Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

Search Sort Posts:  Oldest to newest Newest to oldest

02-19-2009, 3:06 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Figures :) (starter issue) As soon as I get the thing running great, something goes screwy. When I went out to start the bike, the starter engaged as usual, but before the bike kicked over (the starter was doing its thing) the starter sounded like it came untethered... like the starter motor was just spinning and not doing it's thing to actually start the bike. When I tried it again, the starter engaged like it usually does, but then again stopped engaging the engine and just spun like it had before. It took a second or two to stop spinning and made clacking sounds before it stopped completely. I didn't try again because the sounds worried me. What is going on here? Two things the bike has been doing that may or may not be related. The bike has been taking a few seconds of the starter engaged to kick the bike over since it has been real cold... but maybe taking longer than it should. It really does take some time before the bike finally kicks in. The other thing, last night, for some reason, I thought I had to hit the starter to shut the bike down :P. So yea, I hit the starter for a second or two while the bike was running. I figure that might have screwed something up. Any ideas what I'm looking at? -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-19-2009, 3:13 PM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Does the engine turn over when starting?  If it does, is it strong?  If not, weak battery might be a problem (best case).  If engine doesn't turn over and the starter is spinning, could be the starter clutch.  With the noise you describe, sounds like the starter clutch to me (engine out job).  Some of the "old pros" might have some other ideas.  At any rate, check the easy stuff first like the starter motor correctly mounted, etc.  Hope it's something simple. Another thing I thought of is if you have pulled the rear cover off, did you use a gasket for reassembly.  Use of a gasket as well as the correct size for the rear cover is important to prevent binding. Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

02-19-2009, 4:05 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Starter clutch sounds like it. Because it does still engage for a few seconds before slipping. Two questions. One, is the starter clutch a wet clutch? Is it in oil? B/C I just changed the oil and used amsoil and heard something about clutch slippage. Two, if it isn't a wet clutch and it is just fried, what sort of work/cost am I looking at? -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-19-2009, 4:25 PM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) The wet clutch is for the transmission and is in the front.  The starter clutch is located in the rear, forward of the flywheel.  You have to drop the engine, remove the rear cover and then the flywheel to get to the starter clutch.  The rollers/springs don't cost much.  A scored assembly might be a problem.  One thing you could do without much pain is pull the starter and check the gears (both, starter and clutch) for damage.  Don't jump the gun on this.  I'd wait to see what some of the others on this forum say.  Couple of threads that might help. http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/28636/ShowPost.aspx http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/55161/ShowPost.aspx Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

02-19-2009, 4:47 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) I just checked that first link, went to the youtube video... that is the sound. Fu<k. I do not have the time, space, tools or where-with-all to tackle an engine out repair. This is a real big problem :(. I want a kick start! Can anyone give me good news? -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-19-2009, 4:56 PM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Any friends your way to lend a hand?  This work is not hard, but it is involved.  I've had both my bikes apart and back together and they actually still work.   If I can, you can.  Unfortunately, old bikes need the occasional wrench time.  Hope you can get it fixed somehow.  Maybe someone on the forum is close to you. Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

02-19-2009, 5:02 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) I know a kid but he is usually swamped with other work. I'm more than willing to do the work, try to stumble through it, but I certainly don't have anything to drop an engine with. I'll get in touch with him. He is a pretty solid mechanic and he's owned a CX (rode one from Olympia to Phoenix apparently), so if he has time he's the guy. If not... :(. -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-19-2009, 8:55 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Clumzi, If you have a stack of 2X4 blocks you don't even need a floor jack to drop an engine ... it just takes a little longer. If you need someone to talk you through it email me ... I have free long distance. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-20-2009, 8:18 AM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Well, here is a different question. That guy in the youtube video with a cx650 that has the same problem. He eventually got his bike running in that video. Especially on a warmer day, I'm pretty sure I could get the bike running since it takes a second or two before the starter slips. Since the starter clutch is already shot, would I be doing any real harm in trying to start the bike even though the starter clutch is slipping? I don't think I'd want to risk commuting with the bike in this state, but could I still do out and back trips without causing undo harm? -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-20-2009, 8:26 AM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) I defer to R80Dave on that one. Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

