Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

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12-14-2009, 8:09 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build I'm still looking for those connecting rod lengths ;) Here's the latest pictures of the motorcycle, all painted in glorious rattlecan + clearcoat + wetsanding/buffing: and I'm still working on the seat covering pattern.  Learning to sew - this has been a fun project, that's for certain! As for the turbocharging route - I need to rake the front steering head by 10-12 degrees to give me the clearance I need to center-mount the turbocharger.   I'd rather do that at the same time I change out the front end for more braking power (thinking of going with a Magna front end, with dual disc brakes + anti-dive) This bike is a serious blast to work on.   Granted, my low-speed stator windings are failing (67v instead of 90v when cranking) but I think I'm going to look at the Ignitech/G8 stator route for that, probably in the February area.   Maybe I'll have my new front end ready to go, and I'll rake the front end at that point with some turbocharging goodness! For now, I really gotta finish this seat pattern! BTW - don't those wheels look hideous now?  I seriously should clean those up at some point.... 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

12-27-2009, 10:59 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Still working on the seat pattern (newfound respect for the people that do this kind of thing!) and the stator is almost shot at this point - it's not even charging. I've got a lead on a spare engine for $50 I'm going to pick up, after doing at least some basic continuity testing on the stator to see if I can determine if it *might* still be good (just to give me another month or so before the Ignitech/G8 setup) 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-07-2010, 6:16 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Here's the latest on the seat:   I'm learning to sew, LOL! 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-07-2010, 9:05 AM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build Is there a seatpan under that. Some of the best aftermarket seat covers I have see have a bit extra material that goes under the pan. In that material it is folded over and sewn so a thick shoe lace type cord can go through it and pull it snug. I like this method because it can go on and come off quickly without damaging the cover. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-08-2010, 9:22 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build yep, the fiberglass pan and foam is under that.  I'm taking the excess from around and sewing everything nice and neat in place.  I hope to be done with the seat this weekend! Titled the bike today. Quick question - the stator is damn near dead at this point, but I'm starting a new job.  Any chance (headlight off) of a fully charged battery giving me about an hour of runtime?   30 minutes there, 30 back. I'm trying to hold out for the Ignitech Spring GB, as I'd hate to throw down $220 on a new CDI stator, but the timing may just not be there. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-08-2010, 9:46 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build Well cutting off the headlight should give you 55 watts. The stator only kicks out 170 watts max for a good one so that should help. If I were to do this I would cut the high beam wire to the headlight several inches before it reaches the plug in the back of the headlight. Then I would crimp bullet connectors on it so it can be re-attached. Leave it unplugged with the bullet connectors wrapped in electrical wire. Then if you ever need it you can use the low beam and as soon as you don't need it you can hit the switch and kick it up to the disabled high beam. You wouldn't want to be caught in the dark without lights that wouldn't be safe. I want to do the g8 to but I really need something like the cam chain to go before I dig into the engine. The current stator seems to be doing fine. The good thing though is if the battery doesn't have enough juice for the starter it is possible to push start the bike. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-08-2010, 9:52 PM Panther Joined on 05-09-2006 Las Vegas, NV Posts 1,264 Re: Doward's Build I can get about 130 miles with a 550cca car battery in my tail trunk on the GL650. If you can find a place to piggy back a $25 wal mart lawnmower battery. (35% more power than the $20 one) I think you will be fine. Oh wait, you still have the old style stator. you don't need the battery or charging to run the ignition. your stock battery might do it. even with head light on. why don't you charge the battery up, and ride a 35-40 mile loop back to the house. don't shut it off while on the loop. When you get home, shut it down and wait an hour or three, then see if it will start. If you are concerned, just go the mower battery route. That should get you 6+ starts. maybe a small cooler strapped on the back seat with 10 gauge wire run down to the main battery connections. I would recommend a digital 12v volt meter to monitor the voltage. My bike will start well with a standing voltage of 11.9v but the car battery is a Big energy sump, so I doubt your stock battery can do that. Peace & Light >^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike    Report

