Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

General Discussion

Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

kfb 07-15-2008, 6:07 PM
Since I got my CX last summer I am hesitant about going far from home or going at speeds over 50 mph for fear that it will break down or that a bearing or wheel will lock up an cause a catastrophic event (crash). I have been riding for a year and have performed all the necessary maintenance on my bike. I even did the Shepola mechanical seal with success. My bike has 35K and runs well I get about 43-45 mpg in the city driving that I do. Is there anyway that a wheel can lock up or the bearing go bad and cause a serious wreck? I generally keep the speed below 40 mph. Maybe because the bike is almost 30 years old. I am considering buying a 2-3 year old bike to alleviate my fears. Irrational fears or is there a risk here?

1979 CX500

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Blindstitch2002 07-15-2008, 6:28 PM
Ok so in a way I am in the same boat but not really. I like cruizing around and putting on the miles at a slow speed but when it comes to long trips I tend not to go over 40 miles away. I use to ride with my brother and when we were out it didn't matter when I went because we had fun. But when I take a ride now over 40 miles out I need a reason to go there.

The answer to your question is yes. A bike can lock up and cause an accident due to the wheel bearings. My friend did it and was thrown from his bike at 60 mph. Get this. He just came from the kawasaki dealer who assured him that the new bearings that they just put in were great and ready to go. After inspection he still had his old bearings in the wheel.

If your scared about that why don't you spend a few bucks and replace the bearings. I may be wrong but i though the fronts cost $8 and the rear $10.

Do yourself a favor and replace the bearings and ride the hell out of the bike. You can also have a catastropic crash driving around near people not paying attention.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Anonymous 07-15-2008, 6:42 PM
I would be more afraid of cam chain related issues. If you know the condition of the cam cahin and tensioners is good, then I wouldn't worry about it.
I droped a valve on a single cyl machine on the ashpalt , it took a tooth off 5th gear, so no lock up there. ther was a guy on here i read had a broken connecting rod and it was still running on one. the mains tend to seize up slowly from what I have read here.
if you change or inspect your wheel bearings and have your cotter pins on the axles
you have driven for a whlie you should be ok. if breaking down and being stranded is your worry, get aaa and carry your cell phone

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Graywolfs02 07-15-2008, 7:29 PM
If you would like to go on a longer distance trip, find someone to go with you on their machine.

Sometimes I read riding is like going swimming or SCUBA diving....use the buddy system. Besides sharing the ride is fun.

Greg

1978 CX 500
Minnesota

Ride Safe, Ride Fast, Ride Far

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Anonymous 07-15-2008, 7:55 PM
Catastrophic failures in CX's that could cause injury or fatality are no more or less rare than any other bike.
Personally, I'd be more afraid of some asshole cutting me off, or running a red and splattering me all over the side of his car than anything else that can fail mechanically to a CX.

How many miles do you have on that thing?

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

mcreviver 07-15-2008, 8:16 PM
I'll bet there are old CX's out there with 100,000 miles on them with the original wheel bearings. My 78 was so stable that I once rode it 15 miles on the Interstate without touching the handlebars. If you maintain the bike according to the manual and advice you get here, and your stator holds out, just ride it like you would a newer one. Do any of your friends have a pickup truck and a ramp? Keep their phone number in your pocket and let them know when you are taking a longer ride. Carry a cell phone, or if you are in Utah, make smoke signals.

Ron in PA

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

WayneDW 07-15-2008, 9:00 PM
kfb, my advice: let er rip and have some fun!

There are a million things that could go wrong on any motorcycle, new or old. If we are going to worry about all those things we'd stay in bed... but then there are those nasty bed sores to worry about.

We all make risk assessments everyday on everything we do. Generally speaking, motorcyclists seem to have a pretty high risk acceptance threshold. Why? because sometimes a guy just likes to have fun. I am not advocating foolish disregard of danger, but realistic risk management.

