Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

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07-13-2008, 8:16 AM mweitz Joined on 07-13-2008 San Carlos, CA Posts 9 CX500 Custom - Should I get it? Hi, I'm new to motorcycling, and have a Suzuki GZ250 I'm learning on. I'm currently looking for an "entry level" fixer upper bike to pick up now and be riding early next year. I don't mind paying a mechanic to do some of the work and don't mind doing some of the easier stuff and learning as I go along. With that said, a neighbor a few houses down put a 1983 (is that correct? Looks like 82 was the last year for these) CX500 Custom for sale the other day. It has been sitting outside and not started for about a year. It has been down several times I'm guessing from the scratches on it. She says it needs a new battery, and it clearly needs new front and rear tires. I didn't have them start it since I was unsure if it was a good idea to run the year old gas through it. The inside of the gas tank looks solid, but there is a little rust in there. So, I don't even know where to start (and neither does she). I'm 100% confident that she is honest and I want the bike but don't want to get something that ends up being a $$$$ pit or overpaying for it. I'm willing to pay a fair price for it (and she is willing to sell it for a fair price). She paid 1,500 for it from a junk yard 4 or 5 years ago. I didn't see SALVAGE on the title though (I could have missed it). She is asking 1,200. The bike is in pretty poor condition on the outiside though. It has some leaks, including a gas leak near the little plastic casing with the gold colored metal filter in it. If you have any advice on how to proceed, I would greatly appreciate it! Here are a few photos: http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll212/mweitz/CX500/ Thanks, Mark 1981 CX500 Deluxe    Report

07-13-2008, 8:32 AM fll1441 Joined on 11-06-2006 Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts 751 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? Hi Mark, Sounds like a good opportunity because you are considering buying the bike from a neighbor whom you trust. Most people don't want to knowingly screw a neighbor they are going to be seeing after the sale. How many miles are on the bike? I couldn't see your photos. It would be a good idea to get some fresh gas and see if the bike will run. A bike in non-running condition is not worth much. In my opinion, $ 1200 would be a fair price only if the bike was running well, didn't have high mileage and was in good cosmetic condition. It doesn't sound like this bike is in that category. Keep in mind that it takes some work and patience to get a bike that has been sitting up and running. It can be very expensive to pay a shop to work on them, if you can find a shop that is willing to do it. However, if you are mechanically inclined and willing, you can find all the information you need here and on some other sites. On the links tab, you can find "Rob's Fix-it Page." Here is a link from his buying tips (sorry my links don't link, you will have to cut and paste it to your address bar): http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/buying_tips/ 1982 CX500 Custom    Report

07-13-2008, 8:44 AM WisconsinCX Joined on 07-07-2008 Germantown, WI Posts 383 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? IMO...too much $ for the shape it's in. 83 650 Silverwing Interstate Phoenix 81 Deluxe 80 Custom 78 Maggot 83 CB1100F yeah baby!!    Report

07-13-2008, 9:11 AM WNW3 Joined on 06-04-2008 Eugene, Oregon Posts 80 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? I wouldn't pay more than $650 for that bike and that is only if it will start. The thing to keep in mind though is that used bikes in any running condition are in high demand right now. I've been watching craiglist and I'd say prices on used bike shave just about doubled in the past 7-8 months. Part of that is the normal summer upswing but the obvious other reason is gas prices. It's a sellers market right now so you are going to see crap bikes going for WAY more than they are worth. 1981 Honda CX500 Deluxe 1975 Honda CB750 K5    Report

07-13-2008, 9:14 AM mweitz Joined on 07-13-2008 San Carlos, CA Posts 9 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? Yes, I agree. She quickly went down to 1K. I don't think I would go much over 700.00 for it. Is that a reasonable offer to make if it seems to run OK? Mark <BLOCKQUOTE><table width="85%"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/cs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>WisconsinCX wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4">IMO...too much $ for the shape it's in.</td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE> 1981 CX500 Deluxe    Report

07-13-2008, 10:16 AM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 3,079 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? She may not like the offer but tell her you asked some guys around a Cx forum what they would pay. If it were me and it was not running I top off at around $400 in that condition. If she can get it running and it idles fine and drives decent I would be inclined to pay a bit more. I would pay $600 if it has more than 30,000 miles on it. If it is really low mileage I would be willing to go $750. If you want further answers jump on craigslist and check what the early 80's bikes are going for. If she doesn't want to deal that low continue to watch the bike as she tries to sell it. As more and more people pass it up she will eventually come down or sell to someone who has money to blow. Until then have fun with the Gz250. Remember even cheap tires cost $100 a set. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike CX500 Factory Service Manual Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls    Report

