Currently rolling a CX500 back to life myself. Refurbed Forks, Carbs, Tank and Clutch....Keeping it stock for the summer. Your channel will definitely give me inspiration with the whole 'what to do with it' chat I'll be having with myself later in the year. I think a mono setup is a little too pimped for me but I'm sure you'll find the right set up for yourself. many thanks for the uploads, great stuff. Chris, Sussex
I'm glad to hear one person liking the twin shock route still. My other worry is with everyone doing monshock will this stand out as much or will it be another monoshock CX500?
Yeah, well I think a cafe racer is a revitalization of an old-school style. So yeah, updated parts, new colour, better tech, but to change the original style by converting it to a mono is time and money that could be spent on thinking and making what is already a good bike, better.
I too like the two shocks especially with this Honda. Thank you for sharing your builds. Someday I hope to take your inspiration and find a donor bike to make my own cafe racer, in the meantime I'm enjoying my BMW R1100S. But I feel the need to get my hands greasy. Cheers!
Cognito for the front shock conversion and bbcrengineering for the rear shock conversion, there are many nice pre fabricated options for this bike now. good luck, can't wait to see which way you take it :)
Thanks, I would love the front fork conversion but I've looked into the rear shock conversion and compared with Sacha Lakic’s CX500 monoshock and he had to reinforce the swing arm to take he force so I think this will have to be done also so might not be a straight forward plug and play option.
Unless your entire vision revolves around a mono shock, I would spend the money saved (in time and coin) on a nice set of shocks to compliment the fork upgrade your thinking on.
I think the monoshock is a step away from what the bike really is, I mean, the age and history etc. Monoshock needs to be forced in and is a compromise. Use the money for quality dual shocks. Btw, would like to know if Honda has made some things better/differently compared to Suzuki, engineering-wise....if you've seen any particular differences while taking the bike apart.
The engine feels heavier on the Honda, certainly is a bigger engine, and I think from an engineering point of view they've made the frame differently to compensate for this. Also from a maintenance viewpoint because the heads are easily accessible on the Honda and you can easily drop the engine it makes it easier. But then you have the water pump / tanks etc that you don't have on the Suzuki.
hi, I would love doing it monoshock as a technical challenge but I prefer the twin shocks as I like the retro style in cafe racers. Thanks for your vids!
Personally I am leaning towards the dual shock setup. I think the monoshock is simply a style thing. There's nothing like going down the road with a peace of mind.... I am interested in your choice. Will stay tuned!
I personally prefer the monoshock. To reassure you, I can make some simple calculation for you to see if it's safe or not. For that I'll need some measurements : inside (if you can, or a way to find it) and outside diameter, distances between the wheel's axe, the twin hook and monoshock hook (all distances in longitudinal), and the model of monoshock you'd like to put. Good luck for the rest of the project!
I picked the bike up the other weekend and have ordered my GSXR front forks but they need a rebuild seals have gone but got them cheap and know someone local who will do them . Exhaust is getting made up as we speak for one similar to Sacha Lakic's also I will be mono shocking the rear still not sure what shock to use yet need to measure up maybe a Ohlins S46 if i can find one reasonably priced and then going to take the swing arm and frame to a custom shop to fabricate a bracket and reinforce the swing arm. my current issue is what to do with wiring not sure if to try salvage the Oem harness or go with a Motogadget M-Unit and refresh it all. Loving the videos cant wait to see how the build turns out.
Nice video man. Always like watching your approach to these builds and seeing the process. Totally agree with you about onselling and wanting to be sure the bike is fit for purpose. I've thought about doing similar work, but decided against it for the same reason!
As much as I want to see the monoshock, I think your probably right to worry about the swing arm. The full weight of the bike is on the swing arm. All the shock absorbed by the rear is transferred through the arm to the shock. It would make me nervous as well. Interested to see what you figure out! Good luck.
Really enjoying your videos mate. Very easy to watch and understand, really great stuff. Thank you. I've just bought a xj400 and I'm going for it. yeeeee haaaa
To me monoshock is just a matter of aesthetics, for this bike. As you correctly state, the two back arms are not designed to work that way and the transmission is the worst for having the back arms bent. You can save money, time ad safety investing in some more original solution for this bike. Of course, just my opinion... Keep it up with the good work!
Do you know if the cylinders on a 1980 Cx500C are Nikasil plated or just cast iron? I need to rebore mine due to pitting and am not sure if I need to have them recoated or not. Thanks!
a monoshock always looks better. your videos it's the only way that I have to get into this café racer World, everything here in México is too expensive so I can't afford it. Saludos desde México!
I would like to know what Engine Oil is recommended. I have a 1982 cx500E. Its not used daily, but have no issue regularly changing oil. - from Forums & Tech Manaul iv read 15w/40 (2.6 ltr) JASO MA Spec / Wet Clutch compatible. I But is that Synthetic or Mineral?
hi, please, do you have the same tachometer here, can you say the connection? we don't know if I turn on the neutral light, the light doesn't come on and how to turn on the speed, thank you
Would an r6 front end suffice? Some people use them on the cb750s a lot on custom jobs, you can also get a cnc'd top yoke from demon tweaks with upright mounts if your going for that look. Really like your vids by the way keep up the good work man!
