Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

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03-12-2008, 6:21 AM SeatSkins Joined on 04-16-2007 Harrisburg, PA Posts 179 PVC preload spacer... I know a lot of you have done the PVC pipe preload spacer in your fork tubes. What size pipe did you get? I'm getting ready to change the fork oil before the riding season really kicks off here and want to do the spacer mod while I'm in there. Thanks! 1980 CX500 Deluxe -"Ugly Bob" 1981 CB650 chopper in progress - "Low Budget All-Star" 1983 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLX 1000    Report

03-12-2008, 10:54 AM hugemoth Joined on 01-21-2008 Bend, Oregon Posts 111 Re: PVC preload spacer... I just used a piece of 3/4" EMT (electrical conduit) since I had it laying around the garage. Q    Report

03-12-2008, 11:50 AM Rusty Joined on 08-09-2007 Long Beach California USA. Posts 206 Re: PVC preload spacer... OK 3/4" dia but how long do you recomend? I may be adding this spacer this spring. I just bought some 1100 shocks so I'll be lowering the fork tubes and need more stiffness. Rusty 1981 CX500C    Report

03-12-2008, 4:19 PM TwoW4B2C4V Joined on 11-15-2007 Posts 509 Re: PVC preload spacer... 1 inch is usually enough.  I find using the pre-molded white PVC caps makes it easier to crank down the end caps on the forks, because the PVC is slightly rounded on the end.  Last time I bought some they were about 35 cents each at Home Depot.  If you find it still need some minor adjustment, I've used quarters on each side to bring the tension up just a bit. Please reply if you don't get this message. 01/20/13    Report

03-12-2008, 7:00 PM hugemoth Joined on 01-21-2008 Bend, Oregon Posts 111 Re: PVC preload spacer... I agree. 3/4" to 1" long is about right. As I recall, I made mine 1". Q    Report

03-14-2008, 1:48 AM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: PVC preload spacer... I also just did mine, LOWES has 1 in. metal spacers ( Looks like a bushing ) back in their nut and bolt section.... they have the same O.D. as a quarter.   1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

03-14-2008, 3:12 AM PWG in Lowgap NC Joined on 01-07-2008 Minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway Posts 2,380 Re: PVC preload spacer... Skins,  We would really like you to join us this year at the HTTA Amish Rally in Lewisburg/Milton, PA this August.  We can get a first hand look at your customized bike. 06 Suzuki S50 daily ride CX500c Honda Magna BC age 72    Report

03-14-2008, 4:33 AM SeatSkins Joined on 04-16-2007 Harrisburg, PA Posts 179 Re: PVC preload spacer... Yeah, I couldn't make it last year to the rally. This year my son's 3rd birthday is the saturday during the rally. If i can join in at all this year, it would probably be just a short visit... 1980 CX500 Deluxe -"Ugly Bob" 1981 CB650 chopper in progress - "Low Budget All-Star" 1983 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLX 1000    Report

03-22-2008, 12:07 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: PVC preload spacer... While many have had good results using preload spacers made from pipe, I prefer to use old valve springs I salvaged from an engine I scrapped years ago. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

03-22-2008, 7:27 PM tntchitwood Joined on 03-02-2008 Pine Knot, KY Posts 511 Re: PVC preload spacer... I agree Bob, that is what I use. '82 Silverwing Chopper '02 750 Shadow http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx    Report

03-23-2008, 1:11 PM Randall-in-Mpls Joined on 07-06-2007 Minneapolis, MN Posts 2,629 Re: PVC preload spacer...  N1265 wrote: LOWES has 1 in. metal spacers ( Looks like a bushing ) back in their nut and bolt section.... they have the same O.D. as a quarter.   I picked up a pair of 3/4" ID x 1" spacers.  Are these what you used? R '78 CX500 - Black Maggot --> Green Grub / Yellow Grub / Red Grub ???    Report

03-23-2008, 6:31 PM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: PVC preload spacer...   What you have there will work fine as long as the O.D is good,   I cant remember what the I.D. was on the bushings I used but It is the O.D. and the length that you need to be concerned with.    Place a Quarter ( U.S. ) on top of one of the bushings and if the O.D. of the quarter is roughly the same size of the O.D. of the bushing and the lenght of the two bushings are the same, Then you are good to go....   what you actually use to pre-load the springs ( some use PVC ) is not as important as making sure they are pre-loaded the same. ( left side VS right side )   I remember this from what I used :   A)   they were bushings that were in the blue cabinets in the nut and bolt section of LOWES   B)  they were individually wrapped in a plastic bag   C)  they were crome plated ( But this is not needed )   D)  they were a couple of bucks each   I cant really tell if the bushings you got in the pictures are chrome plated, But other than that what you have in the picture looks to be the same as what I used.  1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

