Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

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06-08-2007, 7:43 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Highway Bars This is one accessory wanted by almost everyone who racks up long miles on these bikes.  I've seen quite a few solutions - some are much better than others. Let's post a few of them here in this thread. Here's one I like.  I don't know who made it. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-08-2007, 7:50 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars Here's another. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-08-2007, 7:54 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars A floorboard version. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-08-2007, 8:01 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars This one looks like it would drag during cornering. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-08-2007, 8:08 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars Another one. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-08-2007, 8:14 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars Yet another one. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-08-2007, 8:22 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars Here's one that uses a set of rear passenger pegs.  This one has been known to drag during hard cornering and is therefore dangerous. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-08-2007, 8:27 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars Here's another. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-08-2007, 8:44 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars And another. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-08-2007, 9:48 PM Anonymous Re: Highway Bars Where can I get the crah bars in this photo...I really like the floorboard look. Thanks, Bill

06-09-2007, 5:03 AM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars I don't know where to get the floorboard version.  These are mostly photos I've found on the 'net. Here's more. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-09-2007, 5:12 AM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars Floorboards. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-09-2007, 5:25 AM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-09-2007, 5:31 AM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-09-2007, 5:40 AM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars This is what I'm currently using.  With a sleeping bag on the seat behind me, I can recline.  I'll probably be adding a lower set of pegs in the near future to allow my legs to stretch as well. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

06-10-2007, 7:28 AM Harold Joined on 12-28-2006 Beside Washademoak Lake, N.B. Canada Posts 851 Re: Highway Bars I was thinking about trying to fit a set of these, only $10.00 or less at epay (search ebay stores for,,,  cx500 pegs ) "People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than biker gangs." 1978 CX500 1980 CX500 Custom 1981 CX500 Custom 1982 GL500 Silverwing 1975 XL-100 http://www.myspace.com/downwiththebutterfly    Report

06-10-2007, 10:00 AM Phil in VT Joined on 03-02-2006 Lowgap,NC Posts 1,041 Re: Highway Bars What would you attach them to? 06 Suzuki S 50 Boulevard Cruiser ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE (unknown senior citizen) Springfield, VT    Report

06-10-2007, 6:51 PM Isaac Joined on 06-04-2007 Orlando, FL Posts 106 Re: Highway Bars I see Phil's obsession with spread eagle riding continues unabated. I wonder how many guys on here use these bikes as full blown cross-country tourers? I create steel Frankensteins.    Report

06-10-2007, 7:14 PM WayneDW Joined on 07-28-2006 Minneapolis Posts 1,655 Re: Highway Bars Isaac, Some of us, I have. Go to the "traveling friends" section and find Dave near Atlanta's posting about his Alaska trip. He's been there and back on his. Of course, we're talking about the Interstates, primarily, not the CX500's. Though my bro-in-law took his Custom to Colorado and back, back in the 80's. I will admit he turned it in for a Silverwing Interstate the next year. The Silverwing Interstate is a fine touring bike, IMO. You can put on the miles on the way to the mountains and still have a nice nimble bike in the switchbacks once you get there. The highway pegs add ons are a necessity to make the long days bearable. I've got mine mounted on the outside of my crash bars, high enough to not scrape in the twisties. Wayne Wayne 1983 GL650 Silverwing Interstate WWW.fossilapostles.com    Report

06-10-2007, 7:49 PM Isaac Joined on 06-04-2007 Orlando, FL Posts 106 Re: Highway Bars That's pretty cool. I wonder how much it costs per mile to ride one of these things touring style like that. I create steel Frankensteins.    Report

06-10-2007, 9:05 PM Harold Joined on 12-28-2006 Beside Washademoak Lake, N.B. Canada Posts 851 Re: Highway Bars Phil, I was going to bend a piece of half-inch iron pipe into the shape of (roughly) handlebars,  then weld nuts on the ends of it that the pegs I pictured would thread into. They would mount much the same as the first set that Dave posted. __          __     \____/ "People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than biker gangs." 1978 CX500 1980 CX500 Custom 1981 CX500 Custom 1982 GL500 Silverwing 1975 XL-100 http://www.myspace.com/downwiththebutterfly    Report