I just bought two CX500.....one custom and one deluxe. I want to change the gas tank on the custom. Do you have any recommendations on where to find CX500 deluxe tanks? Also, do you recommend what type of inverted forks I should get?
I tried ebay....it's tough to find a deluxe tank. That is why I purchased another bike. So I might have do one cheap (on a budget) and the other one do it the way I like. Thanks
In Germany we got the TÜV. All changes to the frame have to be checked by an engeneer before you're allowed to drive on the public roads. For "normal" people it's hard to find an inspector that allows you even to cut of the end of the frame. And the inspection is expensive, because german engeneers get high wages per hour ;) But I know a guy with a workshop who builds a cx500 with a monoshock. And if he does, its technically possible. But I don't know if he does other changes to the rear frame for better solidity. If you ask me, the monoshock is the best looking option.( if money and time don't matter) Greetings from a dude with CX500 C (check out my short clip :) )
So I’m looking at a 1980 CX500 but the gas tank looks different and it looks like the frame goes around the engine possibly or maybe exhaust could I make it look like the build you have made
Sounds like a Eurosport if the frame goes around the outside of the engine towards the back of the gas tank, which will also be a monoshock version of the CX
For The Bold - dreegez Is there any way I could have you look at the picture and tell me I really want to make a bike but I want it to look close to the design that you chose for your cx500
Just bought a 81 cx500 and following your videos. Everything off the frame today dropping the engine tomorrow. Hope I remember where all the wiring goes
I haven't got much time at the moment I'm afraid, my full time work takes up too much, but what I am going to do is post a video next week showing how to, along with a photoshop template so that everyone can use it to tweak if that's ok.
I 100% agree, it's not meant to. I would have to look into either 1. Really reinforcing it and going into some serious physics / engineering, or swapping it with a swingarm that is meant for that use. But then the drive shaft runs through it.
At the moment I'm tempted to keep them as they are but just change the tyres. The drive shaft is part of the rear wheel but a new front end would allow me to put a bigger tyre at the front.
Thanks for answering my question I'm really grateful that you can take the time and answer our question! - I'm look forward to the video of how to use mad photoshop skills :D
I really like the look of the twin-shock, probably because it looks more "old school" imo. I'd also be concerned, not only if it buckles or not, but of the force multiplied by the swingarm. The force from the wheel gets multiplied like 4 times when it arrives at the mono shock compared to the twins directly above the wheel (which it is constructed for). You know what I mean? Also, there is not much frame on this bike in the first place, so cutting the back frame of might look not the best. You've probably seen this CX 500 ua-cam.com/video/FOlaZXyn3DI/v-deo.htmlm26s I think it would look slimmer with he dual Shock, the back wheel looks kinda "lost" although its still a stunning bike. I'm curious how your Photoshop designs will look like ;) Keep up the great work!
Ah, it looks like a very fun bike, seems very light too! Hard to find custom builds on google, especially with a monoshock setup tho, so that would be interesting to see! You should put up some videos of your project!
Nah, you dropped the engine the proper way. Don't bother. Personally the choice of shock-style is dependent on the design you have in mind, what's the style/theme/charisma you want the bike to have? Show us photoshops! In terms of reliability of the swingarm you shouldn't be bothered. These bikes are 40 years old, weight and economics wasn't a design term so much back then. Everything has been made way larger than necessary, as long as corrosion hasn't been an issue, don't let that be the decision maker.
Hey, thanks for the link. I've seen this one, he uses a BBRC kit for the rear. But still uses the original rear swing arm without any reinforcements, which might work, but personally I'd worry a little as when Honda did the monoshock with the GL500 they re-designed that arm to be stronger through a different method of construction, I wouldn't be 100% trustworthy of the arm as it is.
I also think it would bee a bit sketchy to modify the way he has done it. but I think it wouldnt be that hard to alter the backswingarm to look like it does on a yamaha xv1000.
Now there you're talking, those swingarms I've seen on some XV1000 builds are amazing, I've tried moving a single shock around to see where it would fit best. The GL500 drops the shock below the swingarm through a series of linkages to accomodate for the height. We'll see. thanks for your help.
I´ve read some of the comments and agree that time and money spent on other parts of the bike instead of totally re-engineering the back frame and swingarm might yield a better result if you dont have unlimited time and money :P
I have time but with money these things tend to cost a lot as a hobby. I think I might go with the twin shock but one thing that really bugs me is how they're mounted above the line of the frame, so most twin shock builds you see all have a seat that bends with the frame. I might address that and re-set them in a different position.