A whole bunch of us are swinging our collective legs over the saddles of our 25-30 year old motorcycles in a few weeks. Some of us are heading to Wyoming (me), some to Pennsylvania (the rest). Not one of us is going to worry more than a minute about how old our motorcycles are. We have done the preventive maintenance which we feel is needed and if something breaks we will fix it. If we can't fix it we will ship home the pieces and start walking. Stupid? maybe. Foolish? I hope not.

enjoy...

Wayne
1983 GL650 Silverwing Interstate

WWW.fossilapostles.com

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Daniel45mpg 07-15-2008, 9:07 PM
Kfb I leave in a week for Seattle. I Think your fear can easliy be worked out with a few Baby step rides. Maybe your bike doesn't feel right. Maybe it knows you don't trust her. how would that make you feel,...ha ha,...go for a 100mile loop add Fifty miles at a time. breaking down is not what these bikes do when they are maintained correctly.

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Blindstitch2002 07-15-2008, 9:22 PM
If you trust your bike and do all the preventative work on it you shouldn't have a problem. I was only stranded once or twice with my bike and it was due to needing my tank cleaned and a new fuel filter. Besides I wasn't more than a mile from home. I have been stranded more with new or used cars in the past. I once had to walk 17 miles when my car died on me so hanging out at a gas station with my bike and a cooler full of beverages waiting for the truck to come was a lot more fun. We all take risks every day but when we got our bikes we didn't say Horray another thing to die on.

The buddy system is a great way to have fun, not get stranded, and explore new places. The loop idea is good. Start out with what your comfortable with and then keep going wider. I have a 40 mile loop that I like to travel to cool down after work. I am still trying to get familiar with the area and keep adding new directions every week.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

hugemoth 07-15-2008, 10:06 PM
I've been riding for 40 years and have never heard of a wheel bearing causing a wheel to lock up. When they go out they just get sloppy but the wheel still turns. Both of my CXs have original wheel bearings, one with over 100,000 miles on it. I do pop the seals out and grease them every 5 years or so. Chance of anything suddenly locking up a wheel is extremely small.

When it comes to going fast or riding long distances I'd rather do it on my CX than a brand new bike. I've taken many trips of over 2000 miles (alone) and have never been left stranded. Ridden many hours at 80 mph and never had a problem. These bikes are probably the most bullet proof bikes ever made.

This Saturday my daughter and I are leaving on a 2000+ mile trip around the Northwest. I'll be riding a Goldwing and my daughter will be riding my CX. Only thing I've done to prepare the CX for the trip is to change oil and check tire pressure.

Q

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Shep 07-16-2008, 3:32 AM
There was a guy on the Australian forum,maybe still there,who has had his CX since new and regularly does the 6,000 mile round trip to see his bother across the ,"Outback".

Also,

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_0503_riding_argentina/index.html

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/escape/epicrides/122_0104_moscow/index.html

New Global CX/GL Forum,
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Anonymous 07-16-2008, 4:11 AM
Obviously not one of the "born to be wild crowd"? It is true motorcycles are inherently dangerous, that's part of thrill of riding most of us feel whether we admit it or not. Most bikers will use the word adventure when describing why they like to ride. It's that little visit to the "edge" that makes it interesting. Sounds like you're not afraid of riding, but crashing. Only a true maniac (excuse me any dirt bike riders), really relishes the thought of going down on a bike. What keeps it from happening is YOU.

The way your ride -- The way you pay attention to what's around you -- The way you maintain your bike.

The more you ride, the more confidence you will have in your ability and your bike. How long did you stick close to home when you first got your license to drive a car?

Get out on the road and enjoy what biking is all about.

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Daniel45mpg 07-16-2008, 9:00 AM
hugemoth hope to see ya guys On Oregons Jaw dropping Highway101 Coast. I'll be on a 1980cx500D with a big white Vetter Fairing,...good luck and how cool to be doing something like that with your daughter.

