Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

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07-15-2008, 6:07 PM kfb Joined on 12-28-2007 Utah Posts 24 Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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    Report

07-15-2008, 6:28 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-15-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 972 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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.  1979 Honda Cx500 Custom    Report

07-15-2008, 6:42 PM Anonymous Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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

07-15-2008, 7:29 PM Graywolfs02 Joined on 09-08-2007 Coon Rapids Minnesota Posts 159 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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    Report

07-15-2008, 7:55 PM Anonymous Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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?

07-15-2008, 8:16 PM mcreviver Joined on 05-06-2007 Williamsport, PA Posts 558 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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    Report

07-15-2008, 9:00 PM WayneDW Joined on 07-28-2006 Minneapolis Posts 571 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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    Report

07-15-2008, 9:07 PM Daniel45mpg Joined on 05-18-2008 Murrieta, CA. Posts 168 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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.    Report

07-15-2008, 9:22 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-15-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 972 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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. 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom    Report

07-15-2008, 10:06 PM hugemoth Joined on 01-21-2008 Bend, Oregon Posts 111 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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    Report

07-16-2008, 3:32 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 Hull.East Yorkshire.England Posts 1,636 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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/    Report

07-16-2008, 4:11 AM Anonymous Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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.

07-16-2008, 9:00 AM Daniel45mpg Joined on 05-18-2008 Murrieta, CA. Posts 168 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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.    Report

07-16-2008, 11:19 AM chicagorandy Joined on 05-28-2007 Chicago, IL Posts 167 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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"    Report

07-16-2008, 12:14 PM fsjcjd Joined on 01-01-2008 Posts 6 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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.    Report

07-16-2008, 6:53 PM bfknova Joined on 03-15-2008 Nova Scotia Posts 471 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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 !!    Report

07-16-2008, 7:14 PM bfknova Joined on 03-15-2008 Nova Scotia Posts 471 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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 !!    Report

07-16-2008, 9:09 PM mcreviver Joined on 05-06-2007 Williamsport, PA Posts 558 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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    Report

07-17-2008, 4:39 AM JB in SC Joined on 03-02-2006 Irmo, SC Posts 125 Re: Fear of doing a long road trip or going fast on my CX 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    Report

07-17-2008, 6:28 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 Hull.East Yorkshire.England Posts 1,636 The kindness of Strangers 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 New Global CX/GL Forum, http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/    Report

07-17-2008, 6:50 AM bfknova Joined on 03-15-2008 Nova Scotia Posts 471 Re: The kindness of Strangers 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 !!