03-23-2008, 8:14 PM Randall-in-Mpls Joined on 07-06-2007 Minneapolis, MN Posts 2,629 Re: PVC preload spacer... These were in the small parts drawers at the local hardware store.  The OD (diameter, not radius) is 1/16" larger than a quarter.   Galvanized.  $1.50 each. I guess I'll know for sure once I pull the forks in the next couple weeks. Thanks, R '78 CX500 - Black Maggot --> Green Grub / Yellow Grub / Red Grub ???    Report

03-24-2008, 3:11 AM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: PVC preload spacer... Let us know how you make out. I know the OD diffrence on the Quarter and the bushings that I used were a lot less than 1/16...... closer to 1/64  But I cant remember witch one was slightly bigger. 1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

03-24-2008, 10:25 AM Randall-in-Mpls Joined on 07-06-2007 Minneapolis, MN Posts 2,629 Re: PVC preload spacer...  N1265 wrote: I know the OD diffrence on the Quarter and the bushings that I used were a lot less than 1/16. With a quarter centered on the spacer, there is about 1/32" all the way around.  (1/32" difference in radius = 1/16" difference in diameter.) The OD of the spacer is about 1" (25mm).  The OD of the fork tube is 33mm.  If the tube wall is 3mm or less, the spacer should fit.  If not, I'll try PVC. R '78 CX500 - Black Maggot --> Green Grub / Yellow Grub / Red Grub ???    Report

03-31-2008, 12:13 AM Anonymous Re: PVC preload spacer... I may be stupid about this whole thing but is there a thread devoted to explaining the process of adding the spacers? i'm running TT bars and i'd love to stiffen up the front so my response is better as well as reducing the very slight wobble i'm feeling. anyone want to explain it to a rank amateur? to give you all an idea of my skill level i'm comfortable with everything involved in adjusting my valve clearances and tuning the carburetors but not comfortable with rejetting yet. all help is much appreciated!

03-31-2008, 1:59 AM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: PVC preload spacer... I don't think there is a thread that covers just adding the spacers..... However there is one that covers just about everything else conserning the forks. take some time and look this thread over,  You will see how the cap screws on to the top of the forks.  Now is a perfect time to replace the fork oil if it needs to be done. The link below also covers this. You do not need to remove the forks from the bike to do this.     http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/front_forks_seals/   But if all you want to do is add the spacers, then all you need to do is : 1) put the bike on the center stand and block up the engin so the front tire is off the ground. This will take some of the spring pressure off of the cap that holds the springs  in. 2) depending on your bike, remove anything that is in the way of you getting access to the top of the forks, This may include : Faring, spedo / tack, air hose on top of the shocks. 3) If you own a pair of safety glasses put them on.  The caps ARE UNDER SPRING PRESSURE even though the wheel is off the ground....loosen the caps with a wrench and then keep the palm of your hand on top of them while you are unscrewing it. 4)  place the spacer on top of the spring , place the cap on top of the spacer and while holding the three together with one hand.....use the palm of the other to compress the parts into the fork tube and start screwing the cap back on.   This is the tricky part,  take your time and be safe about it.  Make sure it is not cross threaded before you tighten the cap down. 5) after doing both sides.... put the rest of the bike back together. 1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

03-31-2008, 7:56 AM Rusty Joined on 08-09-2007 Long Beach California USA. Posts 206 Re: PVC preload spacer... I will say this about the add-a-shim procedure. I recently did it and it took less than an hour. I removed the handle bars and it made lots more working room. Place the spacer in the fork tube under the shorter spring, use length of pipe that just goes around the top portion of the fork cap, you can grab the pipe with both hands and really push that cap down to get the threads started. Once it is started you can use a wrench to tighten it up. The pipe I used was a 1-1/2" or 2" (I have to check) iron pipe that had been cut in a tube cutter so it had a lip like flange reducing the inside dia and it fit perfectly, it will act like a big fork top socket wrench. Without this idea I was really having a hard time screwing that cap back on. The end result of adding a 1" long spacer is a firmer fork set up with much less of a tendency to dive, feel mushy and bottom out on a lowered front fork set up. Rusty Rusty 1981 CX500C    Report

