Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!

General Discussion

Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Jordan31 02-06-2008, 6:45 PM
After hearing a dealer say it would be 300 bucks to run a new throttle/clutch cables to my clubman bars (with out the price of cables) I now have full intentions of finishing the work my self.

Which book would be better for assistance?

Clymer Repair for 22 bucks.

http://www.clymer.com/Book.aspx?bid=478&title=Honda+CX+and+GL500%2f650+Twins%2c+1978-1983

I also found a downloadable version of the Honda CX500 Shop Service Manual for 19 bucks.

http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/2643501-Software-Programs-Miscellaneous

I wouldn't mind having the 2nd one because I can have it instantly and look on the computer when I need to.

Any comments?


http://jordango.com/cafe-racer/

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Vanmor 02-06-2008, 9:18 PM
I did the tradebit thing. $20 cheaper than a reprint plus you pay shipping.

Quality is so so but it works.
Vance

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Cobram 02-06-2008, 9:42 PM
It's a public domain manual.  I uploaded it to this site, in two parts (it has a 300meg limit and the manual is slightly over.)  Let me know if it works.  First time I'm using this site, let's hope it's better than the others I've tried.

Warning though...not for the faint of bandwidth.

First Half: 239MB

http://www.filefactory.com/file/85a428/

Second Half: 149MB

http://www.filefactory.com/file/a244a7/

Here's a Description:
OFFICIAL FULL FACTORY SERVICE REPAIR MANUAL FOR THE HONDA CX500. ALL STYLES. 1978-1982 MODELS. 327 PAGES.

These manuals are your number one source for repair and service information. They are specifically written for the do-it-yourselfer as well as the experienced mechanic. Using this repair manual is an inexpensive way to keep your vehicle working properly. Each manual provides step-by-step instructions based on the complete disassembly of the machine. It is this level of detail, along with hundreds of photos and illustrations, that guide the reader through each service and repair procedure.

This manual can be kept on your harddrive, burned to CDROM, printed in it's entirety, or just print the pages you need!!!

Detailed substeps expand on repair procedure information.
Notes, cautions and warnings throughout each chapter pinpoint critical information.
Numbered instructions guide you through every repair procedure step by step.
Bold figure number help you quickly match illustrations with instructions.
Detailed illustrations, drawings and photos guide you through every procedure.
Enlarged inset helps you identify and examine parts in detail.
Numbered table of contents easy to use so that you can find the information you need fast.
This manual also makes it easy to diagnose and repair problems with your machines electrical system. Troubleshooting and electrical service procedures are combined with detailed wiring diagrams for ease of use.

1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out.

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Vanmor 02-06-2008, 10:32 PM
I did the tradebit thing. $20 cheaper than a reprint plus you pay shipping.

Wat a minute.....

On some other sites I go to, they have old out of print manuals posted on the site for free download.

Can we do this here ?

I would be glad to share my manual with others on this forum.
Vance

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Vanmor 02-06-2008, 10:34 PM
Wow. Wish I had known about filefactory !

Well there you go then !
Vance

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Sture (in Sweden) 02-06-2008, 10:39 PM

About manuals: My opinion - the closer to Honda Original - the better! I have Haynes (UK) and Bucheli (German/Swiss?) for CX/GL and also Clymer manuals for other bikes I´ve owned. Nothing compares to the Honda manual, but at least Haynes have some good ideas to avoid expensive Honda special tools.

About cables for Clubman bars:  I have these bars on three of my CX-es and cable length is an issue. The originals for a standard model just BARELY fit. You may have some problems with the brake line / brake fluid reservoir angle/ and electric cables. Nothing that can´t be sorted, but I believe it´ll take you an hour or two.

Regards

Sture 

 


Honda CX 500 (B) -81 x 4
Yamaha SRX 600 -86

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Jordan31 02-07-2008, 12:34 AM
Thanks Cobram! I love you! hahaha any time a college kid saves 20 bucks its nice!

About the clubmans, my cables were too long and the throttle just binded up and wouldn't return to position.  I'll be looking over these PDFs this weekend when I go home and have the bike sitting in front of me!

I love this board!

jordan

http://jordango.com/cafe-racer/

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


fll1441 02-09-2008, 7:31 AM
Cobram,

I just downloaded the service manual. Thanks. I had to wait two hours between the first and second parts, because I was not a member of the site. Other than that, it worked well. It took about 50 minutes for the first part and 30 for the second part on a DSL modem.