01-10-2010, 8:05 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build I'm going to see if anyone's got a good CX500 CDI stator they'd be willing to part with for a good price.  I'm starting a new job with the county, and I can't afford to be without reliable wheels right now. In other news, though, the seat is complete! 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-10-2010, 8:21 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build What is the material you made the cover out of? and just curious why the color? 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-10-2010, 8:42 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build It's a nylon micro-suede that is completely waterproof (water beads off it) - I did that color because my choices at Walmart were this, baby blue, and a yellow/red dragon pattern thing LOL. I can always recover the seat with a different material later.  This was $6 in materials, and I'm on a shoe-string budget at the moment. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-10-2010, 9:22 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build Thought it looked like my couch. If your budget improves in the future you might want to check out JoAnne Fabrics and Marine Vinyl. For $5-8 you should be able to do 2 or 3 seats depending on color and thickness. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-11-2010, 3:54 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build I actually went to get some marine vinyl at the local JoAnn's, and they wanted like $15/yd, whereas this nylon material was only $5/yd at Wally World. I've still got my patterns (they won't be going anywhere, heh) and I can always drill the rivets back out and do another down the line. For now, it'll be nice if it rains while I'm at work - I can just swipe the water from the seat and at least my rear will stay dry, lol! 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-11-2010, 4:10 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build Well you shouldn't need more than a half of a yard to do possibly two depending on how much material it actually takes. But like I said I would make another one but I would leave extra fabric on it and sew it over so I could put a draw string in it. Then swapping out the cover only takes a few seconds. My brother has a seat cover that works like that and i like the way it works. But as long as what you have is working go with it. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-11-2010, 8:55 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build A drawstring?  Think you could get a pic of that?  Sounds pretty neat! I used about 1 full yard on this, considering the odd shapes to make it curve 'naturally' with the seat.  Hell of a lot of fun, though!  I used some spatial geometry to great effect, I think :) 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-11-2010, 9:48 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build I don't have any pictures and cant seem to find any online. I swear this seatcover was made by Saddlemen but they don't have any info on their site. Just imaging your favorite draw string shorts. Basically you leave two inches of material on the bottom all the way around. 1 inch would be enough to stretch it and use the hooks on the seat pan but with two inches you double over the fabric and sew it together leaving a tunnel around it that you can fish a draw string through. I remember the tie was at the back of the seat near where the honda logo would be. I took the seat cover off probably 5 times with no problems. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-17-2010, 3:31 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Sounds pretty cool.  Got outbid on that new stator (bites having to work on a Sunday!) so I'm still stuck. How much is the ignitech if I buy one outright? 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-17-2010, 4:01 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build About $245 depending on the day and the money value. That's why the group buy is good because it saved me like $85. With the standard stator being $213 it was an easy decision on which to get. Ignitech and g8 when needed or replace with stock and hope the cdi doesn't die. Maybe someone with a current ignitech would be willing to let you borrow theirs till the spring group buy goes through. Don't think it would be hard to convince someone who's bike is in hibernation. I think some people bought a few.  I would loan you mine but I haven't seen the bike in a month and it's just short of being locked away. If I touch it I have to take it home. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-18-2010, 8:32 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build LOL, I know that feeling.  I had hoped to get that stator to last me in the meantime.  I might have something else worked out, though, to hold me over until the group buy - I gotta get back to work and see! ;) 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-21-2010, 8:18 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Did the classroom portion of the MSF today.  This weekend, I finish that up and get the endorsement. Honestly, the lack of front braking on the CX worries me, lol. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-21-2010, 9:15 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build What do you mean by lack of front braking? Are you refering to the single disc brake or are you missing something. A single brake will do fine. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-22-2010, 2:28 AM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: Doward's Build Doward, upgrade to dual disc brakes. Its not to hard 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