03-31-2008, 4:20 PM Cobram Joined on 06-23-2007 Boston, MA Posts 1,547 Re: PVC preload spacer...  N1265 wrote:     http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/front_forks_seals/   I would ignore the part about removing the speedometer drive cable.  There is no need to remove the speedo drive cable, the housing is rather fragile I've seen these things snap when an impact driver was used on them.  Chances are you'll strip the screw anyway and end up leaving it connected. If you want the cable out of the way, it's much safer to reach up behind the cluster and unscrew it behind the speedo.  You're better off removing it at the speedo and shoring it up from behind with a piece of wood if you need to remove the retaining screw at the speedo unit. 1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out. Four wheels move the body; Two wheels move the Soul.    Report

03-31-2008, 4:44 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: PVC preload spacer... One of the first things I do with any Honda I get is replace the philips screw that holds the speedo cable to the drive with a hex head screw. The right size washer for the screw will fit into the recess for the philips perfectly. If you put a bit of silicone on the threads before you screw it in you will always be able to get it out without using an impact driver, even if you use the bike all winter on salted roads. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

04-14-2008, 10:22 AM Randall-in-Mpls Joined on 07-06-2007 Minneapolis, MN Posts 2,629 Re: PVC preload spacer...  Randall-in-Mpls wrote: I picked up a pair of 3/4" ID x 1" spacers.  Are these what you used? Well, the metal spacers didn't work.  They fit inside the threaded top of the tube, but not farther down where they need to go.  I had a piece of gray PVC conduit in the garage, so I cut two 1" pieces of that.  The conduit is the same OD as the washer between the springs, so it should be a perfect fit. Installing it was another matter.  It's probably better that the metal spacer didn't work.  I would have broken a window or dented my wife's van launching it across the garage a half-dozen times.  I finally got the cap on one fork, without having added the oil, of course.   I need to learn to stop when I start getting tired (and stupid).  At least I've got the proper technique figured out. R '78 CX500 - Black Maggot --> Green Grub / Yellow Grub / Red Grub ???    Report

04-15-2008, 10:28 AM Rusty Joined on 08-09-2007 Long Beach California USA. Posts 206 Re: PVC preload spacer... Seems like I read a method for draining and refilling the fork oil thru the drain hole, using a syringe and a hose. Rusty 1981 CX500C    Report

04-15-2008, 12:22 PM Randall-in-Mpls Joined on 07-06-2007 Minneapolis, MN Posts 2,629 Re: PVC preload spacer... I had thought about pumping it through the hole for the air fitting, but if I were to spill any, I'd have to pull the fork all the way out to drain it and start over.  I'll pull the cap to fill it when I install the other fork, and call the first round practice. R '78 CX500 - Black Maggot --> Green Grub / Yellow Grub / Red Grub ???    Report

05-26-2008, 3:51 PM bobisslack Joined on 07-18-2007 Knox Vegas Posts 228 Re: PVC preload spacer... I just did mine yesterday.  I got these spacers in the plumbing section of Home Depot.  They were 1/2" cpvc couplers.  They fit perfectly.  Were kind of a PITA getting back in with the spring load.  A second set of hands would have been nice.  But it only took about 45 mins.  And the only thing I had to do was take of the caps, insert the spacers, and (eventully) replace the caps.  Pretty easy, and considerably better ride, IMHO. '80 cx500c Gotta keep my knees in the breeze.    Report

06-07-2008, 4:14 PM kingston73 Joined on 04-19-2008 Bellingham, MA Posts 1,722 Re: PVC preload spacer... I used the exact same thing just today for preload, but I had so much trouble getting it back together I ended up putting the spacer between the long and short springs, so the short spring is still on top.  Do any of you know if this will make any difference?  It doesn't seem like it should but I wasn't sure.  The only shop near me is a Harley place, and would you believe harley doesnt mark its fork oil by weight?  They have "regular", "heavy", and "race", so I went with the heavy.  I figure its got to be between 15 and 20 weight, but does anybody know this for sure?  It's amazing what the preload does for the sag, before when I sat on the bike it had almost a full 2 inches of sag, now it has about 1/2 - 1 inch.  Next step is new shocks... 1979 cx500D - mostly stock    Report

