You got some details wrong. They made the CX500 in the following versions:Missourimike wrote: Honda CX500, of which they made 3 models, from '78-82. The Custom is pictured, the GL500 SilverWing(with Hondaline fairing and bags), and the E model sport bike for the Europeans. In '83 Honda upped the ccs' to 673 and called it the 650. This was the last year of production of the trans-verse V- twin. A good machine that had too much competition during the 80s recession. Anyone care to add more? Oh yeah, they had turbo powered models too.
1) Standard. Often called "Plastic Maggot" because of the plastic headlight nacelle.
2) Custom (as in the photoshopped pic above). Honda made quite a range of "custom" models at the time. I never did understand how something that wasn't made to order could be called custom.
3) Deluxe. Basically the standard with the Custom's stepped seat and no nacelle.
4) Eurosport. The "lay down on the tank" version. Headlight fairing, low bars, slightly rearset pegs, seat with integral pads that extend up the sides of the tank.
5) Turbo. Turbocharged version of the Eurosport with full sport fairing.
Early models came with twin shock rear suspension and Capacitor Discharge Ignition. New models in '81 or later came with Pro-Link monoshock rear suspension and Transistorized Ignition (similar to GL1100 & 1200)(all Customs had twin shocks).
The GL500 (SilverWing) was introduced in '81 in Standard and Interstate versions.
They introduced the 650 (673cc) engine in '83 in Custom, Eurosport, Turbo and both SilverWing models.
The last year for the Transverse twins was 1984. I know that for sure because Eccles' builder's plate clearly says "1984 Model" with 9/83 D.O.M.
The Transverse twins were just a small part of what the motorcycle industry lost during the world wide recession of the early/mid '80s. Since people barely had enough money for food & shelter they had nothing left for toys. Dealers & distributors had warehouses full of unsold '82 & '83 models for years until they eventually sold them off at ridiculous discounts or exported them to places where motorcycles were used the way they should be.