01-22-2010, 5:46 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build I'm used to performance cars, where you have ample braking at any time, to the point that if you get harsh with them, you will lock it up.   Now, I understand you do NOT want lockup on the front tire, and I will admit to needing to work on front/rear braking together to learn how to best come to a stop, but I do feel the stock single brake up front is inadequate, at least with someone of my weight (I'm about 240lbs, 6' tall) I do plan on upgrading to duals up front at some point, hopefully with a completely different front end assembly (to upgrade the 33mm forks) 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-24-2010, 10:48 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build MSF is done!  Only got 3 points marked due to slightly leaving the damn U-Turn box, but you're allowed 20 pts, so I passed reasonably comfortable. I will say the Suzuki GZ250 feels a LOT different than my CX! 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-24-2010, 2:41 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build Glad to here you passed. Welcome to the legal world. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-24-2010, 4:16 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Not till tomorrow, when I go to the DMV and spend EVEN MORE money just to enjoy my bike ;) Pulled the radiator petcock apart today, since it was filled with sludge and nasty.   Flushed everything really well, refilled with water and ran her up to temp, then emptied again once cool. Now she's got a 1/2 bottle of radiator flush in her to clean everything else out of the coolant system, then I'll refill her with a 50/50 mix of Prestone to ensure good cooling. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-30-2010, 7:29 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Alright!   I've been riding the bike as much as I can (well, with no mirrors and a dying stator, I'm having to be careful) and it's a BLAST! I wish I had done this well before now (nevermind the fact it would have been a hell of a lot cheaper!) 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-30-2010, 7:47 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build Well maybe some day you can get a stator in it. I try to weigh the savings. If it's $20 cheaper a week to run than my truck the extra $20 goes into a savings account for upkeep. Eventually after 12 weeks there should be enough for the part. But then again that's 2 1/2 months. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

01-30-2010, 9:17 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build It's not so much a matter of money as me HAVING to have the wheels since the wife is working as well - I'm seeing how far she goes on a single charge, as the stator's not 100% dead, just not enough juice to cover all the power usage. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

01-30-2010, 9:50 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build Are you still running the headlight during the day? If you clip the high beam and put in a bullet connector to reconnect it in the future you can use the switch on the handlebars to turn it off and on. Basically low would be the on section and high would be off. That would save 55 watts which is 1/3 the stator power. Who knows maybe at this rate you will make the ignitech in the spring. Besides that it sounds like you need a friend, all the parts and a long weekend. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

02-01-2010, 5:15 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build As a matter of fact, I installed a 35w HID and activate it via the High beam (high beam switch is wired to simulate an on/off switch). That way, if I HAVE to have a light, I've got one, and with less power draw than the 55w Halogen. To give you an idea of my power - @ 3500rpm, 12.6v in the battery when I take off, no headlight, I have a running voltage of ~13.0 with just the running lights on. With the HID on, that drops to ~12.35v.  So an obvious slow discharge. With the halogens on, that drops to ~11.8v - OBVIOUS discharge! lol Considering I work 8am-1pm, I'm not TOO concerned with the headlight just yet, but I didn't want to remove the headlight completely, just in case. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-01-2010, 6:43 AM midgtmn Joined on 02-19-2009 Rochester, NY - USA Posts 285 Re: Doward's Build Sounds like you got it figured out for now, and it sounds like it is needed- but also remember that the running light can help people see you before they cut you off! Once you get a working stator setup going, might be good to undo the switch mod, but that's up to you. '78 CX500 - Back from the brink! '81 CX500C- Finally Running thanks to Ignitech!    Report