I've been working from a Clymers manual and the one you posted looks much more detailed. I'm sure it will come in handy in the garage.
1982 CX500 Custom

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Falkon13 03-27-2008, 8:14 PM
Wow!  Cool.  I'm downloading the files as we speak.  I've already ordered the Clymer manual, but there's no such thing as too many books!  (I should know.  My poor floor joists...)  At least the electronic version doesn't weigh much.  Also, it doesn't get nearly as much grease on it.  I hope. 

Falk

'79 CX500D "Tinkerbell"

Owning a vintage bike means ... lying in bed at night, dreaming of finding the PO's current ride parked in a dark alley.

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Hand Amputation 04-02-2008, 8:03 PM
I am dl'ing now. As a first time bike buyer this will definitely come in handy. Thank you!

- n00b.

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Sidecar Bob 04-06-2008, 8:50 AM

Get as many different manuals as you can. Every writer explains the same thing a bit differently so if you don't understand what the first one is telling you to do you will probably understand one of the others.

Never rely on just a Clymer's manual. They are known to have errors that are re-printed in all subsequent editions.


GX650EI + Velorex 700 (winter), '83 GL1000 (summer)
'84 CB750SC Nighthawk (died - anyone need parts?)

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


LonEagle 04-07-2008, 12:11 PM
Just got my Silverwing shop manual today.  It's handy to have the whole thing always printed out for you when you're in the shop, and the quality of the pictures is much better than the PDF that's floating around on the 'net.

Having a pdf of the common shop manual is good too.   But like I said, I hate reprinting.  Toner & paper ain't free and a commercial printer is better than mine.

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Anonymous 05-06-2008, 9:37 PM
 Cobram wrote:
It's a public domain manual.  I uploaded it to this site, in two parts (it has a 300meg limit and the manual is slightly over.)  Let me know if it works.  First time I'm using this site, let's hope it's better than the others I've tried.

Warning though...not for the faint of bandwidth.

First Half: 239MB

http://www.filefactory.com/file/5eb233/


Second Half: 149MB

http://www.filefactory.com/file/f1e33c/

Here's a Description:
OFFICIAL FULL FACTORY SERVICE REPAIR MANUAL FOR THE HONDA CX500. ALL STYLES. 1978-1982 MODELS. 327 PAGES.

These manuals are your number one source for repair and service information. They are specifically written for the do-it-yourselfer as well as the experienced mechanic. Using this repair manual is an inexpensive way to keep your vehicle working properly. Each manual provides step-by-step instructions based on the complete disassembly of the machine. It is this level of detail, along with hundreds of photos and illustrations, that guide the reader through each service and repair procedure.

This manual can be kept on your harddrive, burned to CDROM, printed in it's entirety, or just print the pages you need!!!

Detailed substeps expand on repair procedure information.
Notes, cautions and warnings throughout each chapter pinpoint critical information.
Numbered instructions guide you through every repair procedure step by step.
Bold figure number help you quickly match illustrations with instructions.
Detailed illustrations, drawings and photos guide you through every procedure.
Enlarged inset helps you identify and examine parts in detail.
Numbered table of contents easy to use so that you can find the information you need fast.
This manual also makes it easy to diagnose and repair problems with your machines electrical system. Troubleshooting and electrical service procedures are combined with detailed wiring diagrams for ease of use.


Would you be my hero and reupload the first part please.  I would really appreciate it.  Im trying to find out how to rebuild the starter clutch on the 78 CX 500 I just picked up. 

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Cobram 05-06-2008, 11:21 PM
 Anonymous wrote:

Would you be my hero and reupload the first part please.  I would really appreciate it.  Im trying to find out how to rebuild the starter clutch on the 78 CX 500 I just picked up. 


Links in the original post above have been updated.

174 downloads the first time around.  Get'em while they're there.

1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out.

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Anonymous 05-06-2008, 11:58 PM
Thank you so much.  I have one of these for my 83 VT750 and it has helped me through so many tight spots.  I know this will be right there next to me as I rebuild this bike for my wife. 

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


TMill2030 08-23-2008, 3:10 PM
Hello everyone !!

I just recently purchased my first bike ..... 82 Silverwing GL500. (3 weeks ago)

I just started having charging issues. the bike keeps running off of the battery. When I disconnect the battery it continues to run, but really rough, and I mean really rough.
There should be a procedure to check some electrical components, maybe someone could share with me ? I do have a mutimeter and the battery is new ....

I was wondering if someone could share the "part 2" file in the third post by Cobram .... I have download the first but the second has been removed. And any other links for repairs or anything else you think may help ....

I look forward to seeing you guys around.