06-10-2007, 10:02 PM Isaac Joined on 06-04-2007 Orlando, FL Posts 106 Re: Highway Bars That's a good idea. Of course most of these ideas involve a few minutes of drilling and welding. You could essentially slide a 2X4 across the front of the bike, ziptie it on, and have highway pegs. I create steel Frankensteins.    Report

06-11-2007, 3:13 AM Phil in VT Joined on 03-02-2006 Lowgap,NC Posts 1,041 Re: Highway Bars Harold,    That shape is almost exactly what we did for my Son in law's GL 650.  We heated and bent a piece of 3/4" solid square bar stock and welded tabs on to mount it to the engine.  Then just cut off each end leaving enough bar to drive a rubber foot-peg cover on. 06 Suzuki S 50 Boulevard Cruiser ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE (unknown senior citizen) Springfield, VT    Report

06-11-2007, 6:18 AM Anonymous Re: Highway Bars Isaac, my fully loaded GL500 with rider and passenger at posted highway speeds gets 50 miles per gallon, so 1 gallon @ $3.00 divided by 50 = .06 cents per mile.  That's what I call economy, and my  800cc Boulevard gets 65 mpg fully loaded saddlebags and duffle bag.

06-11-2007, 6:20 AM Phil in VT Joined on 03-02-2006 Lowgap,NC Posts 1,041 Re: Highway Bars That last post was me. I cleared cookies this morning and forgot to log in. 06 Suzuki S 50 Boulevard Cruiser ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE (unknown senior citizen) Springfield, VT    Report

06-11-2007, 6:22 AM enriquez Joined on 03-12-2007 San Francisco, CA Posts 130 Re: Highway Bars Attachment: pegs side.jpg Here's what I did with a set of stock driver pegs on my Custom.  Did a 320 mile ride roundtrip to the beach this weekend with them and they were so very nice.  I leaned my bike as far as I could without dropping it and the pegs never touched. _Scott 1979 CX500 Custom, slowly becoming cafe styled    Report

06-11-2007, 11:31 AM TechJD Joined on 02-10-2007 Posts 256 Re: Highway Bars Looks like I have the most different style Crash-Bar / Highway Pegs setup here Guess thats one of the reasons it won Most Unusal Bike 1981 GL500I    Report

06-11-2007, 11:32 AM scoty777 Joined on 05-29-2007 Des Moines Iowa Posts 58 Re: Highway Bars Hey Phil, How do like you Boulavard? I looked at one, almost got it, but I was too cheap. 1981 CX500-D Here is a test to see if your life mission is over; if you are alive, it isn't.    Report

06-11-2007, 12:17 PM Phil in VT Joined on 03-02-2006 Lowgap,NC Posts 1,041 Re: Highway Bars I'm still having a passionate affair with the Boulevard.  Loving it. 06 Suzuki S 50 Boulevard Cruiser ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE (unknown senior citizen) Springfield, VT    Report

06-12-2007, 10:12 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,463 Re: Highway Bars TechJD, Your crashbars are mounted backwards, but don't take that as a criticism, it looks like it works good in that orientation.  Normally, the two tabs seen on the bottom would would face rearward and bolt to 3/16 x 1" flat bars with a 90° welded tab on the other ends that bolts to the H-box mounting bolts. Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

06-12-2007, 10:19 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,463 Re: Highway Bars "I'm still having a passionate affair with the Boulevard.  Loving it."  Phil,    It's still cheating, nothing but a tawdry affair and in your heart of hearts you know it.   I pity 'Ol Yeller's broken heart.  I hope she is big enough to forgive you when you come to your senses.  Rusty was and I pledged never to stray again. Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