02-20-2009, 8:43 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Continued use could cause damage to your crankshaft journal. Some of the Goldwing guys say to drain a quart oil and add in some marvel mystery oil and ride gently for 100-150  miles and then do an oil and filter change.  I suppose since our bikes our smaller, perhaps half a quart would be better?  Has anyone ever done this on a cx with any success?  Some claim that the MMO can clean up the starter clutch bearings.  Seems like its would be worth a shot before tearing into the engine. 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

02-20-2009, 1:57 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Will, Sorry, I have to disagree with you. You won't hurt the crank, but you can damage the surface that the rollers engage on, on the starter gear. Nick, What you will do is damage the gear surface on the starter gear and damage the flywheel more. There is a roller bearing between the starter gear and the crankshaft that will keep the crank from being damaged. Yes you can try to keep starting it the way it is, but in the mean time, start collecting the parts you will need to replace your flywheel and starter clutch assembly (complete with the rollers, springs and caps and you probably want to get the stater gear behind the flywheel also, as this obviously has been going on for a while now. Be aware though that one of these days you are going to press the button and nothing will happen, but the starter spinning. These bikes are real bears to push start and/or roll down a hill to start. Now while this problem is mostly associated with the 650 motor you are the third 500 person who has had this problem that I personally know if. What I recommend is that you find the parts I mentioned above used from another GL500 that has been stripped. 99% of the time they are fine. You just seem to have been part of the unlucky 1%. It is an easy job to do really. How many miles are on the bike? I doubt you will need a new cam chain, but I do recommend that you put in a new ceramic water pump seal, cover seal, copper washer, o-rings on the rear cover, new rear cover gasket, new o-ring on the coolant pipe, ignition cover gasket, and carefully inspect you stator while the cover is off. If you have a lot of miles, you might want to consider the triple by-pass because of the cost of all the gaskets and o-rings that should be replaced every time the cover comes off. If it isn't over 40K I wouldn't worry too much unless the color of the stator says that it has seen its better days.  I once mentored a guy through the job who admitted to me that he once changed the spark plugs in his pick-up truck ... and that was all of his mechanical experience. As far as other than standard tools, you will need a 1/4 inch drive inch pound torque wrench for the rear cover bolts and a 1/2 inch torque wrench for the flywheel and a flywheel puller bolt and a strap wrench to hold the flywheel when you torque it. If you ask around you can get by by borrowing most of those tools or getting to know Harbor freight and/or your local pawn shop. When you get the parts together and are ready to tackle it let us know and we can talk your through it. It isn't that tough a job. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-20-2009, 2:33 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Hey Dave - any comments regarding the MMO?  Is at at all worth a try, if the bike has been sitting a while? 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

02-20-2009, 2:38 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Figures :) (starter issue)  DavidfromWisconsin wrote: Will, Sorry, I have to disagree with you. You won't hurt the crank, but you can damage the surface that the rollers engage on, on the starter gear.   Thanks for your input!  No worries, just disagreeing with Don in Oz and a person's actual findings.  I knew I had it read it somewhere, and found it here: http://australiancx.asn.au/forum/index.php?topic=1178.msg8121;highlight=crankshaft+journal#msg8121 OK this is the story about the starter problem On pulling the starter cage apart we found 2 of the clutch starter rollers burd up and on both of them the springs had failed which meant 2 of the 3 starter pins were not throwing out and engaging. The starter hub on the pin surface was badly burred and needed replacing. The needle bearing that sits on the crank journal was suspect and a ridge ?burr had formed on the crank at the start point of the taper. What does all this mean? well it my book if I hadn't done the work, the crank would have been damaged badly and the last starter pin would have eventually failed making the bike imposable to start. My solution was to oil stone the crank journal where burrs had occurred. Replace the needle roller bearing, replace the starter hub, The rollers, the pins & the springs then replace the 3 torque bolts (thanks Kathy for you comments on this in past posts). Which have all been done today. New gaskets, orings and put the whole lot back together. I hope to have her back on the road by monday  :-) Sorry I have no photo's camera is still broken. Thanks Dr Don you had the right idea you were spot on      1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

02-20-2009, 3:05 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Will, That is news to me. I mentored a lot of these I have never run into damage on the flywheel. The gear surface a few times, but never the crank. Now, Don has been at longer than me, so he could well have seen it. I don't hang out on the Aussie board too often ... David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-20-2009, 3:10 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Yeah several people on here have referenced threads on that board regarding the starter clutch issue.  You both have been at it longer than me, so I'm just taking it all in! 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

