have to apply one more coat of VHT Flame Proof paint to the pipes, then i'm wrapping them in this exhaust wrap which you can see on the table in the next picture (kinda wanted to step away from the white and black wrap...this is more carbon brownish)
<img src="http://www.heatshieldproducts.com/products/lava_wrap_pic.jpg">
Good thing I don't have a live in gf...here's my kitchen full of parts waiting for cleaning (since i don't have a garage)...carbs, cooling system, etc. The boiling lemon juice/detergent works miracles.
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3580982082_2d51685742.jpg">
Picked up an old tank last week and started chopping for the seat cowl. Kind of a shame since the tank was in good shape. As you can see, still a lot more to cut and shape (i also want to slim it down by cutting about 1 1/2 to 2 inches from the center and having it welded back together).
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3588500370_edde986fa1.jpg">
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3580169971_a71dcf14f6.jpg">
I also picked up a set of EMGO Shorty Mufflers (still need muffler gasket though...there just mounted there loosely), replacing the Harley pipes and heavy collector/H-box. I have to apply one more coat of VHT Flame Proof paint to the pipes, then i'm wrapping them in this exhaust wrap which you can see on the table in the next picture (kinda wanted to step away from the white and black wrap...this is more carbon brownish)
<img src="http://www.heatshieldproducts.com/products/lava_wrap_pic.jpg">
Good thing I don't have a live in gf...here's my kitchen full of parts waiting for cleaning (since i don't have a garage)...carbs, cooling system, etc. The boiling lemon juice/detergent works miracles.
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3580982082_2d51685742.jpg">
andycafe
Northern Suburbs, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
Bro if my wife came home one night and found me with a spread of goodies like that across the kitchen table.... well lets just say i'd better be able to collect them all up quickly LOL 
;D
that tacho mount look sweet!! it lets it sit just right (not to high), ive never thought a tank could be used as a cowl, nice idea look forward to seeing how it comes out.....
;Dthat tacho mount look sweet!! it lets it sit just right (not to high), ive never thought a tank could be used as a cowl, nice idea look forward to seeing how it comes out.....
GoBears0305
Been Around the Block
Re: '81 Honda CX500 in the works - carbs done i think
Got the carbs cleaned up over the past few days. Only did some minor polishing (will do a complete job when the bike is totally dismantled)
Rejetted to 90/120
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3600066558_4ebab1909a.jpg">
Also routed the crankcase breather tube into the pod filers using some brass fittings that are tightened with nuts on the inside of the filter...granted i understand i'll probably be cleaning out my filters more often than usual. looking forward to getting these back on the bike tomorrow.
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3599311797_89773cf064.jpg">
Got the carbs cleaned up over the past few days. Only did some minor polishing (will do a complete job when the bike is totally dismantled)
Rejetted to 90/120
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3600066558_4ebab1909a.jpg">
Also routed the crankcase breather tube into the pod filers using some brass fittings that are tightened with nuts on the inside of the filter...granted i understand i'll probably be cleaning out my filters more often than usual. looking forward to getting these back on the bike tomorrow.
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3599311797_89773cf064.jpg">
GoBears0305
Been Around the Block
Re: '81 Honda CX500 in the works - Did some shopping! New front end!
So I've read that stopping a CX is like stopping a freight train (meaning the brakes suck in a major way). So, I did some research and made a few purchases for a complete front-end swap:
'78 GL1000 Triple
'82 CB900C Forks, Rim and Rotors and calipers
This setup moves me from 33mm to 37mm forks, AND from a single rotor/single 1-piston caliper to a dual rotor/dual 2-piston caliper brake setup. 2X's the rotors and 4X's the pistons!! I'll also have to purchase new pads and brake lines (maybe even the master cylinder if the piston "ratio" isn't correct). But it's all worth it if I get the added braking power (safety first!!!).
If any CX experts noticed that I've missed anything, please knowledge share!
So I've read that stopping a CX is like stopping a freight train (meaning the brakes suck in a major way). So, I did some research and made a few purchases for a complete front-end swap:
'78 GL1000 Triple
'82 CB900C Forks, Rim and Rotors and calipers
This setup moves me from 33mm to 37mm forks, AND from a single rotor/single 1-piston caliper to a dual rotor/dual 2-piston caliper brake setup. 2X's the rotors and 4X's the pistons!! I'll also have to purchase new pads and brake lines (maybe even the master cylinder if the piston "ratio" isn't correct). But it's all worth it if I get the added braking power (safety first!!!).
If any CX experts noticed that I've missed anything, please knowledge share!
GoBears0305
Been Around the Block
Re: '81 Honda CX500 in the works - Battery Box installation
Got the battery box mounted to where the old collector/H-pipe used to be. Just gotta wait for a smaller 12V10aH battery and new shorter battery cables. Now there's plenty of space under the seat for...well i don't know yet (maybe a custom saddlebag-type thing for tool/emergency kit, gloves, etc.?)
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3666029199_d1a9fd4094.jpg">
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3666032223_f24f28b2bb.jpg">
Next up...finish up the seat pan/cowl (while I wait for the front-end suspension/brake parts to ship)
Got the battery box mounted to where the old collector/H-pipe used to be. Just gotta wait for a smaller 12V10aH battery and new shorter battery cables. Now there's plenty of space under the seat for...well i don't know yet (maybe a custom saddlebag-type thing for tool/emergency kit, gloves, etc.?)
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3666029199_d1a9fd4094.jpg">
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3666032223_f24f28b2bb.jpg">
Next up...finish up the seat pan/cowl (while I wait for the front-end suspension/brake parts to ship)
GoBears0305
Been Around the Block
Swagger said:
Thanks! Although I have to give credit to Dennis at Norman Racing in Berkeley, CA for the box. I came in with a cardboard mock-up and diagram, and he welded it all up. As far as heat, a few things:
-Heat wrapped exhaust pipes
-Heat resistant insulation/tape lining the inside of the box
-You can't really see, but the pipes are about 2 inches from box on each side
-And coming soon, I'll be mocking up a 2-1 exhaust that will clear the box more than the current setup.
Any other suggestions (maybe from the guys with the Guzzi's that also have the batteries mounted low) would be much appreciated.
Swagger
Putting boot to ass since 1967!
Actually I have a 'Guzzi inspired suggestion.
Aluminum head/cylinder crash protection. It wouldn't be that hard to come up with something similar for the CX.
All that work down the tubes if you turf it.....of course you could dig up a CX650 motor then.....
Aluminum head/cylinder crash protection. It wouldn't be that hard to come up with something similar for the CX.
All that work down the tubes if you turf it.....of course you could dig up a CX650 motor then.....
phillgripper
79 CX500
great job with the mods...what size jets did you use with those pods? also how have the pods affected bikes performance?