02-01-2010, 7:12 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Oh absolutely!  Once the stator is taken care of, I 100% intend to set that back to stock. For now, though, the H4 HID I'm using is a 'low beam only' (not a bixenon) so I'm fine just using it like it is, for now. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-04-2010, 4:15 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Today's fun! Remember that '83 Magna front end I was inquiring about?  Turns out it was a 37mm dual disc / dual piston caliper setup. Guess what else I found there, though?  39mm dual piston caliper / dual disc front end from an '83 Shadow! So $100 later, here's what I have (sorry for the sudden downswing in picture quality - wife broke the 10.0MP digi, so I'm stuck with my 3.2MP on the phone :() It's dark now, but everything is disassembled. Tomorrow I'll get more pics, as well as 'detail disassembly' - that's what I like to call taking apart the brakes / forks / wheel / etc.  Disassembling the individual components.  :) 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-04-2010, 4:57 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build The only problem I'm seeing is pitting on the tubes. When you disassemble them take the spring out of one or both of them and see how far the tubes go down and if any pitting touches the seals. You could also probably find new tubes if there's a problem. A side from that congrads. It should work out pretty good with the new tappered bearings. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

02-04-2010, 5:07 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build I've got tapered bearings in the CX now, so I intend to reuse those. I'll be sitting down, cleaning and polishing the tubes tomorrow, so I'll certainly see then how these go.  I'm actually about to jump on ebay to see how much a set of 39mm tubes will run me - I'm actually more concerned about the triple tree fitting correctly! I'll end up replacing all the brake lines with braided stainless line if this works out well.   I'll most likely spend this week rebuilding it all, then see about putting it all on next weekend. I'm pretty excited, truth be told - I'm very interested in seeing what a difference +6mm of tube diameter, coupled with twin discs / dual piston calipers makes! The next step will be a 6-9 degree rake of the steering neck, so I can squeeze this K03 turbo onto the bike to help give her a little more oomph. Project after that will be reducing the RPMs the bike spins in 5th gear.  My goal there is no more than 5k rpm @ 80mph. Roger, I hope that stator gets to you soon - yours arrived here, and I must say, it looks to be in good condition!  Glad we could help each other out - I'll toss this into the bike as well next week, and see if it makes a difference.   It'll be a good time to check that cam chain as well - though I'm tempted to order it just so I have it here next weekend. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-04-2010, 5:31 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build All your ideas sound good except for 5K rpm @ 80mph. It has merit but it isn't the right though. Have you ever put larger tires on a vehicle? It's the same. Say your tire is 100 inches in circumference and you upgrade to a tire of 125 inches that would roughly upgrade the speed so going 80 would really be 100mph but if the engine cant handle that then it's useless. David in Wisconsin noted that putting a 650 clutch in a 500 will reduce rmps by 300 at speed and the same will happen with the 18 inch tire over a 16 inch. So assuming that you do both you will drop the rpms by 600 and the bike will be a bit underpowered. Realistically that would be what 6,900 rpms @80mph. If you could drop the bike another 1900 rpms well I wouldn't want to ride it. If you take a bike with a 16 inch rim and no modifications it would be like taking off in second gear going the 18 inch tire mod and gear mod. I assume shaving as many rpms as you want would be like taking off in 4th gear. You would need a push start everywhere to get the bike moving. Just a thought. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