06-08-2008, 10:28 PM LRCXed Joined on 05-15-2008 Sacramento, California Posts 1,670 Re: PVC preload spacer... I did the spacer today for a set of polished forks I sold. I just shortened a set of 7/8" handle bars for my son CX500 custom and had 2 pieces about 1 inch long left over from cutting the bars shorter. I got them even on my metal lathe. The cut pieces fit perfectly in diamiter. When it comes to reinstalling the caps, I leave the short spring out and put the cap in to see where the male and female threads line up to start them threading together. I then put a mark on the tube and the cap so I know where to position the cap while I'm pushing it down against the spring. It works the first time every time because your not searching to find the catch point. AND, less of a chance of cross threading the cap. If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d. 78 CX500 Std, 79 CX500 project, 80 CX500C, 83 GL650I http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/    Report

06-09-2008, 6:47 AM Len in PA Joined on 03-31-2006 Bristol, PA Posts 485 Re: PVC preload spacer... LRCXed, that's an excellent tip! '82 GL500i...nearing 100,000 miles    Report

06-09-2008, 9:42 AM Anonymous Re: PVC preload spacer... Hey, thanks for the tip.  I have to open the forks back up and put the spacer on top, so I'm going to use your thread marking tip later today.

01-28-2009, 8:15 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: PVC preload spacer... Don't forget to refill the forks with 20w fork oil for a stiffer ride. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

02-01-2009, 7:58 PM Bakerwood Joined on 11-02-2008 Wichita, KS Posts 37 Re: PVC preload spacer... I put in the 1" long CPVC couplers in my forks yesterday and love the feel. I am thinking that I will make a pair of 1-1/4" just for grins. I have a heavy load of Vetter fairing to make up for. And I have 20wt oil in there. Thanks for all the help you guys! Ed Baker Bakerwood.com 1979 CX 500 Custom 1969 Dream 305 (Sold)    Report

02-01-2009, 8:14 PM marshallf3 Joined on 01-12-2009 Oklahoma City Posts 1,542 Re: PVC preload spacer... Just about any kind of tubular spacer you can imagine can be found from these companies - if you're patient enough to go through all the possible categories: http://www.mcmaster.com/ http://www.smallparts.com/ 1979 CX500C ░░░░░░░ 96 & 98 GTP, 78 Chevy G30 400V8, 78 Gremlin 304V8, 65 Barracuda 273V8    Report

02-01-2009, 8:53 PM senile_seinen Joined on 07-25-2008 Charlottesville, VA Posts 180 Re: PVC preload spacer... I just finished this job today.  I found a 3/4" copper pipe coupler (NIBCO brand from Lowes) to be exactly the right diameter.  I looked at the shop manual, did the math on spring free length, and discovered the fork sag I had observed to be just about right - the small and large springs (yes, 81 and 82 customs have two in each tube and a washer in between) together were 2 1/16" too short.  So I put in a 1 3/4"  spacers.  We'll see how it does, but if it gets the nose of the bike up by 1 1/2 inches or so I'll be happy. I also put in 20 wt oil while I was at it.  Hopefully it'll be firm but not too firm.  I do tend to like my bikes on the taut side, though... 1981 CX500 Custom    Report

04-02-2009, 4:51 PM admwyne Joined on 09-09-2007 Oak Grove, KY Posts 30 Re: PVC preload spacer... Screaming Eagle Heavy Fork Oil is the same stuff that I picked up for my fork rebuild. The Harley tech I deal with told me that "regular" is about equal to a 10 wt, "heavy" is the same as a 20wt, and "extra heavy" and "race" are the same as a 30wt. The catch with extra heavy and race is the dampening life though. They aren't meant for long term use, but for actual race applications. Once the oil heats up from repeated dampening, the viscosity breaks down fairly fast and settles much sooner than oil formulated for daily street riding.    Report

04-02-2009, 7:11 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: PVC preload spacer...  admwyne wrote: The catch with extra heavy and race is the dampening life though. They aren't meant for long term use, but for actual race applications. Once the oil heats up from repeated dampening, ARRRRRGH!!!!!!!! I hate to sound like one of thse guys, but there is a real difference between damping and dampening. Damping means reducing the amplitude of an oscillation or vibration. Dampening means to make something damp or moist. The oil in your suspension damps the oscillations that would otherwise occur when the spring is compressed and then relesed such as happens when you hit a bump. With oil that is too thin you would have insufficient damping. If you want to dampen your suspension a wet paper towel works as well as anything - just rub it on the forks to dampen them ;-) Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