1980 CX500C
1980 CX500D

Renew, Reuse, Recycle.

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

chicagorandy 07-16-2008, 11:19 AM
A little bit of fear is a very good thing indeed. It's when folks get lazy and complacent that bad things seem to happen? Reasonable fear keeps you alert.

If you afraid of crashing? I can only suggest to you that hitting asphalt, concrete or any staionary object at 40mph is not going to hurt much less than hitting it at 55.

Ride safe, ride smart, I firmly follow the ATGATT principle and think that will help.

But cycle riding is not for everyone and that's fine too. Only time in the saddle and miles on the odometer can help build confidence.

Good luck.

2003 Ural Tourist - 76,5000kms to date
1982 Honda GL500 Interstate 8220 miles since 05/30/07

"Down the highway of life at smiles per hour"

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

fsjcjd 07-16-2008, 12:14 PM
I can understand your concern. I always have trouble trusting a machine until I've gone over it thouroughly and replaced anything that could cause an accident such as brakes and bearings. I also worry about the machine breaking down until I do all the neccessary tweaks and repairs. Once I've done all that, it's officially my bike. I don't trust the previous owners abilities to keep up on things or recognize potential problems. I have to know it's been done and done properly. I'm also a "slo-rider" and not looking for the thrill of speed. I do like the pull of my CX and the throaty sound though. Learn to "grok" the bike. Go on journeys that take you a little farther away each time and give it a chance to show you a great experience. Use the bike for it's intended purpose and be aware of it's limits and yours. You'll come to know every squeak, rattle and click as you become one with it and learn to know it as your trustworthy CX. Ride it how you like and enjoy it. Take care of it and service it regularly and have fun.

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-16-2008, 6:53 PM

Think you got some good advice here already - so just putting in my 2 cents worth - as again, if your uncomfortable, replace the bearings, but believe a greasing every year or so will keep them in good shape .... otherwise, I rather enjoy ridin' slow along the seashore (max. speed limit is only 40 mph anyway) ..... n' gives me more time to check out the new bikini's along the beaches <smiles> ..... otherwise, I just totally rebuilt my engine n' took everything off to clean, paint n' all went back together quite nicely - as over the past 2 days - I put on a little over 250 shoreline miles n' everything stayed within' specs ....... so tomorrow will probably put on another couple hundred or so ....... anyway, enjoy your fides n' personally I'd rather ride my 30 year ol' CX - than a brand new bike anyday ..... there's a reason for a break-in period ..... that usually what they do "break" !!!!

Cheers, n' Happy Trails Ahead,

Bryan

Halifax, N.S.

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-16-2008, 7:14 PM

Afterthought ..... even at 40 mph ..... curvy, seashore roads, with multiple potholes (usually filled with water) from breakin waves, and gusts of 50 mph winds coming off the Atlantic Ocean without warning will test any bikes front end ...... mines still tight with over 60,000 km ....... n' only really replaced the fork seals a couple years ago ........ though again, really enjoy the rides, and does keep me alert - especially in the winter, with ice breaking over the roads !!!! But lovin' every minute of every ride ...... n' aye, for those who don't know, I've also been ridin' over 40 years, so kinda understand newbie's uncertain-ness at times ....... yet more you ride, the more you'll find comfort n' many buddies ...... musta saw 65 or so ridin' today !!!!

Cheers, n' Happy Trails Ahead,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

mcreviver 07-16-2008, 9:09 PM
Been riding Hondas since 1964. Had to truck home a 305 Dream with a broken jet needle in the carb. It would idle but that is all. Had to limp home a CB-750 with a clogged fuel filter after tank was creemed to prevent rust. Broke a clutch cable on the GL-650 in Watkins Glen, on a Sunday, with my wife on back, 100 plus miles from home. Shifted without clutch as needed, then found a hardware store open and bought a small pair of vise grips. Adjusted all the slack I could in the cable and clamped the pliers on the bottom end. Made it the rest of the way like that. I always carried a spare cable in the trunk after that. That's three problems in 200,000 plus miles and 15 or so bikes I've owned. So what's the statistic? .3 percent failure rate? This is why you buy a Honda in the first place. You are more likely to get hit by lightning than have to walk home due to a failure.