02-20-2009, 11:12 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Wow. That is all a lot to take in. The bike has just shy of 52k on it. So rollers, springs, caps, stater gear, ceramic water pump seal, cover seal, copper washer, o-rings, rear cover gasket, o-rings for the coolant pipe, ignition cover gasket and perhaps a new stator. I'm fu<ked :(. I want to believe you that this isn't that tough a job, but it sounds like hours, not to mention weeks just trying to hunt down all those parts and spending money on all the parts that I don't have. And reading other people's constant posts about getting the wrong stuff in the mail don't ease my worries either since if I get the wrong stuff I won't know it until I start trying to put it in. -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-21-2009, 11:43 AM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) If it is still starting I would run it and hunt down the parts in the meantime. Ebay has flywheel starter clutch assemblies real often for less than $50. If you can find one let me know and I will talk to a friend who is starting a motorcycle junk yard. If you weren't in Washington I could buy you a running 500 engine for $50-75 depending on the mileage on the engine. I can ask him to let me know if he gets any non-running engine for the parts you need, but you probably can get the parts quicker on Ebay. If you can change your spark plugs I can talk you through it. It is easy, it is just that you need to take your time ... the first time. Here is half of what you need ... at a very good price. link David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-21-2009, 1:23 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Dave Where are you finding these engines for $50-75? 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

02-21-2009, 2:38 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) That link is for a GL stator and flywheel. Are they interchangeable between CX and GL? I know some things are and some aren't. Hopefully this weekend my buddy can take a look. If he says the same as what you're saying and he has time, we can tackle this thing together, hopefully over spring break. CX parts bikes pop up on Craigslist from time to time, I think I know someone in Tacoma with a spare CX engine. An extra engine isn't really something I have the room for, but I might have friends that can house the thing for me. When I have time I can take the engine that is on there apart and slowly rebuild it. When the replacement engine dies, I can pop this in. I just wish like hell I had time for all this. -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-21-2009, 9:38 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Clumzi, I am so sorry ... I hope you didn't buy it. No, they do not cross over unless you have an '82 CX. With two different ignitions the fly wheels are different between them. BS, There is a guy here in Appleton who is getting a motorcycle salvage business started. He is currently listing over 1500 parts on the place we will not mention. Since I have meet him he has been buy up all the GLs & CXs he can find since. He is planning on posting something on this forum telling everyone to contact him if they need CX or GL parts. I just bought a GL650 motor with 9800 miles from him for $50. It came with the intakes and starter. He knows engines don't sell very well because of the shipping so I have been buying some of the motors. I got one for my brother and Dr Neo for $50 each. I have been advising him on what does & doesn't sell very well. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-21-2009, 9:53 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Dave I think I discovered his stuff today when looking through ebay. Tons of stuff. for a second I thought it was going to be the salvage yard out of Neenah. If you see another low mileage engine think of me. Any chance if you know the engines run when he gets them. I have faith in the engine pulled out of the Couch bike but since I have no clue on mileage I haven't tore into it yet and would prefer a low mileage spare for when the time comes. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

02-21-2009, 10:13 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Stitch, What kind of engine (CX/GL/500/650) do you want. How low of mileage do you want??? David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-21-2009, 10:20 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Clumzi, Here is one even cheaper and it is for a CX ... Link I hope it stays dirt cheap for you. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-21-2009, 10:29 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Cx500. And the lowest mileage possible. I think it would be sweet to have something around 10,000-15,000 but it would be nice to have something under 20,000 so I wouldn't have to worry so much about cam chain wear or other damage. My main bike is at 47,000 the Maggot has 28,000. And if I get itchy it might be nice to put the couch bike back together since it does have a title. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

