[Reagan40]

I am looking at buying my first CX 500 Custom today. This is my first older motor cycle. What am I getting into? Are parts tough to find? Everything is included except for the gas tank. I am watching a tank on ebay right now. It appears all other parts are there. The seller says the motor will not turn. I will have to investigate the seriousness of that issue. All other parts are there and he has a title. Selling price is $50, so I figure even if the motor is beyond repair, I am not out a bunch of money, and can probably part it out and make a profit. Ideally, I would like to get it drivable. Let me know your thoughts and provide me with any advise possible.

 

[DakotaMK]

Not to sound like a broken record here, but please update your profile to show your location- and add your bike to the signature line. Someone might be able to give you a hand if they are close enough, and knowing what you have will help get you the info needed faster when you post.



Welcome in, have fun, and good luck!

 

[Reagan40]

OK... More info added. I will continue to work on my profile here, if I can keep myself out of the garage. I think I scored today. I bought a 1979 CX500 custom for $50. It was minus the gas tank, all other parts are there, though some will need replaced. It did not have a key, so I took the ignition out tonight and sent Kilroy a message. This bike was purchased brand new in 1980. The owner drove it for about 10 years then parked it. It has sat for over 20 years, sometimes inside and sometimes outside. Unfortunately, there is a good bit of rust, but most of it is surface rust. I took the exhaust off tonight as it was rusted terribly. I drained the oil, which looked good. The engine turns, so that is a relief. The transmission shifts gears, and the rear brake works, though it is a bit squishy. The front brake lever will not move and the master cylinder reservoir is cracked. I will have to replace that. The throttle also seems stuck. Once I get a key, I plan on testing the ignition/starter. If that works, I will make sure I am getting spark to the plugs. If that all goes ok, I will see if I can get the engine to fire, though I am pretty confident I will have to rebuild the carbs since it sat so long. I hope to get it mechanically sound and ride it a little bit this summer. In the fall, I will tear it down and start sanding and painting. Next spring will be fun! It has been a while since I have had a project like this, and it was just what I needed. I spent two hours in the garage and feel completely relaxed. Reading this forum inspired me to go ahead and start this project, so thanks!

 

[81custom]

congratulations on the purchase,



sounds like a good project - when you get the chance put up some pictures.



these bikes are not difficult to work on, and you will be surprised at hopefully - how easily it may come to life for you.



in preparation for you getting to know your bike, buy a can of envirolube and spray it on EVERY rusty nut, screw, bolt, and even if they aren't rusty etc - it will make it a bit easier by the time you need to undo them..



be prepared to get your hands a bit dirty - and also to clean all your electrical connections

some electrical contact cleaner is also a good investment, bit of emery paper,some basic tools and a multimeter if you have one are good items to have.



you should do a full tune up/maintenance procedure before you try and start the bike.



bit of oil down the cylinders will not hurt either



good luck

 

[Shep]

You sound like you know most of this stuff but it's worth a look,





http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=72



HTH

 

[DakotaMK]

OK... More info added. I will continue to work on my profile here, if I can keep myself out of the garage. I think I scored today. I bought a 1979 CX500 custom for $50. It was minus the gas tank, all other parts are there, though some will need replaced. It did not have a key, so I took the ignition out tonight and sent Kilroy a message. This bike was purchased brand new in 1980. The owner drove it for about 10 years then parked it. It has sat for over 20 years, sometimes inside and sometimes outside. Unfortunately, there is a good bit of rust, but most of it is surface rust. I took the exhaust off tonight as it was rusted terribly. I drained the oil, which looked good. The engine turns, so that is a relief. The transmission shifts gears, and the rear brake works, though it is a bit squishy. The front brake lever will not move and the master cylinder reservoir is cracked. I will have to replace that. The throttle also seems stuck. Once I get a key, I plan on testing the ignition/starter. If that works, I will make sure I am getting spark to the plugs. If that all goes ok, I will see if I can get the engine to fire, though I am pretty confident I will have to rebuild the carbs since it sat so long. I hope to get it mechanically sound and ride it a little bit this summer. In the fall, I will tear it down and start sanding and painting. Next spring will be fun! It has been a while since I have had a project like this, and it was just what I needed. I spent two hours in the garage and feel completely relaxed. Reading this forum inspired me to go ahead and start this project, so thanks!

Holy Crap! You seem to be a real go getter!! LOL



Sounds like for what it costs me to fill the tank on my car you got a really good deal!

 

[Stubby]

Wow. I hope some day I will have the confidence and know how to jump into a bike like you are. Keep us updated on how things are going.

 

[Crshndbrn]

Stubby, you're getting there, just have to dive in. We all learned by trying.

 

[Reagan40]

Stubby, you're getting there, just have to dive in. We all learned by trying.

I agree with this. This is how I have always done projects. I just dive in then do research when I get stumped. I have learn a great deal doing this. With this forum, and the information I have already learned from it, I am well ahead of where I was knowledge wise just a week ago.