|
|
CX Customization and Modifications
Started by weston402 at 03-10-2010 7:40 AM. Topic has 17 replies.
  
|
|
Sort Posts:
|
|
|
|
 03-10-2010, 7:40 AM
|
weston402
Joined on 08-13-2009
Lincoln NE
Posts 105
|
|
|
I have a 1980 CX500c that I am making into a cafe racer. My question is this the motor is stock and I am looking to see if there is anything I can do to give it a little more power but at the same time keep the mpg's the same (but I have to say they are not that great now as it is). Just looking for a little help. Thanks guys!!
Cafe racer Dad
80 CX 500C
Lincoln NE
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2010, 7:54 AM
|
CXSarnia
 
Joined on 01-11-2008
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Posts 2,623
|
|
|
|
When tuned up nice - should get between 45 and 55 mpg. Their top end - even as brand new was about 105 mph.
Post some statistics of what you are getting now, and maybe we can have some suggestions for you.
2009 DN-01 Spakin' New!
1982 CX500 Turbo & Parts bike
1981 SL185 Yamaha Exciter
198? V45 Magna
1979 CX500 Deluxe
1982 CB750K Daily rider September 1999
1982 CX500 Custom - project Originally bought April 1982 safetied and on the road 09/2008
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2010, 11:31 AM
|
NightBiker07
Joined on 04-20-2009
Toledo, OH
Posts 506
|
|
|
|
modern carbs, updated ignition, clean up the ports in the head (only make the exhaust side larger, if you grind the intake= less power)......
80 CX 500
2000 CR 250 DIRT BIKE!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2010, 12:29 PM
|
Abes_CW
Joined on 04-17-2007
saskatoon
Posts 3,036
|
|
|
|
I'd say there is not much you can do to increase power by a respectable degree, especially without suffering a huge mileage penalty (exhaust/intake/jetting)
Best thing to do if you are Cafeíng it is reduce weight.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2010, 3:09 PM
|
Spacetiger
Joined on 05-16-2009
Chantilly, VA
Posts 1,353
|
|
|
|
CXSarnia is right. You should be getting around 50 MPG, perhaps a bit lowere depending on how you ride.
If you are not, I'd say you need a tune up. That would be the best performance mod you can do. Restoring factory power would improve your power AND mileage.
Do this and report back what you found and what MPG you are now getting after the tuneup.
There are other threads to improve things, but they will do no good until you get back to factory peak performance.
Jerry
90 PC 800 (commuting steed)
82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike)
66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP)
80 CX500C (Loved this bike)
74 CB360 (Fun; but too small)
79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years)
76 CB550 (step up from 200cc)
74 KZ200 (1st bike!)
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2010, 3:27 PM
|
Abes_CW
Joined on 04-17-2007
saskatoon
Posts 3,036
|
|
|
|
I don't see him saying his mileage isn't good. He wants to bump up the power and keep the mileage as good as it is.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2010, 4:31 PM
|
CXSarnia
Joined on 01-11-2008
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Posts 2,623
|
|
|
|
 weston402 wrote: | | .........but at the same time keep the mpg's the same (but I have to say they are not that great now as it is)........... |
|
2009 DN-01 Spakin' New!
1982 CX500 Turbo & Parts bike
1981 SL185 Yamaha Exciter
198? V45 Magna
1979 CX500 Deluxe
1982 CB750K Daily rider September 1999
1982 CX500 Custom - project Originally bought April 1982 safetied and on the road 09/2008
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2010, 4:45 PM
|
Doward
Joined on 05-11-2008
Alachua, FL
Posts 814
|
|
|
|
I just filled up again today - I want to start keeping a log, but averaging 45mpg here, still with some problems (freakin' clutch)
1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-11-2010, 2:35 AM
|
BearCX
Joined on 03-11-2008
Roseworthy, Sth Aust
Posts 525
|
|
|
|
It is what it is. A 1980 CX 500. No more, no less.
Why did you buy one?
If you're still in control...You're not going fast enough.
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-11-2010, 6:05 AM
|
weston402
Joined on 08-13-2009
Lincoln NE
Posts 105
|
|
|
|
Im sorry how does that help me?? I know what it is I just asked if I could add a little more power somehow. Dont post anything if you are not going to try to help in any way. I bought one for the same reason we all have one.
Cafe racer Dad
80 CX 500C
Lincoln NE
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-11-2010, 7:36 AM
|
Abes_CW
Joined on 04-17-2007
saskatoon
Posts 3,036
|
|
|
|
It's just there is not much you can do to this engine for performance mods, without major and expensive updates, and even then the bike will still top out at 105 mph due to the gearing, which you can't really change.
