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I really like the looks of these bikes, really unique.

My boy is showing interest in bikes, so I've been thinking about picking up something smaller than a GL1000 for him to learn/ride and for me to wrench.

I know very little about the 4 different models. Is there a basic primer around that describes the differences in the bikes and are some more desirable than others? Since I'm shopping is there guidance/opinions on what to look for and what model is the "best" or say top 3 years/models to restore/ride?

Thanks - Merry Christmas!

What is best is a relative thing. The early inline fours have huge followings. Especially Kawasaki and Honda. Personally I like the old inline twins. From the little CB200 up to the KZ750 twin. The Yamaha XS twins have a big following and are hard to find at decent prices. In the end of course it's a decision for you and your son.

Maybe a CX550? I've never had one yet but they look like a bike that can be made into any style you like.

http://cx500forum.com/



The CX site that really covers these great little bikes.

There is quite a difference between the various models so a little reseach will help.

They are great learning bikes, easy enough to work on, share lots of things with other late 70s early 80s Hondas.

CV carbs just like ours.

Lots of parts available and pretty cheap to start out with.

Good Luck.

Gord

At the time, I had a choice between a cx500c and a cx500 standard. I went with the cx500c and never regretted it. Solid bike, plenty of torque and very durable.

Thanks for the info, keep it coming!

I know no bike is 'best" I guess a little troll coming out to stimulate some discussion.
I've been reading some of the CX500 forums, but still not finding out information on the different variants.

sunnbobb wrote:At the time, I had a choice between a cx500c and a cx500 standard. I went with the cx500c and never regretted it. Solid bike, plenty of torque and very durable.

What's the difference?

The photo of the CX650E is awesome! I've also seen both CX500 & 650 with a T designation which I believe is turbo.
Also, is a CX500 Deluxe a different model?

Is there a basic philosophy difference between the CX & GL models. CX has a mono-shock and GL 2 shocks?

The Interstate model looks great, I'm not crazy about the front fairing for small bike, but the back bags and trunk are awesome.

It was a long time after I got an GL1100 and then several 1000's that I learned about the 76 LTD or how desirable a 75 is to restore. So I'm trying to do some research to know if I see some holy grail of the transverse twins (just learned that term today!) world, I'll know to jump on it.

Thanks!

The cognicenti call the CXs 'Twisted Twins'.

Both the 500 and the 650 came in the turbo variant, more power but finicky and there's trouble getting parts now.

The 500s were popular in their day and many couriers used them in the UK.

Gord.

By "standard" I meant "Deluxe". The only difference between the cx-c and cx-d was styling. Both had dual rear shocks. The 650c was my fav for styling though.

This is my cx500c with optional luggage rack. I never repaired a single thing in the 30K or so I owned it.

The GL's are more desirable due to their higher output stator (since 2 of the windings aren't used for ignition).
The GL has the HARD TO REBUILD but far superior Pro-Link monoshock in the rear. Find one with a good Pro-Link and air it up, enjoy the ride.
The GL has fully transistorized ignition and doesn't suffer from high-output stator wirings like the CX's have a relatively uncommon tendency to do.
Carbs are pretty easy to clean, far less complicated than the GL1000's I've done (and there are only 2 of them!). Don't separate the carbs from each other!!
Front forks will most likely need new seals and oil.
Points of interest: water pump mechanical seal (can be done with engine in-bike), carb cleaning, rusty gas tanks...

They are amazing bikes. I've put over 50,000 miles on my CX's and GL's in the last 5 years and haven't regretted a single mile. Not a single breakdown in all those miles either. Tons of low end grunt and the 500 cc's put out 50 HP at the wheel. They're fast enough to kill you - hell, a 50cc is fast enough to kill you. Get that boy some gear! And Ride Safe!!

The CX-Custom has more "chopper" styling...smaller fuel tank, etc.
The CX-Deluxe has a larger fuel tank and standard styling
Avoid the 78's as they have a few other issues that pop up now and again.

A well-maintained GL will last you well over 200,000 miles without a major rebuild.

Beta (my second GL500 Interstate) had 143,000 on her and ran perfectly for 17,000 trouble-free miles before I sent her on to better grounds.

Best of luck!

[quote="jinbtown"]The GL's are more desirable due to their higher output stator (since 2 of the windings aren't used for ignition).[,quote]
I think you are a bit confused about this.

Early model CX500s with Capacitor Discharge Ignition have a 3 phase alternator with 2 extra coils for the CDI, for a total of 5 coils on their stators.

All of the CX/GL650s, all GL500s and later model CX500s (I think CX500C?) have true electronic ignition so their 3 phase alternators only need 3 coils on their stators.

Yes, the electronic ignition models' alternators have more output, but that was necessary to power their ignition systems so the available power for lighting & accessories is about the same.

BTW: I know its a bit late to answer the original question, but here goes...

You can find pictures and a brief description of most Honda models here: http://www.motorera.com/honda/index.htm

Which model is most desirable depends on what you are going to do with it. Some prefer the more vintage look of the early CXs. Others want the sportiness of the CX650E and still others want to travel on fully dressed SilverWings. Some find the Turbo models addictive while others like nothing better than to cruise the boulevards on a Custom.

Then there are people like me. I "rescued" a CX650E that someone was trying to use as a "field bike" and turned it into something closer to a SilverWing, added a sidecar and use it as a daily driver for the winter.

The Turbos & the E tend to have a bit higher resale value, but that's mostly because fewer of them were sold.

I would love to have a CX500e or 650e! Anyone have one for sale?

I had a cx500 for a while, great little bike, a bit high reving for extended high mph cruising but I loved it for running to work etc. It always got excellent fuel mileage, always started and ran, very little maintenance.

I rode an '80 CX500 Deluxe daily for several years. I'd still be riding her if it weren't for the soccer mom in the SUV that pulled out in front of me.

I still have what's left of her and plan on turning her into one of these someday:



I would love to have another CX or GL. She was by far the most reliable and most comfortable bike I've ever owned. She went 35,000 miles with the biggest repair job needed being fork seal replacement. 50 horsepower and 50 miles per gallon when I rode her hard, a lighter twist on the right grip would give me as much as 60MPG...she now looks like this:


IMG_0082 by aircraft_electrician, on Flickr

YIKES !

Glad you survived.

That 'gross tonnage rule' is a b*tch.

Gord