Ron in PA

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

JB in SC 07-17-2008, 4:39 AM
Yeah, what Ron said.

My only bike failures were when my reserve petcock wouldn't work on an old CB350 and rarely a fouled plug. I had to push the CB 1/2 mile to a gas station one day. I had a fouled plug on an old S90 while in downtown DC in 1966. You can bet I replaced that bad boy in record time! I always carry a spare plug.

If you are genuinely afraid to ride at speed it may be some phobia you need to take seriously. If you can't shake it then maybe you shouldn't be riding. To me it'd be like working on a roof when you are afraid of heights. Fear can cause fixation. Just saying...

Good luck!

Jerry

2007 Burgman 650
1983 CX650C

The kindness of Strangers

Shep 07-17-2008, 6:28 AM
I've found break downs are only bad at the time.Most times they become a fond anecdote.Years ago I was playing in a small cover band in Europe and we were travelling down from Germany to Portugal to do a summer season in the bars.The Van we were in broke a drive shaft around 8pm at night as we entered a small rural French village.
No mobile phones in those days so we knocked on the 1st house door we were near.With broken schooboy french we made ourselves understood.The man of family invited us in where his family were and he let us use his phone.We returned to sleep the night in the van after ordering the part on a 24 hour emergency delivery.
Abut 30 minutes later there was a knock on the Van and the guy beckoned us out and over to the house.When we entered the house he took us to the kitchen and we sat with him and his family and had one of the best meals I've ever had in my life and we drank wine til the early hours.Between broken French and Broken English we made great if not funny conversation.

So sometimes it's these small trials in life that enrich it

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Re: The kindness of Strangers

bfknova 07-17-2008, 6:50 AM

Eh Shep - The only thing missing from a "classic breakdown" - was you forgot to mention the daughters, n' barn <LOL> ...... Otherwise, it's looking like another very nice day here, so the ocean is beaconing .....

Cheers, with Happy Trails,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: The kindness of Strangers

Shep 07-17-2008, 8:55 AM

bfknova wrote:
Eh Shep - The only thing missing from a "classic breakdown" - was you forgot to mention the daughters, n' barn <LOL> ...... Otherwise, it's looking like another very nice day here, so the ocean is beaconing .....

Cheers, with Happy Trails,

Bryan

Yes I forgot to mention that but it's covered in my Travellers pamphlet,"How to remove Buckshot from your Arse and jump fences with trousers round yer ankles"

New Global CX/GL Forum,
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Re: The kindness of Strangers

sendin 07-17-2008, 9:21 AM
I'm new too. I have some mechanical skills and this is really some good advice. Glad I found this forum. Denny

'81 GL500I
Molon Labe

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

DaveF 07-17-2008, 10:56 AM
Honda used a very high quality grease in the wheel bearings. I've inspected several within the past few years and found them to appear as new, decades later.

Unlike some other machines, these bikes are rock-solid-reliable if normal routine maintenance procedures have been performed regularly. What few items have been known to fail are well documented on this forum and if they are addressed there is simply no need to worry about a breakdown. Ride and enjoy!

My Home Page
1981 GL500I
1982 GL500I
1983 GL650I

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Shep 07-17-2008, 12:00 PM
Been reading your rides.This about sums it up.No price on it.Can't be bought.

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Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-17-2008, 4:17 PM

Aye Shep ..... "Priceless" ....... here's a link to some of my local digs ......