CX500's are some of the most picked-on guinea-pigs in the whole STARBUCKS RACER milieu, with all of the hideous chaci bold-bedazzled USD forks and the cheesy fugly unnecessary mono-shock conversions, the day-glow purple anodized billet shillet plopped all over the bike like the bird-droppings of some enormous cyborg techno bird.... - (((Not to mention all of the crappy 17" 3-spoke rims which might have a lighter weight rear HUB [the rear and only the rear hub, the hub and only the hub itself!] than the original Comstar wheels; but these modern style 17" 3-spoke CAST wheels, compared to the COMSTAR originals, carry a huge amount of extra mass out on the perimeter of the wheel, in the rim, where it counts the most!))) lIMHO if you want a CLASSIC, old's-cool CAFE, then give it some period-correct upgrades using parts from contemporary HONDA machines, like an 18" front COMSTAR wheel, (ideally rebuild the Comstar wheels using Akront "NERVI" rims!) And 18" rear if you don't already have it - keep the rear drum, keep the twin-shock, go with WM2 & WM3 rims for weight savings, or WM4 front (GL1100A) & WM5 ('81-'82 monoshock "pro-link" versions of CBX1000/CBX1050 six-cylinder) a 39mm fork or 37mm if it's what you can find, 276mm discs if you want the vintage look of the single-puck calipers, or 296mm dished single-piece type front discs from CB1100RB (replica from Metalgear Australia) OR some weird alternate versions of which off the FT500 Ascot - '77-'78 CB750A Hondamatic had single 296mm rotor on a Comstar wheel basically a 5-bolt version of the regular SOHC-4 9-rivet composite 296mm front brake, so you could fit two of THAT type in place of the double-thick vented 296mm heavyweight rotors from the GL1100A front wheel, or any of the other usual types of Comstar wheels. To rebuild the Comstar wheels in the widest best OEM rims available in 2.5x18 & 2.75x18 with '79 spec non-"Reverse" SILVER spokes, from CM400 early type 1.85x18 front wheel, a hub from an early ie '77-1980 dual-disc front 19" wheel, or the GL1100A 2.5x18" for that matter, well - this would be about the most awesome thing you could DO with the original period-correct HONDA marque components - 39mm fork in either non-TRAC or TRAC, maybe if you're going all "extreme" on a CX650T you'd go with 2.5x18" & 3.00x18"in the "BOOMERANG" rims, using parts from CBX750F/VF1000F & CBX750F-II/VF1000F-II Bol D'Or models (front & rear, respectively) and possibly the 41mm TRAC fork from either GL1200 (15mm axle & either 276mm or 296mm rotors) or GL1500 (20mm axle & 296mm rotors) WHATEVER you wind up doing with your Comstar wheels, don't worry about the speedometer 'cause we'll be running a MAGNETIC PICK-UP with ELECTRONIC CLOCK DIAL-DRIVE, and use a pie-graph program or radian/gradian trigonometry so as to figure out where to put the new increments!!! You could use the same approach with a mechanical drive using "throw shit & see what sticks" parts selection, too - But why bother keeping the mechanical drive with all of it's grease & drag etc - You can use the gutted external housing of your old speedo drive, and run the magnetic pick-up's WIRE down the length of an old speedo cable's hollow sheath! In this way, we can combine whichever wheels & forks & brakes etc, as we see fit! The whole POINT of course, being to keep as much of an original period-correct AESTHETIC - Which is to say, building a proper CLASSIC machine, rather than the fugly "STARBUCKS RACER" type of B.S.! wire-spoke CONVERSION hubs, that weigh probably double that of their off-the-shelf equivalents & ultimately turn what might have been a decent lightweight wire-spoke rim which was equivalent weigh to the COMSTAR wheel itself, which was a great design destroyed by the LEGAL department stamping "Do Not Disassemble" on every wheel, despite there being 45%-50% lighter Akront "NERVI" rims that would've transformed 'em into top-shelf high-performance racing wheels in their OWN right! But let's say you absolutely MUST convert to wire spoke, well then I'd suggest you check out the wire-spoke CB900C CHOPPER conversion by "6pkrunner" on the CB750C DOHC-4 Custom forums - the original hub is lathed down to a spool, then welded into the core of a hollowed-out drum hub from CB750K - an all the more fantastic upgrade when you consider the CB900C used the entire rear end from the GL1100 GOLD-WING, which itself is a compatible upgrade to the GL1200 as well But furthermore, this method as the potential to work with ANY type of motorcycle, any type of wheel. It's even possible, within reason, to use this method and similar methods, to put COMSTAR wheels on just about anything - A VFR1200F based replica of the VF1000R for instance, or the RSC/HRC race-bike version of which the FWS1000 "Water Whale" ... though personally, I feel the V65 SABRE with a shaft-to-chain conversion, would make the best replica of THAT fantastic old racer..... Or the MAGNA, as a "CZ860K0 Sand-Cast" pseudo-replica of the '60s Czechoslovakian Grand-Prix racer the CZ Type 860 - Someday I hope to build one with '80s VF1000F Interceptor stance mixed with the CZ aesthetic - with 3.5x16" Super-Akront front and 4.25x18" Akront TR rear lightweight alloy rims, GL1500 Kurakyn "Ring Of Fire" ROTOR SHROUDS to render something of a "Faux-Leading-Shoe" fake front DRUM hub - a double-sided TRAC fork in 43mm using two Right-Hand-Side legs from 96+ ST1100-ABS, it could effectively be a replica of the works-spec RSC & HRC forks from NS500 & early NSR500 too-smoke Grand-Prix racers. The V65 is a bigger heavier beast, it's true - But with the Russ Collins' RC-Engineering stroker crank and a big-bore kit, it's original 117HP would grow & grown & grow to unfathomable numbers, easily surpassing the 140HP of a works-spec CB1100R, RS1000 RCB etc DOHC-4 racers. That AND the shaft-to-chain conversion AND these lightweight wire-spoke wheels - This could be one hell of a Classic Endurance Racer! For the Bol D'Or Classics, the IOM TT Classic, etc etc - Simply run it as a V65 Sabre or Magna, and it'll qualify for the AHRMA early-'80s "Forgotten Era" class, and with approximately 1350cc's & gawd knows how many rear-wheel horses, probably something like 160-180 RWHP, it would blow away the whole field of competition! The mono-shock V65 Sabre seems like an awesome project for those who love the mid-'80s early sport-bike, RC30 type of nonsense. But the "CZ860K0 Sand-Cast" is like a bit of revisionist history, wherein CZ would most certainly have beat not only HONDA but also MV Agusta, and Konig etc etc - if only CZ had been given any sponsorship, compared to the Western teams if they could've had even just a drop into that empty bucket held by the handful of enthusiastic engineers who designed, hand-built, and even raced these amazing machines - CZ would've dominated, and consequently the '60s man-on-the-street vision of a Super-Sports machine would've been a VEE-four, rather than an inline four-cylinder! Hence, instead of the CB750K0 Sand-Cast Honda would've built the "CZ860K0 Sand-Cast" - wire-spoke rims, tubular steel frame, candy paint on this here CB1100R alloy gas-tank which I've polished up toaster-tank style for my "CB900K0 Bol Bomber" project. If I had my druthers, THAT would be my dream build project....