02-22-2009, 10:28 AM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Hey Dave, checked the link... I see lots of parts in the picture. Does that include the rollers, springs, caps, stater gear, and stator? I haven't yet done my homework in the shop manual to figure out exactly what it is I'm looking to do. When I explain to folks around here what the problem is, they look at me funny and say "starer clutch? You mean solenoid?", like I'm crazy for thinking starters have clutches. Anywho, tomorrow I'll be looking at the thing a little more closely. I have done anything with the bike since I first had this issue. -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-22-2009, 12:46 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) I'm not sure about the springs and caps, as they aren't shown, but then you could always use your old ones. The rollers are there. Usually everything pictured is included. The big difference between the GL & CX model flywheels is the CX has one notch on the stator side of the flywheel for the ignition and a magnetic pick-up for the timing. The GL model have two notches and no magnet. At that price you are crazy of you don't bid, if you are sure it is a starter clutch issue. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-22-2009, 4:26 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Falk here on the boards from Gig Harbor has an '82 engine that has all the stuff I'm likely to need (whole rear of the engine intact). Is the '82 compatible with a '79? Because if it is I'm set, Gig Harbor isn't far at all from Olympia. -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-22-2009, 9:44 PM Sture (in Sweden) Joined on 03-13-2006 Lund, SWEDEN, born -41 Posts 911 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Is the '82 compatible with a '79? Be careful there! Although I don´t know so much about the US variants of the CX / GL 500 (US and European models weren´t identical) I would check this way: Ask the seller about the CDI unit (and the cables from the stator). If there is that black (or metal finish) square unit up behind the tank and the cable harness from the engine ends in three block connectors you should be able to use that engine in your bike. But then there were other differences too - the GL engine has different rear engine casing than the CX engine. Check model code - PC02 for GL 500, PC01 for Custom - I think they were the only 500 models, available in the Us 1982. Except the Turbo, of course. The standard model has model code CX500 and was only available in the US 1978 and m a-y-b-e 1979, I don´t know. Hth! Sture Honda CX 500 (B) x 4. Honda CB 400 N (C) Superdream -82. M´lady´s learner bike. Yamaha SRX 600 -86. Project, currently in wait mode. PAV 40, Czech single-wheel bike trailer. Project with many stand-stills.    Report

02-22-2009, 11:08 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) The '82 probably isn't compatible. The way to tell for sure is the one you want has only one groove cut into the flywheel for the ignition where it it bolts to the crankshaft and has a magnetic dot on the flywheel to trip the ignition sensor.  The newer ignition has two grooves cut into the flywheel, where it bolts to the crankshaft and no magnetic dot. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-23-2009, 10:05 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,463 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) "He knows engines don't sell very well because of the shipping so I have been buying some of the motors. I got one for my brother and Dr Neo for $50 each. I have been advising him on what does & doesn't sell very well. " Heh heh, you weasel Dave!  Concerning the starter clutch causing crankshaft damage, I spoke with Dr. Don last year at P'Amish about this very issue, because I was uncertain how the rollers could damage the crank, since they don't actually contact it.  He explained to me about the sharp impact of the rollers transmitting the damage thru the needle bearing to the crank.  Another reason to attend the Rally's, much good info is exchanged, as well as making great parts contacts.  An hour with Dave/Wis or Dave/Atlanta will teach you stuff you didn't even know you needed to know.  You get the best parts deals from fellow bikers you've ridden with too.  Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

02-23-2009, 12:34 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Rich, I'm not really being a weasel ... great prices, but read on about the alternative. Until I talked to him he was junking his CX/GL motors. He couldn't find anyone that wanted them once they heard what the shipping cost were. I did tell him he could disassemble them and sell a some of the parts, probably for as much as the whole motor, but then he figured it wasn't worth it when you figure on the labor involved. I am actually doing him a favor and some CX/GL riders a favor at the same time. Think about it ... would you want to pay $150-200 to have a $50-100 motor shipped to you??? Then it is cheaper to rebuild what you have. Myself and a few others in the Wisconsin area have the opportunity to buy a different engine cheaper than rebuilding. Of course, I could buy you a motors and you could ride here and take it home on on the back on your bike instead of shipping it. Or you could offer me enough money to ride my BMW with the trailer and I could haul 4-5 engines to the rally for you to take home. Otherwise, I'm coming riding my new girlfriend ... Candy, my new '82 Gl500I. Other than that, until you said Don said it, I had never heard of that happening. I have never experienced it with even with all the people I have mentored through the procedure of replacement. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-23-2009, 4:51 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) That would be one hell of a wrenching session at the amish if you loaded up 4 or 5 engines to bring out there. The way I see it If I can get an engine for the price of a set of valve covers, clutch cover and maybe a starter that's one hell of a deal. And going to be one big help in case catastrophic failure happens. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