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ked1/myrides.html

Cheers,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

roadster5580 07-17-2008, 4:17 PM
DaveF - Is that the Cheorhala in NC or maybe GA60 headed to Suches? I'm arguing with my son. He says the pine tree is to puny for GA.

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

roadster5580 07-17-2008, 4:20 PM
Now Bryan has me checking on Mapquest for how far it is from ATL to Nova Scotia

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-17-2008, 4:57 PM

Well Gene & Don are coming here on their way from Alaska to the Amish Rally (sometime in August ?) - n' I'll have the cold brews n' lobsters for them once I hear when, plus a few parades <grin> ...... n' there are presently this week 2,500 Hogs touring Cape Breton's Cabot Trail - so a nice destination, albeit winter sucks - I'll never move - as the other three seasons make up for it !!! Plus it gives me time to work on my project bikes - whereas, thinkin' maybe now that the ol' CX won't need much, maybe build another raked chopper piece by piece .......

Cheers, n' Happy Trails Ahead,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Shep 07-17-2008, 5:01 PM

bfknova wrote:
Well Gene & Don are coming here on their way from Alaska to the Amish Rally (sometime in August ?) - n' I'll have the cold brews n' lobsters for them once I hear when, plus a few parades <grin> ...... n' there are presently this week 2,500 Hogs touring Cape Breton's Cabot Trail - so a nice destination, albeit winter sucks - I'll never move - as the other three seasons make up for it !!! Plus it gives me time to work on my project bikes - whereas, thinkin' maybe now that the ol' CX won't need much, maybe build another raked chopper piece by piece .......

Cheers, n' Happy Trails Ahead,

Bryan

Is that,"Aussie Don?"

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Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-17-2008, 5:02 PM

Actually - I'd say Shep's photo is near the Scotland Highlands - maybe Inverness-shire ????? At least hopin' as that's where my ancestry's from ..... Balnain, Loch Ness, Inverness-shire ...... the hills kinda give it away, as not the lowlands .....

Cheers, n' Happy Trails,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-17-2008, 5:06 PM

Aye, Shep ...... Aussie Don is Gene's Alaska bound co-pilot - so understand he's got an ol' friend in Halifax, so they added it to their list of visits before heading back across the border - leastwise, that was the plan - but with flat tires, n' such a long journey - I don't usually plan anything till I wake up and see what the day may bring ?????

Cheers, n' Happy Trails,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

roadster5580 07-17-2008, 5:37 PM
Check the tag -- Looks like an older Georgia, USA MC tag to me, but I may be wrong. If we're both right and that really is the Scottish Highlands -- that surely was one hell of a trip!!!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

WayneDW 07-17-2008, 5:50 PM
That's a picture from Dave near Atlanta's (now DaveF) trip to Alaska. He has a whole web site devoted to the trip which is quite the fun read. What's that link, again, Dave?

whoops, Dave just proved me wrong...

Wayne
1983 GL650 Silverwing Interstate

WWW.fossilapostles.com

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

DaveF 07-17-2008, 5:51 PM

roadster5580 wrote:
DaveF - Is that the Cheorhala in NC or maybe GA60 headed to Suches? I'm arguing with my son. He says the pine tree is to puny for GA.

Blue Ridge Parkway, link here.

All are excellent roads for motorcycling.

My home page has links to the trips that have been written up for the 'net.

My Home Page
1981 GL500I
1982 GL500I
1983 GL650I

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

roadster5580 07-17-2008, 6:09 PM
Damn kid was right!! Either a NC or a VA pine.

We just came back from a week on the Dragon. Wanted to hit the BR, but was having to much fun on the twisties at Deal's Gap.

I was on my 77 GL1000 and he was on his 80 CX500. I usually leave him in the dust out here around Douglasville, but he ate me up on 129.

He's only been riding less than a year, but he sure made me proud. Especially when we dusted a couple of Harley's with straight pipes.

Typical Harley riders -- making a lot of noise, but couldn't go around a corner-- much less 318.