"Ride Safe"
Tom

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


DaveF 08-23-2008, 3:50 PM
For the GL500/650, the battery is needed to smooth the output ripple of the charging system into a relatively smooth direct current for use by the transistorized ignition and other electrical loads.  It performs a function much like that of an output filter capacitor in a power supply.  The electrical system is not designed to work with the battery disconnected - running rough in this condition is to be expected.

Many threads here deal with charging system troubleshooting.  This thread is a good place to start.

The Honda GL shop manual can be downloaded for free here.  This is not the same as the CX shop manual.

Welcome!


My Home Page
1981 GL500I
1982 GL500I
1983 GL650I

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


wildmanwill 08-24-2008, 5:01 AM
Is there a cx650 shop manual out there anywhere for download?

1983 CX650 C
1983 CX650 T

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


sbrogden 08-24-2008, 4:18 PM
Part 2 is "no longer available" sigh

sbrogden
1980 Yamaha XS850SG (daily ride)
1980 Honda CX500C
www.BrogdensMuse.MenofHonorMinistry.org

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


jayhanig 08-26-2008, 7:03 AM
Second Half: 149MB

http://www.filefactory.com/file/a244a7/


Does anybody have a link where I can download the second half of the file? The one listed has expired.
Jay
82 GL500

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Cobram 08-26-2008, 1:30 PM
I've been trying to upload, there seems to be a glitch on the FileFactory site.  The file uploads then goes into limbo and doesn't show up.  I did upload the file to the site mentioned on this thread: http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/53376/ShowPost.aspx
this is the site: http://www.de-pc.net/paginas/start_manuals.htm , but the upload hasn't been posed on the page yet. 

If you FTP to the above site, you can download the file via ftp (programs such as "cuteftp" work well) until it shows up on the site.  I named the file "HONDA 1978-1982 CX500.pdf" to distinguish it from the other aftermarket manual they have uploaded there.

1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out.

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


sbrogden 08-26-2008, 4:01 PM
Many thanks!  I was able to download via ftp - took about 20 minutes.

sbrogden
1980 Yamaha XS850SG (daily ride)
1980 Honda CX500C
www.BrogdensMuse.MenofHonorMinistry.org

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


jayhanig 08-26-2008, 11:57 PM
Many thanks! I was able to ftp it without a problem.

You know, every day I find a new reason to be impressed with this forum.
Jay
82 GL500

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Bryan 09-07-2008, 5:06 PM
How do you ftp?

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


sbrogden 09-07-2008, 5:38 PM
ftp is an accronym for "file transfer protocol" - it's a means of transfering files.  There are many tools that make this easy, many of them free.  I use the free version of FTP Commander, available here: http://www.internet-soft.com/ftpcomm.htm

sbrogden
1980 Yamaha XS850SG (daily ride)
1980 Honda CX500C
www.BrogdensMuse.MenofHonorMinistry.org

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Bryan 09-08-2008, 9:43 AM

Good deal.  Had never heard of ftp, but it worked great.  Thanks to all for having saved some cash!

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


ratliff 09-09-2008, 12:20 PM
Hey,

When I tried to access using cuteftp I was asked for a user name and password - any insight on this?

79 CX500c

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


gamache 09-09-2008, 12:24 PM
try username 'ftp' or 'anonymous' (they're equivalent), with your email address as the password.
Pete from Boston
1979 CX500 Custom
WTB: Deluxe tank, engine bars.

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Bryan 09-09-2008, 1:03 PM
On the homepage of the site it lists the needed information.

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Coodie 09-16-2008, 8:25 AM
Won't allow me to connect annonymously to the ftp site and the website doesn't work either. Anyone got a link for Part II? If I can get that one, I'll host them both on my website for everyone to download
Don't do anything I wouldn't do, but if you do, name it after me!

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


bearmani 09-16-2008, 9:31 AM
here is the site for the "gl500-650".

http://hondatech.info/downloads/Moto/GL/

i don't know if that'll "link" or not (still haven't mastered how to use these things as yet..lol).if not?.... merely right klik n copy it.

the quality of the pictures n type doesn't seem as clear on this 1 as it does on the 1's cobram listed for the "cx's", but i found that if you left klik on the current page you're viewing it turns a nice color blue, which kinda softens the blow of the harsh white to the eyeballs.

as far as i can tell; both models as far as engine/drive train specs n adjustments are the same and viewing those that...oh well..to keep from digressing too much?.......hope this helps.
1981 gl500
"Rustic-225"

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Cobram 09-16-2008, 11:41 AM
http://www.de-pc.net/paginas/start_manuals.htm

It looks like the website has been pulled down.  It hasn't loaded for about a week now.  Moral of the story is get whatever you need when you can, it'll probably be gone tomorrow.


