My uncle called me two days ago saying that he would sell me his 1979 CX500 for a mere $500, but that I would need to ship it. He currently lives in Minnesota, while I in the warm and sunny Arizona (go Sun Devils). So while I am looking into shipping companies to transport the bike down here, I continued researching (as I have for the past few months) on bikes and converting them into cafes. I hope to have the bike by the end of the month, at which point I will immediately begin tearing it apart.
Before I continue, I would like to emphasize that I have NEVER worked on a motorcycle, but I would like to consider myself mechanically inclined. I have worked on my dad's car ('68 Olds w/ a 455 in it) with him, and enjoy working with my hands. I have only ridden dirt bikes and quads, nothing on the pavement. I also would like to note that I have no problem admitting things that I know little about, and am hoping for some constructive/relevant feedback to aid me with this process.
SO... I have a laundry list of things I would love to do, assuming I had the finances to do it all. I am a college student (again, go Devils) and understand that these all likely won't get done in the near future but am curious which you guys think would be the most "important" in completing first. I'm sure many of you are familiar with Mateusz Stankiewicz's build, this is similar to what I had in mind. With that being said, the list is as follows:
Forks/Brakes: I have seriously considered swapping out the front forks with newer ones, CBR forks for example. This certainly isn't something I'm set on doing but liked the look and adjustability of these newer forks. I also was wanting bigger, beefier brakes... likely dual disc upfront and someday maybe disc in the rear as well. I have read that some swap with the CB750 forks because a select few of those came with dual disc, and this could possible lead to a more streamlined and easier conversion.
Wheels: Is there much "swap-ability" to these bikes in terms of wheels. I know that for some you need to machine spacers to fit properly, but are there many wheels that will fit well with little hassle?
Handlebars: I REALLY like ABM's adjustable clip ons that were featured in "stuntexru's" YouTube video recently. However, I have seen them priced upwards of $400 . Certainly not set on these either though.
Tank: In my opinion, the CX500 tank looks almost tear drop-like, which is kind of funky. I really like the CB550 tanks, and am curious what kind of swap fitment issues I might run into, if I were to try this.
Carbs: The only issue that my uncle says he knows of with his bike, is the carbs not being tuned properly. He has owned the bike since '82 and bought it from a buddy (who had bought it new). Supposedly the bike ran great for many years, and my uncle took it to a different mechanic once who totally f'ed up the way it ran. THUS I am looking into installing new carbs. (This is where everyone says "See Murray's posts", I assume).
Exhaust: I also really do not like the stock look of the exhaust on the CXs. I had in mind something that came from the heads and met together under the middle of the bike, and stopped just before the rear tire. I have read stuff about how removing the air box and the H-pipe creates all kinds of problems, so I am looking for the best way to avoid all of these. I will insert a picture below of something like I had in mind.
Rear Suspension: One of my goals with this project is to level out the tank and seat so that it creates a parallel line with the ground. (See Stankiewicz's bike, like I said earlier). I believe I read that he raised the rear of the bike close to five inches to achieve this look, and to cater to his tall stature (I am certainly of this category - 6'2"). Other than a mono-shock, what would you all recommend for the rear suspension of the bike?
Seat Cowl: I am hoping to hide the battery, fuse box, and wiring within the seat cowl, but not make it look strangely large by doing so. One of my dad's buddies owns an English Wheel that I might be able to toy with for this fabrication.
Frame: *I am very prepared to be torn apart for this section* I am not a big fan of the subframe on these bikes. The awkward bend, below the seat, just looks out of place. Also, the front part of the subframe where the seat sits seems to dip down some, creating another awkward line. I am looking for advice on how to combat these problems. Altering the subframe has crossed my mind, or actually having it altered.. I wouldn't trust myself with something like this. I understand that someone will likely post how I am challenging the engineering that took place (almost 40 years ago) in designing the geometry of the bike, and by questioning this is just asinine. All that to say, IF I HAD AN OPTION TO DO SO, I really wouldn't mind making this aesthetically more pleasing, while keeping it safe for the road.
If you've made it this far, I appreciate you taking time to read this NEWB's post. I certainly would love to hear any feedback and recommendations that you all will have for all/any of these topics, or any others that I am overlooking.