![SUZUKI GS550 Cafe Racer Build [Part 1] - PROBLEMS!](/img/n.gif)
I really appreciate being able to listen to your thought process. Thanks :)
Thank you. I think it's a vital part of building, to stop and think sometimes. :)
I couldn't agree more!
Currently rolling a CX500 back to life myself. Refurbed Forks, Carbs, Tank and Clutch....Keeping it stock for the summer. Your channel will definitely give me inspiration with the whole 'what to do with it' chat I'll be having with myself later in the year.
I think a mono setup is a little too pimped for me but I'm sure you'll find the right set up for yourself.
many thanks for the uploads, great stuff.
Chris, Sussex
Thanks Chris. Hope you enjoy yours for the summer, a lot of people are swaying me towards keeping it twin shock at the mo.
Always look forward to your build updates! Can't wait to see this one take shape!
Thank you. I've decided to increase my video posts to twice a week now.
Yewwwwww! That's awesome!
If I was doing it, I wouldn't do the mono-shock. Just spend the extra time on other things that would make the bike look better.
I'm glad to hear one person liking the twin shock route still. My other worry is with everyone doing monshock will this stand out as much or will it be another monoshock CX500?
Yeah, well I think a cafe racer is a revitalization of an old-school style. So yeah, updated parts, new colour, better tech, but to change the original style by converting it to a mono is time and money that could be spent on thinking and making what is already a good bike, better.
Shaun Dodds is right. it seems that most people do the mono shock. put some sexy looking twins on there.
Dual shock looks better imo
I too like the two shocks especially with this Honda. Thank you for sharing your builds. Someday I hope to take your inspiration and find a donor bike to make my own cafe racer, in the meantime I'm enjoying my BMW R1100S. But I feel the need to get my hands greasy. Cheers!
Yeah! Keep it dual shock!!
I think I might, but with a little twist :)
Cognito for the front shock conversion and bbcrengineering for the rear shock conversion, there are many nice pre fabricated options for this bike now. good luck, can't wait to see which way you take it :)
Thanks, I would love the front fork conversion but I've looked into the rear shock conversion and compared with Sacha Lakic’s CX500 monoshock and he had to reinforce the swing arm to take he force so I think this will have to be done also so might not be a straight forward plug and play option.
These are excellent bikes, plenty of grunt but bloody hell, they were heavy as a heavy thing.
Very heavy, although since stripping it down this CX is the lightest out of the 3 bikes I have now.
Unless your entire vision revolves around a mono shock, I would spend the money saved (in time and coin) on a nice set of shocks to compliment the fork upgrade your thinking on.
Well said.
OK, I think I might go twin shock. But make it a little different ?
Twin shocks are coming back into fashion and as you say much safer.
They are, I kinda feel the bike might look too 'new' if I was to go monoshock.
iv just done a mono shock conversion on my cb125! i did change the swingarm to make it work however . Looking forward to seeing this progress!
Thanks, yet to make my mind up.
Stick to the duel shocks....just think it has a better look. It will be awesome to watch you progress on the build!
Thanks, the more I hear the love for twin shocks the more tempted I am to keep them.
I think the monoshock is a step away from what the bike really is, I mean, the age and history etc. Monoshock needs to be forced in and is a compromise.
Use the money for quality dual shocks.
Btw, would like to know if Honda has made some things better/differently compared to Suzuki, engineering-wise....if you've seen any particular differences while taking the bike apart.
The engine feels heavier on the Honda, certainly is a bigger engine, and I think from an engineering point of view they've made the frame differently to compensate for this. Also from a maintenance viewpoint because the heads are easily accessible on the Honda and you can easily drop the engine it makes it easier. But then you have the water pump / tanks etc that you don't have on the Suzuki.
hi, I would love doing it monoshock as a technical challenge but I prefer the twin shocks as I like the retro style in cafe racers. Thanks for your vids!