02-25-2009, 12:13 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) update: So I found a guy who has a '78 engine. Is the '78 compatible with a '79? I mean the whole engine, can a '78 bolt into a '79? More importantly, does the '78 have the same starter clutch / flywheel set up as the '79? -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-25-2009, 12:18 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Has the camchain recall been performed on it? 3 dots punched on the lower left crankcase 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

02-25-2009, 5:06 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) 78-81 will bolt in with all the same parts. Like wildmanwill said check on the engine vin plate on the engine in front of shifter. if it has 3 punches on it your good to go. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

02-25-2009, 5:23 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) You know, my engine isn't punched.  It was one of the things I checked when I went to buy it.  I'm assuming it was fixed but the shop didn't realize it was a warranty thing.  So, alright, '78 is ok.  I'll go make that guy an offer on his '78 engine. -nick or wait... only the '78s had the recall?  Only '78s are punched?  I'm just going to pull the starter clutch stuff from it and use the rest for parts or to just have a spare in case of something major.  But I will for sure checked to make sure it is punched. 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-25-2009, 6:38 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Only the 78's were punched as they had a few weak cam chain parts that caused failures. Later years were fine. Does the 78 engine run? Do you know how many miles it has on it. and how many do you have on your current engine? 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

02-25-2009, 10:33 PM gweric47 Joined on 02-20-2009 San Francisco, Ca. Posts 68 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) I wouldn't worry too much unless the color of the stator says that it has seen its better days. David, I was reading your advice to the guy who had the starter problem and your remark concering the color of a stator got me to wondering. I just had my rear cover off to replace the cam chain and everyone told me to "inspect" my stator but I didn't really know what to look for. How does color play into it if you don't mind replyin...thanks...    Report

02-25-2009, 11:15 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) The only reason I can think of to just plug the new motor in (if they are totally compatable) is so that I don't have to open the back of either engine and worry about getting new gaskets. I would be nice to just plug the new one in without opening anything and see if all is well. The guy says it runs but it hasn't in about 5 years. -nick current engine has just shy of 52k on it. I don't know how many on the used engine. 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

02-26-2009, 3:01 AM Sture (in Sweden) Joined on 03-13-2006 Lund, SWEDEN, born -41 Posts 911 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) AFAIK not all -78 x-es had the warranty recall. It was only up to frame No xxxxxx (I´ve seen it somewhere, but forgot where it was.). That should mean that late -78 CX-es were OK already from the factory. The higher the frame number the greater the chance... About putting an engine in which has been still for many years: I had my spare engine running for 8000 km seven years ago. Since then it has been on the floor, inside a heated garage - with a squirt of oil in the cylinders. I didn´t know how it looked inside, so when I this winter wanted to try a 650 clutch and crank gear in it, I had to open it up. Also wanted to check stator and cam chain. When it ran, there were absolutely no leaks from the water pump. When I opened it the ceramic ring was absolutely stuck to the "graphite cup" and rotated inside the impeller rubber lip. I´m totally convinced that I would have got a leak there, if I had started it up without checking first. Now it got a new pump seal, together with rewound stator and new cam chain. Of course, if you´re prepared to pull the motor later, you can just as well try it as is. With some luck everything will be fine (it was for me, seven years ago..). But now I know, and that is better... Regards Sture Honda CX 500 (B) x 4. Honda CB 400 N (C) Superdream -82. M´lady´s learner bike. Yamaha SRX 600 -86. Project, currently in wait mode. PAV 40, Czech single-wheel bike trailer. Project with many stand-stills.    Report

02-26-2009, 9:16 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Clumzi, The darker the color of the stator insulation the more likely the insulation is getting closer to failing. It isn't a 100% sure thing, but it is a pretty good indicator that the insulation is failing. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

02-27-2009, 11:26 AM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) dave, check your email or PMs :). I'd like to call you. -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

03-02-2009, 9:17 AM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Nick, Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, but it was mom's 85th birthday party this weekend. I didn't get an email from you. The address that you get if you click on email below a posting doesn't always get through ... I don't know why. Instead, click on my avatar, when the information comes up, click on where it says "email."  That address always gets through. The correct email address should end with new.rr.com. I was blocked for a long time from posting on the forum. I set up a Gmail account just to be able to sign on again, but that isn't my email account that I trust. It rarely works like it should.  David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