04-02-2009, 7:25 PM Graywolfs02 Joined on 09-08-2007 Coon Rapids Minnesota Posts 593 Re: PVC preload spacer...  senile_seinen wrote: I just finished this job today.  I found a 3/4" copper pipe coupler (NIBCO brand from Lowes) to be exactly the right diameter. Wouldn't copper be too soft and allow the spacer to crush and deform to a point where the spring(s) it is lengthening push through the spacer itself??. Greg 1982 GL 500I "Red" (Wing) 1978 CX 500 Now at a new home Minnesota Ride Safe, Ride Fast, Ride Far    Report

04-03-2009, 11:12 AM tcmia Joined on 10-09-2008 Cleveland, TN Posts 82 Re: PVC preload spacer... I also used the CPVC couplings. I could not get the caps back on with the space on top. I put the spacer on the bottom of the large spring and then was able to put it all back together. Works really well so far. Not sure if the location of the spacer makes any difference. Maybe somebody else has any insight on the location of the spacer.    Report

04-03-2009, 6:07 PM admwyne Joined on 09-09-2007 Oak Grove, KY Posts 30 Re: PVC preload spacer... <BLOCKQUOTE><table width="85%"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/cs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>Sidecar Bob wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"> <P>ARRRRRGH!!!!!!!!</P> <P>I hate to sound like one of thse guys, but there is a real difference between damping and dampening.</P> <P>Damping means reducing the amplitude of an oscillation or vibration.</P> <P>Dampening means to make something damp or moist.</P> <P>The oil in your suspension damps the oscillations that would otherwise occur when the spring is compressed and then relesed such as happens when you hit a bump. With oil that is too thin you would have insufficient damping.</P> <P>If you want to damp<EM>en</EM> your suspension a wet paper towel works as well as anything - just rub it on the forks to dampen them ;-)</P></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE> Well, I hope my error didn't confuse everyone! Wow, I could have just had all these people here wetting down their forks! Lighten up, the general point was made.    Report

04-07-2009, 9:37 AM Wood_Dubby Joined on 01-29-2009 West Jordan, Utah Posts 262 Re: PVC preload spacer... While we're on forks and such- I want to put some spacers in and put a heavier oil in for better handling, etc... but I actually want the front end to be a little lower, but it seems like with more stiffness comes more height, so, can this be done without calling out all the kings horses and all the kings men? or can it even be done to the stock forks? would I have to get a whole different set of forks off of a different bike? 1982 CX500 Custom (A Frankenstein of a machine).    Report

04-07-2009, 9:44 AM kingston73 Joined on 04-19-2008 Bellingham, MA Posts 1,722 Re: PVC preload spacer... Many just drop the forks by raising them, if that makes sense.  Loosen the triple tree clamps and raise the fork legs up a little, this will effectively lower the front of the bike.  Just make sure the do this in the rear as well, I know many put on 11 inch rear shocks from Honda Magna's or similar. 1979 cx500D - mostly stock    Report

04-07-2009, 1:10 PM Wood_Dubby Joined on 01-29-2009 West Jordan, Utah Posts 262 Re: PVC preload spacer... Thanks! I went onto hondapartsdirect and looked at the exploded view of the triple tree- it all makes so much more sense now! I just feel like the front of the bike is disproportionally higher than the rear- I'll tweak and see what feels best- just an inch or two wouldn't warrant a rear shock change would it? 1982 CX500 Custom (A Frankenstein of a machine).    Report

04-07-2009, 2:43 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: PVC preload spacer... If you shorten the forks without lowering the rear end too you will reduce both trail & rake. This will alter the handling. Whether it will be better, worse or not different enough to matter depends on a lot of factors. If you lower both ends the front will still liik like it's higher than the rear. Lowering either or bth ends will also reduce the ground clearance. If you simply move the forks up in the fork bridges (a much better term than "triple clamps" and "tripple trees" makes no sense at all) they will probably hit the handlebars before you make enough change to notice. If you change to forks that are significantly shorter the steering will be quicker and straight line stability at speed will be reduced. As I said, this may be an improvement or you may not like it at all - the only way to find out would be to try it. Personally, if it was my bike and I was happy with the way it handles, I wouldn't waste the time & money just to change the looks. Your bike is the Custom model and customs are supposed to look like that. There are other things that you can do inside the forks to lower the front end. Some of them are described on the page linked below (scroll down - it's below the Fork Spring Worksheet). BTW: You should never just open up the forks and add a spacer without calculating the maximum spacer that won't make the springs bind. If you don't take this into account you can actually reduce the available suspension travel. http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Suspension2.aspx Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