You're welcome, thanks for watching. There's a lot of love for the twin shocks I see
Personally I am leaning towards the dual shock setup. I think the monoshock is simply a style thing. There's nothing like going down the road with a peace of mind.... I am interested in your choice. Will stay tuned!
I think you're right.
I personally prefer the monoshock. To reassure you, I can make some simple calculation for you to see if it's safe or not.
For that I'll need some measurements : inside (if you can, or a way to find it) and outside diameter, distances between the wheel's axe, the twin hook and monoshock hook (all distances in longitudinal), and the model of monoshock you'd like to put.
Good luck for the rest of the project!
Thank for offering to help, I think I'm swaying towards keeping it dual shock, I think the thickness of the swing arm isn't that much on this.
I picked the bike up the other weekend and have ordered my GSXR front forks but they need a rebuild seals have gone but got them cheap and know someone local who will do them . Exhaust is getting made up as we speak for one similar to Sacha Lakic's also I will be mono shocking the rear still not sure what shock to use yet need to measure up maybe a Ohlins S46 if i can find one reasonably priced and then going to take the swing arm and frame to a custom shop to fabricate a bracket and reinforce the swing arm. my current issue is what to do with wiring not sure if to try salvage the Oem harness or go with a Motogadget M-Unit and refresh it all.
Loving the videos cant wait to see how the build turns out.
Thank you. Good luck with your build. I love Motogadget's stuff but they're so expensive.
For The Bold - dreegez your not kidding the more and more I calculate my build it just keeps going up haha!!
Nice video man. Always like watching your approach to these builds and seeing the process. Totally agree with you about onselling and wanting to be sure the bike is fit for purpose. I've thought about doing similar work, but decided against it for the same reason!
Yeah I wouldn't be able to sleep if I thought I'd sold a bike that's nit fit for purpose. (If I was to ever sell it)
As much as I want to see the monoshock, I think your probably right to worry about the swing arm. The full weight of the bike is on the swing arm. All the shock absorbed by the rear is transferred through the arm to the shock. It would make me nervous as well. Interested to see what you figure out! Good luck.
Thank you, I'll keep you updated.
Check out all balls racing for front end adapter bearings. I believe they also have a list of compatible front ends.
Amazing, thanks for the tip.
Really enjoying your videos mate. Very easy to watch and understand, really great stuff. Thank you. I've just bought a xj400 and I'm going for it. yeeeee haaaa
Thanks for watching. All the best on your build. Enjoy it.
Monoshock, in my opinion, would look alot cleaner. But it would mean alot of fabrication and therefore twin shocks would be so much easier.
Yeah, it's weighing up the 2 options
To me monoshock is just a matter of aesthetics, for this bike. As you correctly state, the two back arms are not designed to work that way and the transmission is the worst for having the back arms bent.
You can save money, time ad safety investing in some more original solution for this bike.
Of course, just my opinion... Keep it up with the good work!
Yeah the bending is my worry. Thanks for your comment, I'll keep you updated with what I think.
I've always though the twin shocks look way better. Just my two cents.
Definitely worth your thought. I think a lot agree with you. I need to have a proper sit and think.
Very pleased you got an cx500, im currently doing my first cafe racer, and it is a cx500' so looking forward for pointers 😉🤘🏻great Channel BTW
Thank you and good luck with yours.
Just found your channel, loving it so far.
You're doing a awesome job!
Thank you, a long journey, especially with the GS, but hopefully it'll pick up from here.
What I've always though would look cool is making a bike a monoshock but using the support for the exhaust to take the place of dual shocks
Cognito Moto makes conversion stem for fitting a gsxr front end to a cx500.
They do so many nice parts.
Really interesting and inspiring stuff. Great watching cheers.
Thank you, and thanks for watching.
Nice work mate. Love your builds. Looking forward to the Photoshop video!
Thank you, I'll have the photoshopped video ready for Friday's video.
stick to the twin shocks. keep it simple and spend the time and money you would converting to a mono doing other things to it.
A lot of people feel the same, I think I might.
Do you know if the cylinders on a 1980 Cx500C are Nikasil plated or just cast iron? I need to rebore mine due to pitting and am not sure if I need to have them recoated or not. Thanks!
a monoshock always looks better.
your videos it's the only way that I have to get into this café racer World, everything here in México is too expensive so I can't afford it.
Saludos desde México!
Thank you. One day hopefully you'll be able to build one.
wish i had the skill to do this ..really like cx500 cafe racer ..
Awesome man, looking forward to following this CX500 build!
Thanks, another video coming tomorrow
cant wait m8 ! stick with the twyn shocks !!!!!
I think I'm going to, You'll see tomorrow.
WAITING FOR PART 3 :) M8
I would like to know what Engine Oil is recommended. I have a 1982 cx500E. Its not used daily, but have no issue regularly changing oil. - from Forums & Tech Manaul iv read 15w/40 (2.6 ltr) JASO MA Spec / Wet Clutch compatible. I
But is that Synthetic or Mineral?
Best is to read the factory manual, that'll tell you correctly
hi, please, do you have the same tachometer here, can you say the connection? we don't know if I turn on the neutral light, the light doesn't come on and how to turn on the speed, thank you
I’ve actually thrown that Speedo in the bin as I didn’t like it.
@@forthebold and what tachometer did you use?