07-13-2008, 10:17 AM fll1441 Joined on 11-06-2006 Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts 751 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? Now I can see your pictures. Good advice from Blindstich. Be careful with that bike. It looks like it has had a hard life. I agree with you that it has been crashed. I would guess it will take some work to get it in good riding condition. Unless you hear the bike running before you buy it, you are taking a chance. So, offer accordingly. 1982 CX500 Custom    Report

07-13-2008, 4:30 PM mweitz Joined on 07-13-2008 San Carlos, CA Posts 9 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? Thanks, I'm going to go down to talk to her now. Bikes are sellin g like mad here right now, so who knows. I'm going to tell her what I found out, and tell her to list it on CL and see how it goes. The reality is CL is a PITA and not too fun to deal with. I'll leave an open offer for 700 bucks if it runs and see how it goes. Thanks, I may be spending a LOT of time here. 1981 CX500 Deluxe    Report

07-13-2008, 4:43 PM mweitz Joined on 07-13-2008 San Carlos, CA Posts 9 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? Oh, what is the best way to drain the gas from the tank so we can put some fresh stuff in there to start it up? Is it OK to jump it from a car? I have a 12V 7AH "hobby" type battery that we could use as well. Thanks, Mark 1981 CX500 Deluxe    Report

07-13-2008, 5:57 PM dbarale Joined on 06-10-2008 Asheville, NC Posts 183 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? It's perfectly OK to jump from a car ( assuming the correct polarity is respected of course)...    Report

07-13-2008, 6:20 PM mweitz Joined on 07-13-2008 San Carlos, CA Posts 9 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? This one didn't work out. She got pretty rude when I offered her 600 after explaining that "dealer" price on KBB is 1100 and trade in for a good condition bike was 600ish. She exclaimed that she wouldn't sell it for less than 1000.00. I wished her luck and was on my way. Strange how people valuate stuff. She bought it 5 years ago for 1500, used it for her commuter for 4 and left it outside for 1 and expects the value to have only dropped by 300.00! Thanks for you help! Mark 1981 CX500 Deluxe    Report

07-13-2008, 6:53 PM Ayal Joined on 05-19-2008 Massachusetts Posts 89 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? You did the right thing to my opinion.  I bought mine for 600 from a guy down the street.  The stator may or may not have been dying at the time (hence the need for new battery).  I had to replace a stator (Alternator) ($250 with warranty, but I got one for $75 without).  $130 for front tire, $70 for new brake pads (Front and back - the rubber was dry) $85 for a new set of gaskets for the replacement plus 30 hours of inexperienced work (No one will work on a bike worth $500, especially not during riding season). $20 every time I buy oil at Honda.  $20 for coolant.  I'm riding now but this was close to just a complete bust.  A few times I went to the Honda store and the part is no longer available.  I like this bike because of the way it sounds and looks and rides when it's working, but this is love, not reason.  If you end up getting this bike (It may still be available come fall) expect to get your own hands to do mechanic's work, but you'll be learning a lot in the process, which for me is the best hobbie.  Good luck!! Strive to learn something new every day    Report

07-13-2008, 7:17 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 3,079 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it?  mweitz wrote: Oh, what is the best way to drain the gas from the tank so we can put some fresh stuff in there to start it up? Is it OK to jump it from a car? I have a 12V 7AH "hobby" type battery that we could use as well. Thanks, Mark Best way I found to drain a tank in to use the petcock. Hook up a hose from there and put the hose in a gas can and switch to reserve. If the bike has been sitting for a year draining the carbs would be the best idea. Get a long flat head screwdriver so you can turn back the screws on the bottom of the carbs on the left at the very bottom. Can be accessed from the left side. If you jump the bike off a car don't turn the car on. You could also try a shot of starting fluid into the air box. your neighbor doesn't know the value of her bike and is like every one living in a false world. It's like when a guy puts a new paint job on a 20 year old rust bucket. Just because it cost over 2 grand for the paint doesn't mean it is worth 2 grand more. Blue book is blue book. I have a friend who bought a full size dodge truck that ran great with racing stripes on it. He spent 10 thousand dollars to make the engine as strong as possible and has had mechanics set the timing 3 times now and nothing works. The same truck he bought for $8000 is still only worth at most $8,000. Most likely $5,000. Who ever got her to pay $1,500 5 years ago was probably laughing when she left. Just watch the bike not sell. Besides you didn't want one till next year. If it sits long enough she might come to you. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike CX500 Factory Service Manual Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls    Report

