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CX Customization and Modifications
Started by pampadori at 12-14-2007 2:31 PM. Topic has 54 replies.
 
 
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12-14-2007, 2:31 PM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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hello all! i recently got a 1982 cx500 custom.
I purchased a 1978 standard tank to replace the custom tank. I noticed that the mounts must be different. Can anyone verify this? maybe its a difference in the years instead of the models.
Other issue, the bike had no coolant in it when i picked it up. i filled it up and it started coming out of the weeper hole on the waterpump. the gear on the water pump isn't loose, and doesn't have any play. so i filled the weeper hole with sealant on the external side. It now doesn't leak, and seems to be cooling fine. anyone had this happen and what is the risk i'm running by sealing that hole?
well i'm performing mods to the bike to make it have a more cafe racer appearance and to make it feel a little sportier. I have move the pegs up about 2" and back about 3" and made a new shifter and a new brake pedal. I have angled the megaphones up to follow the lines of ther rear of the frame. they end pretty much right beside where the tail light would be. then i wrapped them with header wrap. i'm getting excited about this project!
I'll post pics soon.
Shaun
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12-14-2007, 3:16 PM
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DaWei

Joined on 11-25-2006
Northfield, Atlantic County, NJ
Posts 589
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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pampadori wrote: | | .... i filled the weeper hole with sealant on the external side. It now doesn't leak, and seems to be cooling fine. anyone had this happen and what is the risk i'm running by sealing that hole?.... |
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The weeper hole is there for a reason: it allows coolant that leaks from the mechanical seal to ESCAPE rather than being forced thru the oil seal into the crankcase. STRONGLY suggest you remove the sealant IMMEDIATELY. Then check the crankcase for water contamination. You may need to do an oil and filter change.....
There are multiple discussions of mech seal replacement procedures in these pages. The "proper" way requires removing the engine, but there's a method explained by Shep for in situ replacement.
Welcome aboard!
Dave in NJ '80 CX500 C - needs Triple Bypass - but TITLED! '78 CX500 - Working on NJ DMV Title
Where's the BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
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12-18-2007, 3:55 PM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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i think you just saved my good name! i' was going to sell this thing in next couple months, and figured this weeper hole was on the same side where the impeler is, not on the inside. i thought, why is this hole here? doesn't make any sense. I couldn't halfway see where it was to begin with....but anyway, i went to the shop today to look at the oil, and sure enough there was a small amount of froth on the top of the dipstick. so i'm assuming a trace amount of water has gotten in the oil from this common problem.
I've seen mention of a yamaha part that can be used and is cheaper, then i saw a thread saying not to use it. whats the consensus on this?
i've found the honda part number 3849478-001 for about $66 at bikebandit.com
This is the part i need right?
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12-18-2007, 4:53 PM
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fll1441

Joined on 11-06-2006
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts 976
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Shaun,
I also have a 1982 CX500 Custom and I used the Yamaha part to replace my mechanical seal. It cost about $18. But, I didn't press it in. I removed the guts and glued them into the old cup. The Yamaha part number is YA11H-12438-10-00.
Here is a link to Shep's instructions for replacing the seal:
http://www.geocities.com/sheppola/cx500/mechseal.aspx
And here's a thread that may also help:
http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/10938/ShowPost.aspx
Good luck.
1982 CX500 Custom
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12-21-2007, 12:33 PM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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here is a pic of my 1982 cx500c. (i'm not entirely sure that the image tags are going to work)


i made the seat, the exhaust, the rear sets, the handlebars (using the stock bar metal) and put on a standard tank. Its a work in progress. I'm going to be selling it soon after i paint everything candy red with some stripes. probably going to be about another month or two before its done. i should get the mechanical seal in after christmas and some new tires. comments welcome!
Shaun
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12-21-2007, 3:08 PM
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dozer1

Joined on 05-26-2007
Frederick, Maryland
Posts 612
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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sick bike man, i really like the cafe racer look like that.cant wait to see it completed.How did you do the new rear end?did you just hack it off?
1980 CX500 Ratbike "Stella" 1979 CX500 Deluxe(Parts) Dozer1 AKA Snowplow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TK5VY90ILs&feature=related
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12-21-2007, 5:16 PM
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Jay in NYC

Joined on 04-29-2007
Brooklyn, NY
Posts 153
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Beautiful! I would love to get a close up of the rear-sets, to see how you made them. Looks great!
1978 CX 500 MAC 2-1 Drag Bars Cafe headlight/turn signals
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01-11-2008, 3:04 PM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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so in the link above about doing the waterpump seal....
it says there is a 10mm thrust washer. wtf is this and does anyone have a picture of it? i have the crush washer, but i didn't see anything else when i removed my crapped out seal from the cup.
also any tips for removing the needed part from the yamaha part? the first one ripped on me. on my second now and don't want to bugger it up.
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01-11-2008, 6:04 PM
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fll1441