06-12-2007, 11:38 AM TechJD Joined on 02-10-2007 Posts 256 Re: Highway Bars  RichNCT wrote: TechJD, Your crashbars are mounted backwards, but don't take that as a criticism, it looks like it works good in that orientation.  Normally, the two tabs seen on the bottom would would face rearward and bolt to 3/16 x 1" flat bars with a 90° welded tab on the other ends that bolts to the H-box mounting bolts. Yea I figured they probably mounted that way but this way gives me 3" more leg room :) and at 6'4" with a 34" inseam it makes a comfortable ride with my feet up :) . I didnt get the original mounts with it so I made mine out of 3/8 x 1 inflat bar and covered it with 1" alumin flat bar I ended up with one a little off but didnt have any more flat bar so it has to do for now :) 1981 GL500I    Report

06-15-2007, 9:28 PM RichD Joined on 08-31-2006 Vallejo, CA Posts 226 My version Attachment: hywy-peg-mounting.jpg Another angle     Rich DeMartile    Report

06-15-2007, 9:36 PM RichD Joined on 08-31-2006 Vallejo, CA Posts 226 My version Attachment: hywy-peg-mounting3.jpg Angle iron with ears welded on under motor mounts to existing aluminum bosses on front of engine. Sorry about the shakes...I guess I need to do more sit-ups.   Rich DeMartile    Report

06-15-2007, 9:46 PM RichD Joined on 08-31-2006 Vallejo, CA Posts 226 Re: My version Attachment: hywy-peg1.jpg The rest is just carefully bent flatbar with rounded ends (I used a hacksaw blade for a bending template) and a couple of 3" long flatbar links to allow for a little rotational/radial adjustment for each footpeg. I chose the inside the header pipe routing to keep it all compact and my other goal of not creating a cornering hazard. The only part that could ever drag might be the peg itself and it folds up. I've never even come close to dragging them. I can downshift and brake with my heels also. You really don't notice them as being added on since only the actual pegs stands out from the bike. You notice I had to lay under the bike to get you these photos.   Rich DeMartile    Report

06-15-2007, 10:14 PM RichD Joined on 08-31-2006 Vallejo, CA Posts 226 Re: My version Attachment: hywy-peg4.jpg Right side photo. Notice the access to the brake pedal is just below your heel. Taller riders could opt for a slightly longer flatbar link to gain more legroom. I'm 6' tall and my knees are about 1" to 3/4" away from the fairing at all times when using the highway pegs. Very natural driving position even for tight curvy roads or in town. Rich DeMartile    Report

06-16-2007, 9:37 AM TechJD Joined on 02-10-2007 Posts 256 Re: My version Nice work RichD but then all the different styles here look good a lot of custom work done on these bikes here I Give Big High five too all 1981 GL500I    Report

02-02-2008, 6:47 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Another example On a trip to south Georgia today, I spotted an 82 GL500 parked beside the road with a for sale sign on it.  Here are some photos of this owner's highway bars solution. Nothing fancy, but it is functional. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

02-08-2008, 5:53 AM markinidaho Joined on 01-21-2008 Idaho Posts 52 Re: Highway Bars Just as a contrast, I have problems with my lower back and find the rear passenger pegs more comfortable on long rides.    Report

02-08-2008, 8:11 AM SeatSkins Joined on 04-16-2007 Harrisburg, PA Posts 179 Re: My version RichD... I love the way yours look! Super clean looking from the side. I think I'm going to revise my forward control idea to go inside the pipes like that too. Nice work! 1980 CX500 Deluxe -"Ugly Bob" 1981 CB650 chopper in progress - "Low Budget All-Star" 1983 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLX 1000    Report

