CX500 GL500 650 Global
https://motofaction.org/motorcycles/honda-cx-gl/shep/

Russ from Brookfield CT
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Author:  rlcorn64jh [ Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:07 am ]
Post subject:  Russ from Brookfield CT
I'm a retired guy with a lot of hobbies. I've been riding a MC since I was 18 (1964). I was inspired in my youth by the "Then Came Bronson" series (before "Easy Rider") about a loner on a bike who met babes in every town he stopped in.

Two years ago I sold my old chain-drive 1980 Honda Hawk after I picked up the 1979 cx500 Custom. It had a few problems. It hadn't run in about 5 years... old gas, stiff front brake, broken headlight, missing turn signals, electrical problems, rust, missing plastic side panels, no title... small stuff. I found out that it was cheaper to buy a "parts bike" than parts for a bike.

Now I have eleven (yes 11) cx500's. Years are 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981. Six are in reasonable shape to ride. The rest I may never get around to. I'll keep them for parts.

I talked to several Honda dealerships about working on my first cx500. I was absolutely stunned by their estimated costs. Undaunted, I bought a Clymer book, then the Haynes book, followed by the Honda manual for cx500's, lastly the Mike Nixon carb repair book. Now I'm fearless. If I screw something up, I've got a spare. Carbs, carb balancing, tuning, brakes, starter, electrical problems no problem. I have Rob Davis to thank for his world-class web site. His advice, instructions, pictures and clear explanations cheered me on.

Most of the bikes I've picked up were neglected... left in a barn or garage to just sit and rot. One of my daily riders, an 80 cx500 Deluxe, sat for 13 years in a garage. It had a mouse nest in the air filter. The gas smelled so bad that I had to place it inside of two air-tight containers so the fumes didn't make me sick. Now it runs like new. I like the wide seat.

Most of the bikes I've owned were Hondas. I gotta tell you. I'm impressed with the engineering. Their stuff holds up over time. I'm not afraid to ride an old bike that hasn't seen macadam in over a decade if its a Honda (and if I was the one working on it).

Russ from Brookfield, CT
Author:  I'm going to GL [ Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Russ from Brookfield CT
Great story Russ, welcome aboard!
Author:  LRCXed [ Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Russ from Brookfield CT
Very nice to have you aboard! I love the fact you have 11 CX's. I'd love to see the size of your shop. Looking forward to hearing some of your experiences.
Author:  Gman [ Fri Aug 08, 2008 9:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Russ from Brookfield CT
Welcome aboard.Nice to see another rider who also enjoys the bikes as a,"Hobby" which is a better way of looking at them IMHO.They are now part of motorcycle history but as you say it's a testement to Honda's build quality that so many are still running and so many can be brought back form the grave or,"Out of Retirement"<grin> :)

The fact that they are also a very economical bike is a big plus in these days of high fuel prices :mrgreen:
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