02-04-2010, 6:01 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Blind, I have a '78, so I have the 18" rim already.  Unless I am SERIOUSLY missing something, I don't see any possible way that a clutch change will reduce your rpm/mph ratio. - Scratch that, it appears the primary drive is part of the clutch basket? The information I have states the following: '78 CX500 - Primary reduction: 2.242 1st - 2.733 2nd - 1.850 3rd - 1.416 4th - 1.148 5th - 0.931 Final drive: 3.091 '83 CX650 Primary reduction: 2.114 1st - 2.500 2nd - 1.714 3rd - 1.280 4th - 1.036 5th - 0.839 Final drive: 3.091 Now, the CX500 Turbo has the same gear ratios as the CX650, but with an even taller 2.056 primary reduction!  The CX650 Turbo takes the reduction gearing all the way to 1.725, BUT is running a 3.400 final drive. Remember, I'm going to be running a turbo.  The CX500 @ 5000rpm Naturally Aspirated is much different than the CX500 huffing 5-6psi of pressure @ 5000rpm ;) *edit* Ok, working out the math (assuming a 120/90/18 rear tire) - 80mph is around 6550rpm on the stock 1978 CX500. If I reduce the primary reduction gear from 2.242 to 2.114 (cx650), I'm down to about 6200rpm @ 80mph.  1000rpm (idle) is about 4.4mph, so I don't think taking off will be a problem. Now, where I'd like to go, is the CX500T primary of 2.056!  Now 80mph is 6000rpm - easily done, I just need to get my hands on a CX500 primary reduction system! For anyone wondering, a CX500 Turbo should be around 5500rpm @ 80mph. I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility for a turbocharged CX500 to be asked to do 5000rpm @ 80mph, which would require little more than a primary reduction gear of around 1.70-1.75 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-04-2010, 9:02 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build Just because you have a 78 doesn't mean you have an 18 inch rim. The theory is you should but since all cx500 wheels seem to swap back and forth along with gl500 rears. My 78 had a 16 inch rim and I was fine with that as having the 18 inch didn't have the off the line torque. I think your tach is also off. At most it should be 7200rpms @ 80 with the 18 inch rim. It could possibly be sticking or just off. I have had different tachs and speedometers on my bike and they have all had the ability to be off by 5mph or somewhere around 500 rpms. The only real way to know is with an electronic tach. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

02-04-2010, 11:18 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build All RPMs were calculated based on the info shown - if the tach is far off from there, well, the tach is most likely incorrect ;) 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-04-2010, 11:52 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build Out of curiosity when you get around can you take a measurement of the magna forks to the ground compared to the cx forks to the ground. WisconsinCx learned that the Gl500 forks were a few inches longer when he swapped a set on his project bike last year. I'm a fan of the extended length but I could see where some might not like it. What size front rim/tire combination does that puppy take? 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

02-05-2010, 7:11 AM Blue fox Joined on 04-18-2008 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Posts 1,533 Re: Doward's Build John,  Glad to hear the stator arrived.  That was fast for parcel post.  I haven't gotten yours yet, but it's too cold in the shop to break down the bike anyway, so I'm in no big hurry.  Double check that stator I sent, it was a e-bay one that came with a bike I purchased.  I couldn't get comfortable enough readings on it to warrant the trouble of checking it out in a bike.  Can you use the mirror?    Blue Fox 1983 GL650I, 79-CX500C, 1980 CX500C, 82-GL500I, 82-GL1100, 76-CB550, 81-CB750C, 73-CB350F, 71-CT90,    Report

02-05-2010, 7:30 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Yes, I can absolutely use the mirror!   I owe you one for that :)  I'm going to be searching for its twin for the right side now, as the placement is just about perfect for me. The stator reads 1.1-1.2 ohms across each of the three terminals.  I can see no breaks anywhere in the wiring or in the varnish covering.  We'll see what happens when I get it hooked up :) Blind, I'll get those measurements later :) 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-05-2010, 9:06 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build I started on the brakes, and am now getting rained out :(  Here's to give you an idea of what I'm starting with! and Blind, is is supposedly a VT750C ('83) front end I have.  39mm diameter forks, ~32" from top to center of front axle, vs ~29.5" from top to center of front axle on my stock '78 CX500. Considering I intend to rake the steering neck by 6-9 degrees, I have a feeling this will work out pretty well ;)   Plus, I get a front fork brace - even those this one is broken and will need to be replaced! 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-05-2010, 9:28 AM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build 2 1/2 inches at 6 degrees has to be about the same height as stock. It should be more than fine. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