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

DaveF 07-17-2008, 6:40 PM

roadster5580 wrote:
...Typical Harley riders -- making a lot of noise, but couldn't go around a corner-- much less 318.

Sometimes it's real scary. I fell in behind a couple of riders going 45 mph while coming home from Suches a few months ago. Coming up on a mild right hand sweeper, the rear rider froze, drifted across the oncoming traffic lane (fortunately vacant), ran off the road (fortunately no ditch or guard rail there), and finally came to a stop well off the road. He was sitting upright, frozen in place, staring straight ahead with his hands clenched tightly to the handlebars and a look of absolute terror in his eyes.

His buddy saw what happened in his mirrors and turned around to go check on him.

Probably a new rider with little to no training - happens way too often. Fortunately this guy had some lucky breaks.

My Home Page
1981 GL500I
1982 GL500I
1983 GL650I

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Anonymous 07-17-2008, 7:45 PM
KFB, sorry your Thread has been highjacked.
Back to topic: It's certain death and mayhem I would sell it immediately ..to me. $200.50
Cheers, and enjoy your ride(s) 50gary

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-17-2008, 8:10 PM

Aye KFB hasn't been heard of for a while - maybe we scared him too much, but not the intention - albeit again, understand that we are biker's n' some just can't .... due to stress or whatever ? ........ so, I'm not gonna bid, but definately maybe the correct move to sell the bike - as he sounds scared ..... whereas a little common (whoops maybe I'm going too fast for this corner?) er (shoot forgot my sleeping bag, so guess I'll have to sleep under the stars again?) ..... albeit, realize we're just trying to let him know that the topic thread probably should have read "Front Wheel Bearings ? " ....... I believe that's how I interprided his initial quest ..... which we answered a long time ago ...... their fine !!!!!!!!!

Cheers, n' Happy Trails Ahead,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bearmani 07-18-2008, 7:05 PM
probably embarrassed the poor feller from replying....if yer that afariad of it either find some lone country roads ta practice on, and get used to it. cuz i can say this with a rather certain degree of confidence. there ain't NO guarunteeing you'll never go down on it, same as there ain't no guaranteeing ya won't get runned over the next time ya walk to the store either

1981 gl500
"Rustic-225"

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Anonymous 07-19-2008, 10:51 AM
Thanks for the good advice. I rode my bike yesterday around town about 20 miles worth for about 1 hour at speeds of up to 40-45. I have new front wheel bearings that I will put in. It sounds like that might be the most catastrophic failure point. I currently have 35K on the bike. Like I mentioned I have changed all fluids, new tires, bled the brakes, mechanical seal. I totally disassembled the rear shaft and spline and they were all in pristine condition. The final drive oil was bad and I changed it. I have a piece of property in Central Utah about 45 miles away. I am planning on riding down sometime this summer.

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

kfb 07-19-2008, 10:53 AM
Thanks for the good advice. I rode my bike yesterday around town about 20 miles worth for about 1 hour at speeds of up to 40-45. I have new front wheel bearings that I will put in. It sounds like that might be the most catastrophic failure point. I currently have 35K on the bike. Like I mentioned I have changed all fluids, new tires, bled the brakes, mechanical seal. I totally disassembled the rear shaft and spline and they were all in pristine condition. The final drive oil was bad and I changed it. I have a piece of property in Central Utah about 45 miles away. I am planning on riding down sometime this summer.