04-07-2009, 8:53 PM Wood_Dubby Joined on 01-29-2009 West Jordan, Utah Posts 262 Re: PVC preload spacer... hmmmmmm.... you've given me alot to think about, and I think I may not lower the front after all... On that page he referred to aligning the front, but there wasn't any immediate link visible, I may have just missed it... but after 'test' riding around today, I definitely need an alignment. 1982 CX500 Custom (A Frankenstein of a machine).    Report

04-10-2009, 1:02 PM Wood_Dubby Joined on 01-29-2009 West Jordan, Utah Posts 262 Re: PVC preload spacer... uhhhh craaaap, the front fork seal section of Rob Davis' site is down- how much fork oil goes into each side of a 1982 CX 500 C? 1982 CX500 Custom (A Frankenstein of a machine).    Report

04-10-2009, 3:13 PM Randall-in-Mpls Joined on 07-06-2007 Minneapolis, MN Posts 2,629 Re: PVC preload spacer... Dubby, check your PM. R '78 CX500 - Black Maggot --> Green Grub / Yellow Grub / Red Grub ???    Report

04-11-2009, 4:08 PM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: PVC preload spacer...  Wood_Dubby wrote: uhhhh craaaap, the front fork seal section of Rob Davis' site is down- how much fork oil goes into each side of a 1982 CX 500 C? Ugh!  here we go. If someone has that info archived that Rob listed for all bikes (GL's were 210cc, IIRC) they should post it now. 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

04-11-2009, 4:33 PM fll1441 Joined on 11-06-2006 Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts 976 Re: PVC preload spacer... I used 7.5 ounces in each side of my 82 CX500 Custom front fork tubes. I found that figure in my notes from when I changed my fork oil about a year ago. I don't remember where I got the amount from, originally. It may have been Rob's site or it may have been one of the service manuals. 1982 CX500 Custom    Report

04-11-2009, 6:16 PM senile_seinen Joined on 07-25-2008 Charlottesville, VA Posts 180 Re: PVC preload spacer...  Graywolfs02 wrote:  senile_seinen wrote: I just finished this job today.  I found a 3/4" copper pipe coupler (NIBCO brand from Lowes) to be exactly the right diameter. Wouldn't copper be too soft and allow the spacer to crush and deform to a point where the spring(s) it is lengthening push through the spacer itself??. Greg These other guys are using PVC, which is a lot softer than the copper I'm using.  further, since it's a coupler and not a piece of pipe, it's actually investment cast to be just that size.  I don't know what the ultimate compression strength is of that coupler, but it's higher than the PVC I was mocking up with first. 1981 CX500 Custom    Report

04-11-2009, 6:46 PM kingston73 Joined on 04-19-2008 Bellingham, MA Posts 1,722 Re: PVC preload spacer...  Abes_CW wrote:  Wood_Dubby wrote: uhhhh craaaap, the front fork seal section of Rob Davis' site is down- how much fork oil goes into each side of a 1982 CX 500 C? Ugh!  here we go. If someone has that info archived that Rob listed for all bikes (GL's were 210cc, IIRC) they should post it now. I don't know if the 82 had bigger forks than earlier models, but my 79 is supposed to get 136 cc's. 1979 cx500D - mostly stock    Report

04-13-2009, 8:48 PM ericthebassman Joined on 04-08-2008 St. Paul, MN Posts 1 Re: PVC preload spacer... I am not sure if this helps but I was looking for this info too and came up with this http://web.archive.org/web/20080203151640rn_1/www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/front_forks_seals/ There are no pictures but at least I can get the information that I was looking for on Rob's site. 1982 CX500C    Report

05-28-2009, 6:14 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: PVC preload spacer... Fork Oil Levels  katoscoobs wrote: Since Rob's site seems to no longer be working well, here's a list of fork oil levels.  Hope this saves somebody a lot of time along the way. CX500Z, A, B 1978, 1979; CX500C, D 1979, 1980 : 135 cc in each fork leg. CX500 C 1981, 1982 : 220 cc in each fork leg. CX500 D 1981 : 185 cc in each fork leg. CX500 EC (Eurosport) : 265 cc left leg and 250cc in the right leg. All GL500, GL500D and GL500I : 210 cc in each fork leg. CX650C : 480 cc in each fork leg. CX650 E-D (Eurosport): 290 cc left leg and 275 cc right leg. GL650, GL650D2-E, GL650I : 275 cc in each fork leg. For the full, no pictures guide, click here. 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

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