1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out.

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Sidecar Bob 09-16-2008, 4:05 PM

 bearmani wrote:
here is the site for the gl500-650". http://hondatech.info/downloads/Moto/GL/ i don't know if that'll "link" or not (still haven't mastered how to use these things as yet..lol).

We're not sure why, but some combinations of computers, operating systems and browsers don't cause the forum software to make working links while some do it all the time. FWIW, I'm running a P2 with Win98SE and IE6 and even if I type in www.not-a-link.com it comes out as a link.

There is supposed to be a make a link button with a green/blue circle (I think it's supposed to be the world) with 3 links of chain. If you have this button you can select some text or a pic, click the button and turn whatever you have selected into a link. Again, the link button doesn't show up on all systems.

That said, I will repeat the link here so that it works: http://hondatech.info/downloads/Moto/GL/

as far as i can tell; both models as far as engine/drive train specs n adjustments are the same and viewing those that...oh well.

They aren't quite the same. The main difference is in the ignition system (and the rear engine cover and the parts bolted to it that are associated with the ignition and alternator) and the frame & rear suspension. I'm not sure if any of the settings are different.


GX650EI + Velorex 700 (winter), '83 GL1000 (summer)
'84 CB750SC Nighthawk (died - anyone need parts?)

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Lambykin 09-16-2008, 11:12 PM
For those of you wanting to get the "real deal" Helm Inc. originally supplied factory shop manuals for Honda (as well as other manufacturers). The good news is, all these years later, you can still get the shop manual (sometimes a reprint, sometimes not) for the CX/GL bikes. Here's a direct link to a bunch of Honda Motorcycle Shop Manuals:

http://www.helminc.com/helm/Result.asp?Style=&Mfg=AHC&Make=AHC&Model=STR&Year=1982&Category=&Keyword=&Module=&selected%5Fmedia=&mscsid=V0NRCRDWBD219M908RLQCN3BGSAN78DD

Certainyl not free, but not too much more money than a Clymers or Haynes manual. I ordered one for my GL500 in 2005 the day after purchasing the bike. I haven't needed the manual yet, but know one day it'll be worth having. I believe it came pre-punched, so it's ready to stick in a binder.

If you wish to browse the sile, visit http://www.helminc.com

The main page will come up - select "Click here" under the "Vehicle owner, do-it-yourself & professionals" category. Another page will be displayed where you can select your vehicle brand. Feel free to browse around, but to be on-topic, select "Honda Motorcycle" from the drop-down & click the "Submit" button. Another page is displayed - simply click on the "Service and owner information" category. Yet another page is displayed where you are asked for the year, model, and document type. Enter the year of your bike, select "on-road" for model, and leave it at the default of "all types" for the document selection. Then click on the "Search" button & all relevant manuals will be displayed. There's quite a list (not just CX & GL owners).

Again, these manuals aren't free. However, if you want the factory manuals, you can't beat the price.

One other important note - you can also still order the owner's manual. It's a reprint of the original, but it's better than nothing at all if you wish to have this. The quality (for a reproduction) is very good. Owners manuals are available to order for both CX & GL owners. Why fight on ebay & pay a fortune for an owner's manual when it rarely appears when you can have a good-quality reproduction for $20?

Shipping from Helm Inc. is extremely fast (I'm in Canada, and was impressed). Hope this information helps someone...

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Lambykin 09-16-2008, 11:15 PM
Sorry - just an FYI - when pasting that link into your web browser, ALL of the information should appear on a single line, without spaces. Since this web site chopped it off & placed it onto multiple lines for readability, you'll have to do several copy & pastes...

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Lambykin 09-16-2008, 11:28 PM
I apologize for multiple posts in a row, but it's all relevant. I notice some of those links to download manuals has expired. If those manuals truly are in the public domain, I'd have no problem hosting those files on my server, provided there aren't thousands of people out there who are going to be generating a huge amount of traffic.

If those manuals are public, and someone cares to upload them to me, I'd host them for the benefit of the people on this forum. Heck, I could even create accounts on my FTP server to help keep this under control. Just an idea...

Re: Help me pick the right service manual!!!


Coodie 10-02-2008, 6:39 AM
I posted this in the Technical forum, but just in case someone comes here instead, I posted the CX500 and GL500-650 manuals on my server. Just go to Coodie.com/CX. Enjoy! And let me know if you'd like me to host anything else.
Don't do anything I wouldn't do, but if you do, name it after me!
Copyright 1978-2006 Charles E. Smith

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