Joined on 11-06-2006
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts 976
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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I used a Dremel tool to make a few cuts and peel the cup back. After that, I used some heat to soften the adhesive and a thin, flat screw driver to gently pry the new seal out. This thread has a good picture of how to cut the cup (about 6 posts from the end):
http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/10938/ShowPost.aspx
Check the impeller shaft to see if the washer is still on there. The link below has a couple of pictures of the thrust washer (about half way down the page):
http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/mechanical_seal/
1982 CX500 Custom
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01-11-2008, 6:36 PM
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DaveNearAtlanta

Joined on 03-03-2006
Lawrenceville, GA
Posts 500
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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pampadori wrote: | | ...it says there is a 10mm thrust washer. wtf is this and does anyone have a picture of it?...also any tips for removing the needed part from the yamaha part? the first one ripped on me. on my second now and don't want to bugger it up... |
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This photo shows the 10mm thrust washer. There is some rust discoloration on this one.

I haven't tried Shep's method with a Yamaha seal, but I have with a Honda seal. His tip about using an open flame to heat the metal cup to free the innards worked well.
I used a propane torch because it was what I had and was convenient. Obviously, one should go sparingly with the heat but once it gets hot enough, the inner part releases very quickly with no fuss.
My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650
This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.
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01-14-2008, 11:01 AM
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Abes_CW

Joined on 04-17-2007
saskatoon
Posts 3,037
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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pampadori wrote: | |
also any tips for removing the needed part from the yamaha part? the first one ripped on me. on my second now and don't want to bugger it up.
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I tried boiling mine to free it up, and was unsuccessful.
I then used a bic lighter to heat up the underside of the cup, probably no more than 20 seconds, and the seal very easily popped right out.
1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure!
age 38 (29 plus tax)
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01-16-2008, 9:45 AM
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secaII4884

Joined on 04-20-2007
Southern Il (SIUC)
Posts 32
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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How did you get the exhaust mounted like that? It looks amazing.
1979 CX500 (needs a lot of work) 2005 FZ1 (visit yamahaFZ1oa.com)
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01-25-2008, 10:50 AM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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so i got another yamaha seal. this time i put it in 10mm of boiling water for 4 minutes. after that i drained 3mm of water and boiled it more just until the water all evaporated. the cup and rubber were already separated by that point! worked like a charm.
installed it and no leaks! replacing that cup is for the birds.
as for the exhaust, i removed the cross tube and then bent some pipe and welded it to the megaphone and the other end to the header. its not chrome like the stock parts, so i wrapped it in header wrap.
all the body is off now getting painted cherry red. i'm painting the radiator covers too. i think it will look pretty good! i'll post pics when its done, and try to get one you guys to buy it!
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02-05-2008, 5:03 PM
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Anonymous
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Lookin great man!
do you think you could take a picture of you on the bike so we could see what the riding position is with the clip ons? Im considering getting myself a set...
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02-06-2008, 5:26 AM
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Synapse

Joined on 02-05-2008
Ipswich, United Kingdom
Posts 18
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Hi Shaun
Really like what you have done with your pipes..... Like the Cafe Racer style as well, that's what i initially wanted to do with mine but then she evolved, however i am so besotted with the CX500's that once she's done and i have had some use out of her, she will be sold on and another one bought in her place also to be modified into whatever creation she tells me she wants to be.
i just noticed that i keep calling my bike a she......teehee i guess cause she's a beauty! good luck with your build and you are doing a good job!
Synapse
Don't just dream your life, live your dreams ;-)
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02-06-2008, 6:14 PM
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Shep

Joined on 01-30-2007
UK.2x1980CX500A
Posts 7,651
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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03-21-2008, 6:29 AM
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fll1441

Joined on 11-06-2006
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts 976
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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The paint does look great. Your bike is coming along nicely. Thanks for posting the pictures.
1982 CX500 Custom
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04-08-2008, 1:53 AM
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Shep

Joined on 01-30-2007
UK.2x1980CX500A
Posts 7,651
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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04-08-2008, 5:28 AM
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SeatSkins