This is gonna be an awesome projectEager to see more ;)
Thank you. Another video on Friday
Don't bother with the monoshock, just spend more time on the more visible stuff and maybe get some cool rear shocks
Nice thought. Thanks Sade
Would an r6 front end suffice? Some people use them on the cb750s a lot on custom jobs, you can also get a cnc'd top yoke from demon tweaks with upright mounts if your going for that look. Really like your vids by the way keep up the good work man!
Good ol' Demon Tweaks. I'm actually looking up forks right now, trying to see what's best.
I just bought two CX500.....one custom and one deluxe. I want to change the gas tank on the custom. Do you have any recommendations on where to find CX500 deluxe tanks? Also, do you recommend what type of inverted forks I should get?
try allballsracing fork chart, itll tell you what front ends will fit, as for the tank... ebay?
I tried ebay....it's tough to find a deluxe tank. That is why I purchased another bike. So I might have do one cheap (on a budget) and the other one do it the way I like. Thanks
In Germany we got the TÜV. All changes to the frame have to be checked by an engeneer before you're allowed to drive on the public roads.
For "normal" people it's hard to find an inspector that allows you even to cut of the end of the frame. And the inspection is expensive, because german engeneers get high wages per hour ;)
But I know a guy with a workshop who builds a cx500 with a monoshock.
And if he does, its technically possible. But I don't know if he does other changes to the rear frame for better solidity.
If you ask me, the monoshock is the best looking option.( if money and time don't matter)
Greetings from a dude with CX500 C (check out my short clip :) )
Thank you for you comment. I agree with thorough checks like that. I think it's needed when you have a life in the hands of your build.
For The Bold - dreegez yeah on the one hand some US builds are looking very unsafe but on the other hand the german TÜV is sometimes too restrictive.
So I’m looking at a 1980 CX500 but the gas tank looks different and it looks like the frame goes around the engine possibly or maybe exhaust could I make it look like the build you have made
Sounds like a Eurosport if the frame goes around the outside of the engine towards the back of the gas tank, which will also be a monoshock version of the CX
For The Bold - dreegez
Is there any way I could have you look at the picture and tell me I really want to make a bike but I want it to look close to the design that you chose for your cx500
Me me the link in Instagram or here
I meant to say DM me the link
For The Bold - dreegez
Ok will do
What size is the box you set the engine on? I am at that point now and would like to be safe
might be 1' cubed, it's just something I knocked together ages ago to prop up a motorcycle temporarily
Just bought a 81 cx500 and following your videos. Everything off the frame today dropping the engine tomorrow. Hope I remember where all the wiring goes
James Chira how has the build gone over the past few months?
Replace the water pump seal if it has not been done before you got it.
tengo un proyecto igual, pero noce como conectar el motor. mi idea es un cableado simple, tienes algún vídeo de cómo conectar ese tipo de motor?
There's this one here if that's any help.
ua-cam.com/video/GzI9UN2nOyk/v-deo.html
i would keep it dualshock, looks More classy that way imo.
I'm thinking of going that way. :)
I wouldn't do a mono shock unless you replace the swing arm
I agree, I think I will have to if I decided to go down that route.
yeeeeeess
Yes ;)
For The Bold - dreegez oh yeeaaah ;)
what is the name of the intro song?
As i have said earlier you have the bestt cafe racer build series... sir i have messaged you on instagram please do check it
I'll have a look, apologies, I never check Instagram messages as I get a lot of spam, but I'll always reply to UA-cam comments
Mono Shock!!!!!!
That is my dream but yeah the engineering for that is pretty substantial.....
Yeah it would be a big job.
Shoot an email over the BBCR Engineering in the US and ask him how the swing arms hold up.
That's not a bad idea. As they offer the 'bolt on' kits I mention.
For The Bold - dreegez Yea. and as far as I know they make the most complete kit. I'm most likely going with them
yeah
Definitely
enjoying the vids.
are you likley to do a streetfighter or are you strickly a cafe racer kind of guy ????
Thank you. I'm any bike to be honest, mostly motocross but I do like streetfighter styled bikes. Hopefully one day I can make one.
Keep it dual shock.
A lot agree with you
hi would you be able to photoshop my cx 500 as I'm no good with photoshop
I haven't got much time at the moment I'm afraid, my full time work takes up too much, but what I am going to do is post a video next week showing how to, along with a photoshop template so that everyone can use it to tweak if that's ok.
ok thanks
At the risk of sounding like an old woman I think the monoshock is too much of a risk, that swingarm was never designed to take a load like that.
I 100% agree, it's not meant to. I would have to look into either 1. Really reinforcing it and going into some serious physics / engineering, or swapping it with a swingarm that is meant for that use. But then the drive shaft runs through it.
Are you gonna change the wheels? :)
At the moment I'm tempted to keep them as they are but just change the tyres. The drive shaft is part of the rear wheel but a new front end would allow me to put a bigger tyre at the front.
Thanks for answering my question I'm really grateful that you can take the time and answer our question!
- I'm look forward to the video of how to use mad photoshop skills :D
You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoy them and thanks for watching.
where is part 3 ??
I really like the look of the twin-shock, probably because it looks more "old school" imo.