Again the best performance mod you can make is to shed weight.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-11-2010, 8:11 AM
|
weston402
Joined on 08-13-2009
Lincoln NE
Posts 105
|
|
|
|
That sounds good I just was not sure. Thank you for all your help and info guys!!
Cafe racer Dad
80 CX 500C
Lincoln NE
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-11-2010, 8:22 AM
|
Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,863
|
|
|
|
You do realize that what was ment by shedding some weight is not necessarily for the bike. If the rider is a big guy round wise every extra pound is going to sloe up the speed and will also cause wind resistance.
If you're a light weight then get your carbs done right and do a tune up and it should knock it back to stock which is better than some of these bikes have seen in many years.
This guy probably isn't getting much out of his bike for obvious reasons.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
Quick Reference
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-11-2010, 6:30 PM
|
Doward
Joined on 05-11-2008
Alachua, FL
Posts 814
|
|
|
|
| weston402 wrote: | | Im sorry how does that help me?? I know what it is I just asked if I could add a little more power somehow. Dont post anything if you are not going to try to help in any way. I bought one for the same reason we all have one. |
|
No need to jump down his throat - he's just saying that you'll never make a CX500 a speed demon, naturally aspirated.
If you really want to make your CX fly, it's going to either need to be juiced or boosted, and the longevity of the engine comes into question at that point.
That said, the basics always help - free up the exhaust (properly, remember you are dealing with a 500cc engine here), the intake, maybe a regrind on the camshaft (although with the stock CX peaking hp @ 9000rpm, I don't see the engine spinning much beyond that as it is)
That said, the CX500 is a really cool bike in that you feel/sound fast with all the RPMs it spins, while never really going anywhere ;)
1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-11-2010, 7:13 PM
|
Matt_the_Rat
Joined on 11-11-2008
Northwest FL
Posts 170
|
|
|
|
I believe, that working with the carbs, and air box (or pods) and the exhaust is where the best "bang for your buck" will be too.
I don't beleive you could make it "fast" by today's standards, but you can make it a respectable cafe bike by getting the carbs and exhaust right.
They have pretty good power, so make it sound right for ya and get the jetting right and it will feel like a rocket........
The other aspects of a good cafe bike, is better control and braking. Get the back brake to work smooth and perfect. Fix up the front brake, go dual disc, drill and surface the rotor, get a sportbike master cylinder, stiffen up the forks, some performance shocks out back, get some wicked radial tires. Those are the kind of things that make my bike fun for me.
woo hoo ! ! ! !
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-22-2010, 7:21 AM
|
Shep
Joined on 01-30-2007
UK.2x1980CX500A
Posts 7,647
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03-22-2010, 8:09 AM
|
Panther
Joined on 05-09-2006
Las Vegas, NV
Posts 1,264
|
|
|
|
The electric fan can really help.
can improve mpg's too.
The cheapest "bang for your buck" is actually to install a CX/GL650 motor.
ups you HP from 50 to 65, and torque from 33ft lbs to 44.
But you will need the motor, carb intakes, carbs, radiator & fan and the wiring harness with TI ignition parts to make it run.
Plus make or modify the front engine hangers to fit.
It can be a lot of work.
If you don't mind giving up the mpg gain from the electric fan install, and Top speed isn't your goal.
You can install a 130/80-16 or 120/80-16 rear tire.
this will give you Much better off the line performance and improve passing acceleration and roll-on quite a bit.
But your top speed at redline may be lowered to ~95-100mph.
You might be giving up a bit more mpg just from wrist twisting though. *grin*
My GL500swi got 44mpg most of the time, but I really like twisting the throttle & running ~80mph hiway.
If I could keep it under 65mph on a long trip or ride slow and smooth around town, it could get into the 49-51mpg range.
Didn't happen often though.
Also, there is the Ignitech CDi controller. most installing it in the older CX's find the advance curve is better for power.
but if you plan on upgrading to a 650cc motor, don't do it. it only works on the 78-81 CDI bikes.
Peace & Light
>^..^<
..........
'83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady"
'82 GL500swi parts bike
'78 DT175
'86 LS650 Milady's bike
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
03-22-2010, 2:45 PM
|
Spacetiger
Joined on 05-16-2009
Chantilly, VA
Posts 1,353
|
|
|
|
To shep's list, there is a thread on a 2-1 exhaust system from the UK. A bit pricey, but its SS and claims to add 6HP (more than 10% increase!).
I also have a thread going but is aimed at the GL bikes, but there are some things that you maybe able to do.
Jerry
90 PC 800 (commuting steed)
82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike)
66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP)
80 CX500C (Loved this bike)
74 CB360 (Fun; but too small)
79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years)
76 CB550 (step up from 200cc)
74 KZ200 (1st bike!)
|
|
|
|
|
Report
|
|
|
|
|
Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » CX Customizatio... » 1980 CX 500C POWER
|
|
|
|