Also, I should mention that the bike has just under 15,000 original miles, and I apologize in advance for anyone that thinks I am "destroying" a perfectly good bike.
Thank you again.
Before I continue, I would like to emphasize that I have NEVER worked on a motorcycle, but I would like to consider myself mechanically inclined. I have worked on my dad's car ('68 Olds w/ a 455 in it) with him, and enjoy working with my hands. I have only ridden dirt bikes and quads, nothing on the pavement. I also would like to note that I have no problem admitting things that I know little about, and am hoping for some constructive/relevant feedback to aid me with this process.
SO... I have a laundry list of things I would love to do, assuming I had the finances to do it all. I am a college student (again, go Devils) and understand that these all likely won't get done in the near future but am curious which you guys think would be the most "important" in completing first. I'm sure many of you are familiar with Mateusz Stankiewicz's build, this is similar to what I had in mind. With that being said, the list is as follows:
Forks/Brakes: I have seriously considered swapping out the front forks with newer ones, CBR forks for example. This certainly isn't something I'm set on doing but liked the look and adjustability of these newer forks. I also was wanting bigger, beefier brakes... likely dual disc upfront and someday maybe disc in the rear as well. I have read that some swap with the CB750 forks because a select few of those came with dual disc, and this could possible lead to a more streamlined and easier conversion.
Wheels: Is there much "swap-ability" to these bikes in terms of wheels. I know that for some you need to machine spacers to fit properly, but are there many wheels that will fit well with little hassle?
Handlebars: I REALLY like ABM's adjustable clip ons that were featured in "stuntexru's" YouTube video recently. However, I have seen them priced upwards of $400 . Certainly not set on these either though.
Tank: In my opinion, the CX500 tank looks almost tear drop-like, which is kind of funky. I really like the CB550 tanks, and am curious what kind of swap fitment issues I might run into, if I were to try this.
Carbs: The only issue that my uncle says he knows of with his bike, is the carbs not being tuned properly. He has owned the bike since '82 and bought it from a buddy (who had bought it new). Supposedly the bike ran great for many years, and my uncle took it to a different mechanic once who totally f'ed up the way it ran. THUS I am looking into installing new carbs. (This is where everyone says "See Murray's posts", I assume).
Exhaust: I also really do not like the stock look of the exhaust on the CXs. I had in mind something that came from the heads and met together under the middle of the bike, and stopped just before the rear tire. I have read stuff about how removing the air box and the H-pipe creates all kinds of problems, so I am looking for the best way to avoid all of these. I will insert a picture below of something like I had in mind.
Rear Suspension: One of my goals with this project is to level out the tank and seat so that it creates a parallel line with the ground. (See Stankiewicz's bike, like I said earlier). I believe I read that he raised the rear of the bike close to five inches to achieve this look, and to cater to his tall stature (I am certainly of this category - 6'2"). Other than a mono-shock, what would you all recommend for the rear suspension of the bike?
Seat Cowl: I am hoping to hide the battery, fuse box, and wiring within the seat cowl, but not make it look strangely large by doing so. One of my dad's buddies owns an English Wheel that I might be able to toy with for this fabrication.
Frame: *I am very prepared to be torn apart for this section* I am not a big fan of the subframe on these bikes. The awkward bend, below the seat, just looks out of place. Also, the front part of the subframe where the seat sits seems to dip down some, creating another awkward line. I am looking for advice on how to combat these problems. Altering the subframe has crossed my mind, or actually having it altered.. I wouldn't trust myself with something like this. I understand that someone will likely post how I am challenging the engineering that took place (almost 40 years ago) in designing the geometry of the bike, and by questioning this is just asinine. All that to say, IF I HAD AN OPTION TO DO SO, I really wouldn't mind making this aesthetically more pleasing, while keeping it safe for the road.
If you've made it this far, I appreciate you taking time to read this NEWB's post. I certainly would love to hear any feedback and recommendations that you all will have for all/any of these topics, or any others that I am overlooking.
Also, I should mention that the bike has just under 15,000 original miles, and I apologize in advance for anyone that thinks I am "destroying" a perfectly good bike.
Thank you again.