05-04-2008, 1:07 PM Natrik Joined on 04-17-2008 Eugene, Oregon Posts 273 Re: Highway Bars Attachment: bike 068.jpg So after studying many different solutions I fabricated one of my own. I used a piece of 1" OD steel pipe and some 3/4" flat bar, both were 1/8" thickness. Turned out pretty good, and it is VERY strong. I can hop up and down and there is no movement or bending. They are up high enough there is no chance of them dragging around a corner. In the future I want to cut them off short, weld a piece of the pipe at a 90 degree angle and clamp on a set of floorboards. These will do for now, though. If it wasn't for physics and law enforcement, I'd be unstoppable..... 1980 CX500 Custom, Hondian (found someone new) 2005 Honda VTX 1800 Retro, customization in progress    Report

05-04-2008, 1:09 PM Natrik Joined on 04-17-2008 Eugene, Oregon Posts 273 Re: Highway Bars Attachment: bike 069.jpg Here's what they look like on the bike... If it wasn't for physics and law enforcement, I'd be unstoppable..... 1980 CX500 Custom, Hondian (found someone new) 2005 Honda VTX 1800 Retro, customization in progress    Report

05-04-2008, 1:12 PM Natrik Joined on 04-17-2008 Eugene, Oregon Posts 273 Re: Highway Bars Attachment: bike 074.jpg They seem like they stick out a bit, but they really don't. I wish I could build a setup like the one on that German website! If it wasn't for physics and law enforcement, I'd be unstoppable..... 1980 CX500 Custom, Hondian (found someone new) 2005 Honda VTX 1800 Retro, customization in progress    Report

05-04-2008, 2:17 PM tntchitwood Joined on 03-02-2008 Pine Knot, KY Posts 511 Re: Highway Bars very nice Natrik, I like the way you mounted to the motor mount too. I made a set out of chain one time, bolted only to the two spots on the bottom of the motor and they broke out the bolt holes. At 6' and 250 lbs they didn't hold up. '82 Silverwing Chopper '02 750 Shadow http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx    Report

05-04-2008, 3:10 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Highway Bars Nice work, Natrik!  Very clean and functional. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

05-05-2008, 3:44 AM BearCX Joined on 03-11-2008 Roseworthy, Sth Aust Posts 525 Re: Highway Bars Top stuff, M8. (Love that tank.  Mmmmm.....Shiny.) If you're still in control...You're not going fast enough.    Report

05-05-2008, 1:11 PM dafaic Joined on 04-25-2008 Waxahachie, TX Posts 75 Re: Highway Bars Attachment: HighwayBars13.jpg photo used from above DaveNearAtlanta posted Well I just picked up a set of these off epay and was wondering I guess I have to remove the exhaust to install? I am going to take these and have them powder coated as they has some road rash. I was thinking some kind of a wrinkle finish to help hide the imperfections. 81' Gl500 - First bike (Installed a Plexi-Fairing, Powdercoated crash bars with floor boards) Getting back into ridding. Only got to ride the bike for 2 months after buying it when someone rearended me in my truck and I couldn't ride.    Report

05-19-2008, 6:11 AM GL650 Rider Joined on 05-19-2008 Posts 2 Re: Highway Bars Natrik, Can you give the length of the 1" OD steel pipe along with the length of the 3/4" flat bar. I really like your design and would like to make one for my "83 GL650. I have been looking for a good design and yours is the best that I have seen thus far. Any further information that you would have would be of great use. Thanks    Report

05-19-2008, 4:48 PM Natrik Joined on 04-17-2008 Eugene, Oregon Posts 273 Re: Highway Bars Sure! I'll draw up some dimensions and post for anyone to use. They are great, I use them on almost every ride. Give me a day or two, my band has a gig and studio date coming up, I'm a little short on time.... If it wasn't for physics and law enforcement, I'd be unstoppable..... 1980 CX500 Custom, Hondian (found someone new) 2005 Honda VTX 1800 Retro, customization in progress    Report

05-20-2008, 10:30 AM GL650 Rider Joined on 05-19-2008 Posts 2 Re: Highway Bars Thanks so much. I truly appreciate it. I can not wait to build my own and attach it to by bike. It will be so nice to be able to stretch out a bit on a long ride. Thanks again.    Report

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