CX500 GL500 650 Global

I'm new here. I have a 1983 CX650C that I am currently restoring. It's in rough shape, needs some carb work and the front caliper stick a bit. I just sent the gas tank to be repainted today and the seat needs to be re-covered. It's a young bike though, only 12,000 miles old. Just saying hello and glad to be here!
I'm restoring with a professional from the Kansas City Area, Wolf Trikes. He took the job on because of the nature of it, making it into a rolling memorial for my recently passed on Grandfather.

Welcome.With that kind of mileage it's well worth treating it precious.Cx500s have been known to go over well over 150,000 miles without a re-bore or new crank just by correct maintenance e.g change oil and filter before 3,000 miles and the drive oil(The type is embossed on the drive box)and adjusting tappets as routine.

Here's a good check list to go through,

http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=72

and some basics to read,
http://www.sheppola.karoo.net/TwistedTwin/HondaCX500GL500%28Shep%29.htm

The parts for the 650s are not as common so treat her nice and the bike will give you fantastic service and save you money every mile

Use cheap Supermarket 10w40 or 15w40 made for diesel cars and change often.I have a pal with a VTR that has 98,000 on it and he changes his oil every 1,000 miles.A bit over-the-top but he buys 25 ltr drums cheap.It sounds like it's just come out of the show-room.

There are CX users in Australia who have done well over 150,000 miles on cheap but often changed oil.

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hi malc,and a big welcome from not so sunny spain.lol

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uk,1981 gl troublemaker

when i feel the need,i do it

Hi Malcolm. Lucky bugger, they never released the '83 CX650c in Australia. One of my faves.
There are a few lurking around the country, but their owners know what they have. I dont think ANY have 12,000 miles, though. Good luck with the build, its definitely worth it.

Allright! I will post pics of the completed paintjob as soon as the tech doing the paintwork delivers the parts. I made the bike into a rolling memorial for my recently passed on grandfather. I had his Lola racecar number ghosted into the sidepanels and I think it looks quite tasteful.

i'm a newbie too so thought i'd say hi, lucky you having a cherry 650, it'll be only just run in by CX standards! love the paintjob! i've just got an '82 CX500B in need of a little TLC but the guts of it are sound, been pulling what hair i have left out over parts availability but regular maintenance is the key, Shep's put my mind at ease a bit now, he knows his stuff! As a newcomer to the CX world i'm just trying to find out all i can about them, strengths, weaknesses, foibles etc but it seems to be a solid bike. Just need to pass that test and start the joy of CX!

Update
Just got the rear cowl pictures in and they look nice.

Once brought back to a serviceable condition they are an absolute breeze to maintain.My main CX is into my 6th year.I changed the engine last year as my 1st re-build engine finally died.It would have lasted longer if I had done it now as my knowledge of the engines has increased but it lasted I think around 12,000/14,000 miles and the bike I bought for the engine cost me £150 but gave me way more money's worth in spares and eventually became my 2nd CX with another engine.
The engine that is in now has done around 8,000 miles and is a much better build with a better crank etc.In my case I've not had a low mileage version of these bikes and I've kept mine going with some dubious and high mileage parts but they are still going
If you catch previous bad maintenance in time and do pre-emptive oil changes and coolant every couple of years and flush/clean the cooling system as soon as you get the bike,

http://www.sheppola.karoo.net/TwistedTwin/Coolant.htm

And also change the cam chain if there are any engine noises other than tappets then there's no reason why you can't get well over 100,000 miles without much trouble.The bikes are old so things like Stators may go but even the cost of replacing these is one quarter of what a mate of mine had to pay for his VFR's collector box!!!!!!!

It also cost him over a £1,000 to get his hydraulic valves serviced

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