07-13-2008, 7:39 PM Daniel45mpg Joined on 05-18-2008 Murrieta, CA. Posts 201 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? I just bought two CXs $300 each. both where running, but needed work. As it turned out,... one engine needed a triple bypass,. The other a mech seal..oh well live and learn,...but really I'm thinking cool! ..I get to rip into this engine. I might pay $1200 for road ready non salvaged, well running bike. I would pay no more than $300 for the bike your thinking of buying,...but i am a cheap ass! 1980 CX500C 1980 CX500D Renew, Reuse, Recycle.    Report

07-13-2008, 7:55 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 3,079 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? To bad we didn't have a location of where this bike is. At this rate maybe daniel45mpg could get him a bike. Daniel I was watching a couple engines go in your area on ebay and I almost cried. They were so cheap. There was a set of 3. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike CX500 Factory Service Manual Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls    Report

07-13-2008, 8:01 PM Daniel45mpg Joined on 05-18-2008 Murrieta, CA. Posts 201 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? Just on a side note. I have found That in the San Francisco Bay Area And Sacramento. These bikes have a cult like following and are valued by many In the $1200 to $1800 range for a low milage running, titled Freeway and City Ready street fighter. Extra points for the Old Blue California plates. I even know someone who Paid $1800 for a CX ( my best buddy who ended giving the CX to me.) Not every one agrees.but i have found this area to fetch some of the bigger prices. just check out the Craigslist-ings in SF Bay area and Sacto CA. it's just nuts! If ya want a turbo this is where they are for sale. 1980 CX500C 1980 CX500D Renew, Reuse, Recycle.    Report

07-13-2008, 8:06 PM Fenix Joined on 06-09-2008 Albuquerque, NM Posts 49 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? Mark - You got the better end of the deal. I've seen many a bike in that condition and trust there is a TON o cash to be sunk in it (speaking from experience). Don't spend a penny over $400 for a bike in that condition!! Fenix 1982 CX500C - Red Cafe Maggot    Report

07-13-2008, 8:14 PM Daniel45mpg Joined on 05-18-2008 Murrieta, CA. Posts 201 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? From what I can see,..What really changes perceived value is how close you are to aThe Big Citys in CA. Sacramento , San Francisco-Oakland area. San Diego, Los Angeles. More demand i guess. Also there is the Hip factor with the 80 stuff now. that may be driving up the price. The deals are all out east, in the sticks,.. where i'm at now, away from the coasts here in Kalifornia. IMHO. 1980 CX500C 1980 CX500D Renew, Reuse, Recycle.    Report

07-13-2008, 9:30 PM George in Indiana Joined on 03-03-2006 Posts 395 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? You're neighbor is out of her freakin' mind, at best it's a $300 piece of crap. I sold my '79 CX500C for $1200 on ebay a few years ago.  First I offered it in the for sale section on the CX forums and was willing to go down to $700 but there were no takers.  I bought it from the original owner when it had 2K miles (sold with 14K).  Never dropped and never left out overnight.  It was perfection down to the original warning decals and you'd be hard pressed to find a 1 year old motorcycle in better condition. CX500 TURBO CX650 TURBO '86 Honda Elite 150 Deluxe '04 GSX1300R Hayabusa    Report

07-13-2008, 9:37 PM mweitz Joined on 07-13-2008 San Carlos, CA Posts 9 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? That bike is sweet. I'm in San Carlos, directly between SF and San Jose. She put it on CL today. There is a pretty nice one for 1,500, hers, one for 600 and one for like 340. It sits outside, so I'll see how long it sits there. She was really insulted by my offer though, so I doubt she will come back after she was so ... adamant. I'll keep my eye out. Thanks everyone. Mark 1981 CX500 Deluxe    Report

07-13-2008, 9:58 PM Daniel45mpg Joined on 05-18-2008 Murrieta, CA. Posts 201 Re: CX500 Custom - Should I get it? Yep ken that's the Bay Area For you. CX's seem to have a higher Value. because of the Hip and cool 80 come back maybe? And the year round driving season. also they just plain have more Cache in that area as they slowly gain vintage status,...it's all about vintage and old school cool in SF Bay area. still they have to be good lookers and good runners and have the original title and Plate period. IMHO To me a salvaged title is not cool,..because DMV gives you the new CA plate ( Reflective off white?) . Sorry but the blue CA plate is super cool! IMHO 1980 CX500C 1980 CX500D Renew, Reuse, Recycle.    Report