I'd also be concerned, not only if it buckles or not, but of the force multiplied by the swingarm. The force from the wheel gets multiplied like 4 times when it arrives at the mono shock compared to the twins directly above the wheel (which it is constructed for).
You know what I mean?
Also, there is not much frame on this bike in the first place, so cutting the back frame of might look not the best. You've probably seen this CX 500 ua-cam.com/video/FOlaZXyn3DI/v-deo.htmlm26s I think it would look slimmer with he dual Shock, the back wheel looks kinda "lost" although its still a stunning bike.
I'm curious how your Photoshop designs will look like ;)
Keep up the great work!
Yeah all valid points to consider, thanks.
bmw swing arm and mono shock, changing only the front end without the rear will look weird and out of balance.
I'll have to look into that to see if the drive shaft is a simple swap.
I would love to see you do the monoshock. Im thinking about doing that on my moped as well.
We'll see how it goes for me and my monoshock decision ;)
For The Bold - dreegez Allright, its your choice 😊
What kind of a moped do you have?
CreationsOfKoon I have a 1986 Tunturi Dx, 2-stroke, 50cc, air cooled.
Ah, it looks like a very fun bike, seems very light too! Hard to find custom builds on google, especially with a monoshock setup tho, so that would be interesting to see! You should put up some videos of your project!
Do the mono shock! Will look great...
www.pipeburn.com/home/2015/02/01/honda-cx500-moto-motivo.html#.VM6VftLF-So
Nah, you dropped the engine the proper way. Don't bother. Personally the choice of shock-style is dependent on the design you have in mind, what's the style/theme/charisma you want the bike to have? Show us photoshops! In terms of reliability of the swingarm you shouldn't be bothered. These bikes are 40 years old, weight and economics wasn't a design term so much back then. Everything has been made way larger than necessary, as long as corrosion hasn't been an issue, don't let that be the decision maker.
Glad to hear I have someone on my side. I'll mock it up tonight.
In case you havent seen this video series, might give you some inspiration and helpful tips.
ua-cam.com/users/MrEpicMoustachefeatured
Hey, thanks for the link. I've seen this one, he uses a BBRC kit for the rear. But still uses the original rear swing arm without any reinforcements, which might work, but personally I'd worry a little as when Honda did the monoshock with the GL500 they re-designed that arm to be stronger through a different method of construction, I wouldn't be 100% trustworthy of the arm as it is.
I also think it would bee a bit sketchy to modify the way he has done it. but I think it wouldnt be that hard to alter the backswingarm to look like it does on a yamaha xv1000.
Now there you're talking, those swingarms I've seen on some XV1000 builds are amazing, I've tried moving a single shock around to see where it would fit best. The GL500 drops the shock below the swingarm through a series of linkages to accomodate for the height. We'll see. thanks for your help.
I´ve read some of the comments and agree that time and money spent on other parts of the bike instead of totally re-engineering the back frame and swingarm might yield a better result if you dont have unlimited time and money :P
I have time but with money these things tend to cost a lot as a hobby. I think I might go with the twin shock but one thing that really bugs me is how they're mounted above the line of the frame, so most twin shock builds you see all have a seat that bends with the frame. I might address that and re-set them in a different position.
CX500's are some of the most picked-on guinea-pigs in the whole STARBUCKS RACER milieu, with all of the hideous chaci bold-bedazzled USD forks and the cheesy fugly unnecessary mono-shock conversions, the day-glow purple anodized billet shillet
plopped all over the bike like the bird-droppings of some enormous cyborg techno bird.... - (((Not to mention all of the crappy 17" 3-spoke rims which might have a lighter weight rear HUB [the rear and only the rear hub, the hub and only the hub itself!] than the original Comstar wheels; but these modern style 17" 3-spoke CAST wheels, compared to the COMSTAR originals, carry a huge amount of extra mass out on the perimeter of the wheel, in the rim, where it counts the most!))) lIMHO if you want a CLASSIC, old's-cool CAFE, then give it some period-correct upgrades using parts from contemporary HONDA machines, like an 18" front COMSTAR wheel, (ideally rebuild the Comstar wheels using Akront "NERVI" rims!) And 18" rear if you don't already have it - keep the rear drum, keep the twin-shock, go with WM2 & WM3 rims for weight savings, or WM4 front (GL1100A) & WM5 ('81-'82 monoshock "pro-link" versions of CBX1000/CBX1050 six-cylinder) a 39mm fork or 37mm if it's what you can find, 276mm discs if you want the vintage look of the single-puck calipers, or 296mm dished single-piece type front discs from CB1100RB (replica from Metalgear Australia) OR some weird alternate versions of which off the FT500 Ascot - '77-'78 CB750A Hondamatic had single 296mm rotor on a Comstar wheel basically a 5-bolt version of the regular SOHC-4 9-rivet composite 296mm front brake, so you could fit two of THAT type in place of the double-thick vented 296mm heavyweight rotors from the GL1100A front wheel, or any of the other usual types of Comstar wheels. To rebuild the Comstar wheels in the widest best OEM