02-09-2010, 1:36 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Today's fun. It's a DAMN good thing I went with my instincts, and decided to NOT ride the bike to work (45 miles round trip) - I have another CX500 motor here that turns out it's missing half the seals/gaskets for whatever reason.  The stator checks out good via the ohm test (I know, no replacement for an on-the-bike voltage test, but I'm working with what I've got at the moment) - so I was going to originally take my thermostat housing, seals / etc from my 35k mile engine, and put them on the 11k mile engine. Some of you may remember from my thread last night, the 11k mile engine needs a new mechanical seal.  Shoot.  So Plan B - take the stator from 11k mile engine, and swap it to the 35k mile engine. So I start opening up the 35k mile engine, and what do I see?   CHUNKS of the timing blade tensioner!!   I thought that I was hearing a light chain-across-metal sound, but from what i was reading on here regarding the timing chain, you'll REALLY hear it loud and clear. Well, I certainly didn't!  If you've got ANY chain-across-metal sounds from your engine, I HIGHLY suggest you check it out.  Drop the engine, it's super super easy, and check it out! Now the question is - how do I get the rotor out?  LOL 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-14-2010, 3:01 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build So over 160miles on my maiden voyage (this weekend), here's what I've learned. 1) Wind chill is NO JOKE @ 70mph.   Solution: New set of Harley cold-weather gloves.  Now my hands are toasty warm :) 2) I've got clutch slip.  Gonna check that out tonight. 3) This is HIGHLY addictive. 4) - 100.4 miles, 2.06 gallons of gas.   Love that! Other than the slipping clutch, the CX performed flawlessly.  I was really impressed! 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-14-2010, 6:37 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build A side from clutch slip and maybe the harley gloves things sound find. Most of the gloves sold at the local harley dealer up to $100 are a joke. The Icon Merc gloves that I have are good down to 40 degrees. Nothing special about those really besides thick leather construction. Any colder than that and they suck. That's why many of us in the northern climate have several sets of gloves. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

02-15-2010, 3:23 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build I paid $80 for these, they've got a thick leather outer covering, a windtex lining, and a thermalite lining.  I can say that riding in 48F @ 70mph I felt absolutely nothing - no wind, and my hands were very warm!  I'm very confident I could do down to freezing temperatures without a problem with these gloves. I also really liked my Joe Rocket leather jacket - my core was toasty.  Next up is a full face helmet, though.  The 3/4 was a little chilly! Besides, I wasn't spoiled for choices considering I was shopping on a Sunday.  I went by Walmart and K-Mart first, and both of them told me they had gotten no cold-weather gear in that year.   Pretty silly, if you ask me! You know, as much as you guys make fun of the Harley guys here, I gotta say - I passed by 6 Harleys (had a group of 4 coming the other way), a CBR600, an R6, some Suzuki cruiser, and what appeared to be an older Honda CB - I waved to everyone as I rode past, and the only ones that waved back were all but 2 of the Harley guys.   The guy on the R6 actually looked over at my bike and shook his head! I was really excited to be out on my first real bike ride, and I felt like the Harley guys kind of shared in that excitement, even though I'm OBVIOUSLY not on a Harley.  The disdain from the R6 I thought was a bit much, but overall the only ones I felt were happy to be out riding were the Harley guys.  To each their own, I suppose.  Maybe it's just my local area? I'm pulling the clutch apart tonight after work to check everything out.  If it turns out to be a set of weak springs, I'll shim them up to increase the pressure until I can get my hands on a Turbo clutch assembly / reduction gear. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-15-2010, 8:19 AM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Doward's Build When the weather gets cold it usually weeds out the asses. That is odd that kmart and walmart didn't have anything but I guess you have to look at the area. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

02-15-2010, 9:54 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Doward's Build Ahh - I suppose I'll see more of what you guys are talking about once it warms up, then :) Funnily enough - my roommate was in MD last week, under 37+ inches of snow.  Nobody around there had any cold weather gear, either.   Seems to retail industry is running a bit slow these days! 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

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