03-02-2009, 10:21 AM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) I'm sending you an email now :) to the good email. Sorry about the forum troubles. -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

03-02-2009, 5:55 PM Clumzi Joined on 01-26-2009 Olympia Washington Posts 636 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Hey Dave... first off, thanks for the phone call. Second, thanks for the response to further questions I just sent via email (when you get the chance). Third... a few more questions :). I was looking at the list of things you sent to me to replace, namely the o-rings and gaskets and all that. There are a few things I'm still confused on. Here is the list you posted further up in the post... new ceramic water pump seal, cover seal, copper washer, o-rings on the rear cover, new rear cover gasket, new o-ring on the coolant pipe, ignition cover gasket, and carefully inspect you stator while the cover is off. the water pump seal, copper washer and ignition cover gasket are confusing me. I can't find these things in the manual or on the parts listings on bikebandit.com. BTW - you're a saint for dealing with me. -nick 1979 CX Rat Sport (EMGO pods, wrapped MAC 2in1, 90/130 re-jet, 18" rear wheel, 50 cal ammo cans, Viper cafe faring, $.97 rattle can flat black) 1987 Toyota Van (Whitey) 2002 Subaru Legacy GT (Spiffy) Motorcycles should be black and dirty :)    Report

04-09-2009, 8:08 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Figures :) (starter issue)  DavidfromWisconsin wrote: Will, That is news to me. I mentored a lot of these I have never run into damage on the flywheel. The gear surface a few times, but never the crank. Now, Don has been at longer than me, so he could well have seen it. I don't hang out on the Aussie board too often ... For future reference, (for the sake of anyone finding this thread in the future) someone on this side of this pond reported finding the same issue when doing their 650 starter clutch job.  So its definitely something that should be checked. http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/2/93209/ShowPost.aspx#93209  ronj10 wrote: I almost missed seeing these. On the end of the crank, right where it goes from main diameter and starts to taper, I found small gouges in the shaft in several places. I spent time with a fine stone smoothing them out real well. I inspected the needle bearing race that goes over that area (under a scope) and suprisingly it is ok. Also, as long as I have the starter off I dis-assembled it and cleaned it up as suggested in another post. 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

04-09-2009, 1:58 PM Dash Joined on 08-25-2008 San Francisco, California Posts 628 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Boo hoo.  My '82 CX500 has the same problem with the starter clutch.  The starter spins but doesn't engage the motor whenever it's cold.  If the bike is parked in the sun and it's warm outside, the starter spins the motor and starts up.  I just changed the oil and also added Seafoam to crankcase to try and de-gunk the innards. I'll keep you posted on the results. '67 Honda Dream '70 Moto Guzzi Ambassador '75 Suzuki GT250 '76 Goldwing '81 GL500 Silverwing '82 GL500 Silverwing <--just bought it 16 Mar 2010 '90 Yamaha XT350 '91 Kawasaki KDX200    Report

04-09-2009, 3:22 PM Sture (in Sweden) Joined on 03-13-2006 Lund, SWEDEN, born -41 Posts 911 Re: Figures :) (starter issue) Many years ago (> 10) one of my previous GL 500:s used to do like that, when cold (~0 C or below). Never when clearly over 0 (32 F). I changed oil to 15W-50 semi-synth Castrol bike oil. Never happened again, but it was in springtime - temps were rising and the bike was sold during the next summer. Seemed a weak battery played a role too, to make for the starter clutch to miss occasionally. Regards Sture   Honda CX 500 (B) x 4. Honda CB 400 N (C) Superdream -82. M´lady´s learner bike. Yamaha SRX 600 -86. Project, currently in wait mode. PAV 40, Czech single-wheel bike trailer. Project with many stand-stills.    Report

Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » Technical Help ... » Figures :) (starter issue)

(please select) Forums Home |- Search Forums |- Active Topics |- Unanswered Posts User Options |- Sign In |- Join this community |- Forgot Password CX500 GL500 Transverse Twins Discussion Forum |- General Discussion |- CX Customization and Modifications |- CX500 & CX650 Turbo Forum |- Travelling, Friends, and Trips |- Selling and Buying Forum |- Technical Help Forum Other Forums |- Off-Topic Posts |- Test Forum