Joined on 04-16-2007
Harrisburg, PA
Posts 179
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Nice work! Really digging the looks of it!.
If I ever get my hands on another CX, I may have to do the Cafe thing...
1980 CX500 Deluxe -"Ugly Bob" 1981 CB650 chopper in progress - "Low Budget All-Star" 1983 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLX 1000
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04-08-2008, 2:02 PM
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Anonymous
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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so what should i ask for this bike? i saw a realy nasty cx500 with clubman bars on it and a aftermarket seat sell on ebay for $450 the other day. it sorta hurt to see it sell for so cheap. but i have no idea what i should ask for this one. it runs great and doesn't leak anything. it will never be a race bike, but it certaintly looks unique. what would be fair? does anyone here have any interest?
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04-08-2008, 2:11 PM
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Ryan

Joined on 09-15-2007
Lethbridge, Ab, Canada
Posts 105
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Not sure one that one, but I'd defo be interested in a seat pan like that...if you had to guesstimate what would you value one at? In primer not painted all pretty like that.
1979 CX500D 1980 CB750f
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04-10-2008, 6:49 PM
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tntchitwood

Joined on 03-02-2008
Pine Knot, KY
Posts 511
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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I second that
'82 Silverwing Chopper '02 750 Shadow
http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx
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04-10-2008, 9:47 PM
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Lance Portal Reptiles

Joined on 04-09-2008
Oregon
Posts 53
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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pampadori...im going this with my bike...question, you have a pic of the levers and stuff????, i have a proble with the break res. at an angle..thanks..lp
Cafe (Soon) 79 CX500D Lance Portal Reptiles
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04-10-2008, 9:56 PM
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Lance Portal Reptiles

Joined on 04-09-2008
Oregon
Posts 53
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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04-11-2008, 12:28 PM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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thats the only one i have showing the brake resevoir at all. where are you having issues? i'm going to make a custom brake line for this bike about 8 inches shorter. I'll be making it stainless braided and i'm going to make some stock length too anyone that wants one can purchase them. i'll be asking around $35-$45 for them. i'll be able to make them longer for guys with longer forks too.
i'm not using a speedometer. Just a tachometer. racers think to much when they know how fast they are going. and not that this is a racer, its a omage to them i guess so...no speedo. actually it just looks cleaner with one gauge and i'd rather not blow the motor then not know how fast i'm going.
I like the bike, and i'd like to keep it but this is how i make money to fund future projects. so she's gotta go sometime soon. i saw a couple cx500's on ebay this week fetch around $1000. i'd like to get $2500 for it, but i'm thinking $1500 is more in line.
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04-12-2008, 10:53 AM
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Ryan

Joined on 09-15-2007
Lethbridge, Ab, Canada
Posts 105
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Too bad you're so far away. I'd gladly pay $1500 for it....
What are the chances you would be interested in making another seat pan like that? What do you think it would be worth?
1979 CX500D 1980 CB750f
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04-12-2008, 11:36 AM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Ryan wrote: | | Too bad you're so far away. I'd gladly pay $1500 for it.... What are the chances you would be interested in making another seat pan like that? What do you think it would be worth? |
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well, i had to build a little min-frame under it to raise the seating area about 3 inches. so you would need to do the same, the cx just has such a low frame where the seat attaches, you have to raise it up somehow.
i wouldn't make any money if i made them to sell. my price would have to be around $200. but you can easily make one. you need an old gas tank, some 1/16th sheetmetal, and a welder that can be adjusted to not just melt thru. and a rotary tool with cutoff wheels (or something to cut the tank and sheet metal with)
bending the sheet metal is easy. just use the edge of a workbench or table.
sheetmetal is about $12
gas tank, ebay for around $40-$80 with shipping.
the square tube for building the seat frame is about $10.
for me its easier then doing fiberglass.
give it a shot, you will suprise yourself!
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04-29-2008, 9:42 AM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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well its done. I got the seat cover made, added about an inch of foam. Lengthened the exhausts 2" on each side so my heels would stop melting on the mufflers. I put bigger jets in for the exhaust finally. I ditched the black checkered board and put on some silver pin stripes. Then i took some pictures....







i'm listing it on ebay next sunday. If anyone wants to track it. I appreciate all the tips and help you guys gave me!
Shaun
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04-29-2008, 6:32 PM
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tntchitwood

Joined on 03-02-2008
Pine Knot, KY
Posts 511
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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The pin stripe is a little "classier" if that's the word I am looking for. Good luck with the auction. Hope it goes to a good home.
'82 Silverwing Chopper '02 750 Shadow
http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx
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04-29-2008, 7:07 PM
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Exothermia
Joined on 04-18-2008
Posts 116
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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That is definitely the best CX conversion I've ever seen. Awesome work.
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04-29-2008, 7:19 PM
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Panther

Joined on 05-09-2006
Las Vegas, NV
Posts 1,264
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Wow.
Great Job!
Peace & Light
>^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike
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05-04-2008, 7:09 PM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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05-04-2008, 7:48 PM
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dozer1