1979 CX500

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Anonymous 07-19-2008, 11:12 AM
My bike had 35,000 miles on it when I bought it 4 years ago. I've got 62,000 miles on it now. No catastrophic failures, just operator errors. With my sidecar attached, I cruise at 80 mph frequently. I'd go faster if I could.
Mark in Idaho

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-19-2008, 11:25 AM

Glad to hear we didn't scare ya too much - as only way to conquer any fear is get out and do it ..... albeit, always keep a regular routine maintenance schedule - and seems you have actually done more than probably necessary - but better to be safe .n' confident that all bolts are tight, (especially after dis-assembly n' a couple hundred miles) ... fluids full, tire pressure correct, and electrical is working ..... remember these ol' CX's will last forever (100,000 miles plus) ..... so enjoy your rides n' don't have to go fast to enjoy ....... especially post 60 (years that is <LOL>) ...... I'm never in any hurry to get anywhere - as just enjoy the rumble of the engine, n' cool wind on my face - n' take time to smell the roses, n' salt air !!!! Don't know if you've been following Gene & Don's Alaska adventure, but they presently have rode almost 9,000 miles in a month or so, presently in British Columbia and a little over half way to their crossing Canada with completion at the Amish Rally ..... geeze that even makes me wonder if I could keep up with the ol' fellers <grin> .....

Cheers, n' Happy Trails Ahead,

Bryan

('78 CX500 - beer hauler) ....

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

Blindstitch2002 07-19-2008, 11:53 AM
kfb
Nice to see your still around. Enjoy the ride. Bikes offer one thing that most drivers don't even see. With all the distractions of cell phones, radios, tv's and gaming systems in these newer vehicles they miss out on the beauty of the open road.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-19-2008, 12:25 PM

Aye Stitch - Seems people nowadays are in so much hurry to get to their desination a few minutes quicker - they forget to enjoy the open road and all that surrounds it !!! ....... I was very fortunate to find that many years ago, and still sing 60 n' 70's songs whilst ridin' - n' good thing - only I can hear myself sing <LOL> ..... though every so often find myself swallowin' a bug .... but mostly they just glance off the helmet or glasses .... So keep the rubber side down n' always give a bro' a handshake when passin' or standin' still .....

Cheers, n' Happy Trails Always,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

kfb 07-19-2008, 12:52 PM
Bryan,

Thanks for the confidence boosters. I read the whole thread and notice that rides that you said were within 10 minutes of your house. Those were impressive! Here in Utah we have some very nice scenery but nothing compare to the ocean in the Summertime. Utah is a bikers paradise for scenery and national parks and some impressive state parks. Although in S. Utah it's probably a bit hot this time of year. I prefer the weather in September/October.

1979 CX500

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-19-2008, 1:38 PM

Your very welcome, n' don't matter what season here, there's always good n' bad days to ride ..... so weather forecast is my favorite t.v. channel ..... as spring brings rain, summer is too hot, fall is almost perfect, n' can find a few winter days that bring the ol' salt air back into the lungs whilst ridin' the shorelines ....... so even if it's only a daily evening toot around the block (here that's about 20 miles) ...... get out and enjoy !!!!

Cheers, n' Happy Ridin' ...

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

bfknova 07-19-2008, 2:58 PM

Speaking of the weather channel - next 6 days "RAIN", "THUNDER", "LIGHTNING' ....... more rain, n' possibly by August a little sunshine ???? ....... so take it when you get it !!!!!

Cheers, n' Soggy Humid Days Ahead,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX

CX Rick 07-26-2008, 8:26 AM
I am 51 years old and on my 50th birthday my son gave me his 1978 CX500. I have never owned a bike before and have had it for a year and a half now. I have gone on a few road trips and averaged around 65 miles per hour. Yes I guess anything could happen at any time , I try not to live in a box. If you are scared don't do it because it will add to the condition. It was kinda freaky at first seeing the ground going by at 70mph and am still not completely used to it. But I would not change a thing, Pay close attention to the other guy as they are your worst enemy, and I almost forgot wild turkeys....my first heart stopper was at 45mph when a group of 6 LARGE turkeys strolled out from the side of the road at night. Yes I had to lock the back brake for a short period but I kept cool and the bike stayed upright. Anyway do what makes you feel good and don't do the rest. I am hooked and wouldn't stop for anything. Please be careful and HAVE FUN!

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