rims available in 2.5x18 & 2.75x18 with '79 spec non-"Reverse" SILVER spokes, from CM400 early type 1.85x18 front wheel, a hub from an early ie '77-1980 dual-disc front 19" wheel, or the GL1100A 2.5x18" for that matter, well - this would be about the most awesome thing you could DO with the original period-correct HONDA marque components - 39mm fork in either non-TRAC or TRAC, maybe if you're going all "extreme" on a CX650T you'd go with 2.5x18" & 3.00x18"in the "BOOMERANG" rims, using parts from CBX750F/VF1000F & CBX750F-II/VF1000F-II Bol D'Or models (front & rear, respectively) and possibly the 41mm TRAC fork from either GL1200 (15mm axle & either 276mm or 296mm rotors) or GL1500 (20mm axle & 296mm rotors) WHATEVER you wind up doing with your Comstar wheels, don't worry about the speedometer 'cause we'll be running a MAGNETIC PICK-UP with ELECTRONIC CLOCK DIAL-DRIVE, and use a pie-graph program or radian/gradian trigonometry so as to figure out where to put the new increments!!! You could use the same approach with a mechanical drive using "throw shit & see what sticks" parts selection, too - But why bother keeping the mechanical drive with all of it's grease & drag etc - You can use the gutted external housing of your old speedo drive, and run the magnetic pick-up's WIRE down the length of an old speedo cable's hollow sheath! In this way, we can combine whichever wheels & forks & brakes etc, as we see fit! The whole POINT of course, being to keep as much of an original period-correct AESTHETIC - Which is to say, building a proper CLASSIC machine, rather than the fugly "STARBUCKS RACER" type of B.S.! wire-spoke CONVERSION hubs, that weigh probably double that of their off-the-shelf equivalents & ultimately turn what might have been a decent lightweight wire-spoke rim which was equivalent weigh to the COMSTAR wheel itself, which was a great design destroyed by the LEGAL department stamping "Do Not Disassemble" on every wheel, despite there being 45%-50% lighter Akront "NERVI" rims that would've transformed 'em into top-shelf high-performance racing wheels in their OWN right! But let's say you absolutely MUST convert to wire spoke, well then I'd suggest you check out the wire-spoke CB900C CHOPPER conversion by "6pkrunner" on the CB750C DOHC-4 Custom forums - the original hub is lathed down to a spool, then welded into the core of a hollowed-out drum hub from CB750K - an all the more fantastic upgrade when you consider the CB900C used the entire rear end from the GL1100 GOLD-WING, which itself is a compatible upgrade to the GL1200 as well But furthermore, this method as the potential to work with ANY type of motorcycle, any type of wheel. It's even possible, within reason, to use this method and similar methods, to put COMSTAR wheels on just about anything - A VFR1200F based replica of the VF1000R for instance, or the RSC/HRC race-bike version of which the FWS1000 "Water Whale" ... though personally, I feel the V65 SABRE with a shaft-to-chain conversion, would make the best replica of THAT fantastic old racer..... Or the MAGNA, as a "CZ860K0 Sand-Cast" pseudo-replica of the '60s Czechoslovakian Grand-Prix racer the CZ Type 860 - Someday I hope to build one with '80s VF1000F Interceptor stance mixed with the CZ aesthetic - with 3.5x16" Super-Akront front and 4.25x18" Akront TR rear lightweight alloy rims, GL1500 Kurakyn "Ring Of Fire" ROTOR SHROUDS to render something of a "Faux-Leading-Shoe" fake front DRUM hub - a double-sided TRAC fork in 43mm using two Right-Hand-Side legs from 96+ ST1100-ABS, it could effectively be a replica of the works-spec RSC & HRC forks from NS500 & early NSR500 too-smoke Grand-Prix racers. The V65 is a bigger heavier beast, it's true - But with the Russ Collins' RC-Engineering stroker crank and a big-bore kit, it's original 117HP would grow & grown & grow to unfathomable numbers, easily surpassing the 140HP of a works-spec CB1100R, RS1000 RCB etc DOHC-4 racers. That AND the shaft-to-chain conversion AND these lightweight wire-spoke wheels - This could be one hell of a Classic Endurance Racer! For the Bol D'Or Classics, the IOM TT Classic, etc etc - Simply run it as a V65 Sabre or Magna, and it'll qualify for the AHRMA early-'80s "Forgotten Era" class, and with approximately 1350cc's & gawd knows how many rear-wheel horses, probably something like 160-180 RWHP, it would blow away the whole field of competition! The mono-shock V65 Sabre seems like an awesome project for those who love the mid-'80s early sport-bike, RC30 type of nonsense. But the "CZ860K0 Sand-Cast" is like a bit of revisionist history, wherein CZ would most certainly have beat not only HONDA but also MV Agusta, and Konig etc etc - if only CZ had been given any sponsorship, compared to the Western teams if they could've had even just a drop into that empty bucket held by the handful of enthusiastic engineers who designed, hand-built, and even raced these amazing machines - CZ would've dominated, and consequently the '60s man-on-the-street vision of a Super-Sports machine would've been a VEE-four, rather than an inline four-cylinder! Hence, instead of the CB750K0 Sand-Cast Honda would've built the "CZ860K0 Sand-Cast" - wire-spoke rims, tubular steel frame, candy paint on this here CB1100R alloy gas-tank which I've polished up toaster-tank style for my "CB900K0 Bol Bomber" project. If I had my druthers, THAT would be my dream build project....
mono for sure
I did originally think that but a lot of people are now saying stick to twin.