Joined on 05-26-2007
Frederick, Maryland
Posts 612
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Beautiful worksmanship. Hope you get what you deserve for it.
1980 CX500 Ratbike "Stella" 1979 CX500 Deluxe(Parts) Dozer1 AKA Snowplow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TK5VY90ILs&feature=related
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05-05-2008, 6:37 PM
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Anonymous
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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this thread is what convinced me to get my cx. btw, what forks did you end up using?
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05-05-2008, 7:20 PM
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wridley

Joined on 06-28-2007
Didsbury, AB, Canada
Posts 246
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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I see that the current bid is $1500.00!!
Willy
1983 CX650E !! Newest addition 1982 CX500C 1982 CM450A 1981 GL500I (wife)
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05-09-2008, 8:49 AM
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SeatSkins

Joined on 04-16-2007
Harrisburg, PA
Posts 179
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Very well done... that settles it! Next CX I get my hands on will be Cafe racer style...
Looks like the auction is going well! Very well deserved too!
1980 CX500 Deluxe -"Ugly Bob" 1981 CB650 chopper in progress - "Low Budget All-Star" 1983 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLX 1000
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05-09-2008, 5:10 PM
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Cobram

Joined on 06-23-2007
Boston, MA
Posts 1,551
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Very nice work. Based on the FleaBay auction and the interest, I'd say you could make a career out of this if you really wanted to. It's almost impossilbe to get a universal appeal for a custom bike the way this one has, anyone giving it less than a big thumbs up is blind or has no taste.
The only one I've seen come close was a black 650, (muffler sweep I would change) I can't recall the site I stole the pic from, or I'd give it credit:

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. Four wheels move the body; Two wheels move the Soul.
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05-11-2008, 2:19 PM
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tntchitwood

Joined on 03-02-2008
Pine Knot, KY
Posts 511
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Way to go Pampadori. At that price it prob. went to a good home. I hoped it would go that high, we know you put alot of work into it and it was absolutely beautiful. Now......your next project. How bout you save another one from the scrapper....then another......
'82 Silverwing Chopper '02 750 Shadow
http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx
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05-11-2008, 2:45 PM
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pampadori

Joined on 12-15-2007
Roanoke, Va
Posts 43
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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i'm very happy about how that turned out. now, so long as the winning bidder (feedback rating of 0) pays i'll be able to fund my xs650 bobber. I've got the bike apart and hardtailed, but thats where the money ran out.
i've built a few bikes in the past, and aside from a CBR F4i they have been cafe based bikes.

thats my first build and my favorite. she has the hot motor (around 80whp) and all the cool parts.


this is my cheapo cb750 that i never wash or have to do anything to. runs great, looks tough and sounds tougher.

and my old cb550 that i sold to a buddy. this was by far the roughest bike. i spent about 40 hours just cleaning and polishing.
i don't have pics of the xs650 yet, but soon i'll post some. frame is about 2 inch stretch and i've been looking for a frisco style tank. make a fender and figure out the battery mounting and all that and have a fun bobber for sunday rides.
But thanks for the words. i like that, "save another from the scrapper".
Shaun
tntchitwood wrote: | | Way to go Pampadori. At that price it prob. went to a good home. I hoped it would go that high, we know you put alot of work into it and it was absolutely beautiful. Now......your next project. How bout you save another one from the scrapper....then another...... |
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05-11-2008, 5:42 PM
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tntchitwood

Joined on 03-02-2008
Pine Knot, KY
Posts 511
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Love the retro look of the bikes. I guess my next build will be a cafe. Hopefully it will be a cx. Don't know if I could stand those bars though, I am 36 with a bad back, knees and ate up with arthritus, ive suffered every injury known to man. I rode a crotch rocket for about two miles one time, wrists were sore for two days.
'82 Silverwing Chopper '02 750 Shadow
http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx
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05-11-2008, 7:19 PM
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dozer1

Joined on 05-26-2007
Frederick, Maryland
Posts 612
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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Beautiful bikes. You really could make a business out of it.
1980 CX500 Ratbike "Stella" 1979 CX500 Deluxe(Parts) Dozer1 AKA Snowplow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TK5VY90ILs&feature=related
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05-18-2008, 7:24 AM
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fat_fridge
Joined on 09-10-2006
Posts 17
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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sick job man! one thing tho....that last bike i saw on craigslist this morning...
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05-18-2008, 7:24 AM
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fat_fridge
Joined on 09-10-2006
Posts 17
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Re: new cx500 custom owner
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http://roanoke.craigslist.org/mcy/684849207.aspx
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Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » CX Customizatio... » Re: new cx500 custom owner
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