[PhayzR]

I'm being given a CX500 rolling frame, and was wondering if any ol' engine the right size would fit with some custom-welded mounts.

I'm asking because I want to invest in brand new crate engine and parts to put in an old frame and body, So i have something that will run for a while.



I'm looking for something 500-1000cc, preferably 650 or 750.

I also know that it may be a pain int he ass, due to the new engine not being designed as a transverse ingine, so the shaft would not be set up as such...





Any ideas? I could really use some guidance here...

 

[Phil in Vermont]

I'm being given a CX500 rolling frame, and was wondering if any ol' engine the right size would fit with some custom-welded mounts.

I'm asking because I want to invest in brand new crate engine and parts to put in an old frame and body, So i have something that will run for a while.



I'm looking for something 500-1000cc, preferably 650 or 750.

I also know that it may be a pain int he ass, due to the new engine not being designed as a transverse ingine, so the shaft would not be set up as such...





Any ideas? I could really use some guidance here...

Repeat after me: Our Father....

 

[Blindstitch]

I think you're on your own here. Everything depends on your combination. And I'm pretty sure you're probably going chain drive so you have to make sure the engine side sprocket has the room to clear that parts of the frame. To me it sounds kind of dumb if it isn't about a frame with a title.



You will most likely be taking the cx frame and having to add a downtube and other items to support the engine.





Can you give us some incite on the crate engine you are thinking of buying?

 

[PhayzR]

I personally have no idea what kind of engine I'm looking for or where to get it, hence seeking help in the forums.



My previous bike ('82 GL500 Silverwing) was stolen the night i pulled the busted engine out. A couple of very talented and knowledgeable car mechanics that I know wanted to help me to build a new one, custom made just for me, so naturally, I'm down!



I'm being given the rolling frame for free, and will need a bonded title, but its free and comes with a busted engine and carbs (scrap metal money to fund the project).





Granted, the guys I'm working with are CAR mechanics. They have helped me to maintain my bike when it ran, and have seen them work on biked before, but if there are any essential guidelines to follow when building a bike from the ground up, I'm sure they are unfamiliar with them. Im sure there are key things to keep in mind to make sure the bike is a safe ride, so if you have any input on this as well, I'd greatly appreciate it.





I'm hoping to rake the frame, since my buddies are experienced welders with their own torches. Any advice/guidelines there?

So far, the only thing i have to work with is this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7ofRq8EDag

Aside from the pictures included here, I'm sure its more complicated than angling the chopped tree 20º and reinforcing it with 3/8" steel plates?



Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. I'm really thankful for this community and all of the generosity its members have offered!

 

[Blindstitch]

That's TNTchirtwood's bike. I believe something catastrophic happened to the engine and he hasn't gotten around to making it whole again. I believe he also has a honda shadow to get him by.





What I think you should do is think really hard about what you want for an engine. You will also need the electronics for that.



Personally I would look for a gl500 engine to go right back into the bike. If I didn't do that I would probably go with an engine out of a cb750 as they seem to be pretty cheap and findable.





http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/29599/ShowPost.aspx

 

[Blindstitch]

 

[minimac]

If you really don't want another 500 to put in it, maybe an early Gold wing(1000-1100)? They are reasonable and plentiful. You'd have to do a lot of cutting and fitting, stretching, widening, etc., but would end up with something unique. You'll end up modifying your roller regardless, once you move away from the stock motor.

 

[Ryan]

Sell the roller and buy the bike you want....this project seems extremely expensive for limited gains. It's not like the CX frame is known as being terribly sought-after.

 

[achille]

........................................................................ It's not like the CX frame is known as being terribly sought-after.

Indeed; I'm not far from a major metropolitan area and can't seem to GIVE one away.

 

[army85harley]

I'm being given a CX500 rolling frame, and was wondering if any ol' engine the right size would fit with some custom-welded mounts.

I'm asking because I want to invest in brand new crate engine and parts to put in an old frame and body, So i have something that will run for a while.



I'm looking for something 500-1000cc, preferably 650 or 750.

I also know that it may be a pain int he ass, due to the new engine not being designed as a transverse ingine, so the shaft would not be set up as such...





Any ideas? I could really use some guidance here...

PhayzR,



I agree with everyone else's comments on here about the extensive amount of work it is going to be to make a CX Frame into something other than just another CX. With that being said, I have had my CX for going on two years and ride it almost daily. In fact, I enjoy riding it more than my old Ironhead. Here a picture from a few months ago on a ride. Also, I am just finishing up installing rigid struts, left side mounted tail light/license plate, and shortening my rear fender.

 

[PhayzR]

Sell the roller and buy the bike you want....this project seems extremely expensive for limited gains. It's not like the CX frame is known as being terribly sought-after.

Yeah I understand what I'm looking at here. I don't want to just buy another used bike, because I want to KNOW that if the engine dies, its 100% my fault, lol. On top of that, I'm usually pretty broke as a joke, so a new bike is absolutely out of the question.

I also understand that it will take a lot of work, which im willing to put into this project. Yeah, the frame is nothing fancy, but but its a thousand steps ahead of having nothing at all.

 

[PhayzR]

Sell the roller and buy the bike you want....this project seems extremely expensive for limited gains. It's not like the CX frame is known as being terribly sought-after.

Yeah I understand what I'm looking at here. I don't want to just buy another used bike, because I want to KNOW that if the engine dies, its 100% my fault, lol. On top of that, I'm usually pretty broke as a joke, so a new bike is absolutely out of the question.

I also understand that it will take a lot of work, which im willing to put into this project. Yeah, the frame is nothing fancy, but but its a thousand steps ahead of having nothing at all.

 

[jonmcg93]

Indeed; I'm not far from a major metropolitan area and can't seem to GIVE one away.

I'd take it.. but your across the country LOL

 

[cdyoung1985]

You could do the cx650 motor, I've heard of people doing that before... Can't say you'll get a new one, but from what I've experienced and heard the CX's are very reliable motors. If you want a new motor, I'd suggest getting the 650 and rebuilding it. You say you don't have much money, so to me buying a brand new motor to put in basically a random frame doesn't seem to make sense. You can take the CX with the original motor and make it look really cool, and not have to custom fab the frame, which you gotta remember your life depends on the frame, and car mechanics probably don't know what it takes to build a frame safely. Maybe if you found another motor that is designed to be part of the frame it might work, because our motor is the down tubes of the frame. Granted the CX motors aren't easy to come by, but I just saw one on ebay for $650 and it said it ran..... I'm all for cool mods, but you gotta think realistically. I can't see it being worth the trouble, especially since this isn't the top end frame, now if it were world renown for it's light weight and it's handling capabilities, then I could understand it

 

[cx650eafrica]

Hi. I have to agree with cdyoung1985, it would be far simpler going with a 650 conversion. I am rebuilding one at this moment and can vouch for their toughness. However, if you have the need to go totally crazy, find yourself a 650 turbo, that baby will keep you busy for a while. Seriously, do a web search for a cx engine in Belgium, I am sure you will find one there.

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

I remember you posting when your bike was stolen.



You have the engine you took out of the GL, correct? Mount that in the CX frame using the rear cover and flywheel from the "rolling frame" (which sounds more like a complete non-runner.)



Simple as can be, and uses parts you already have on hand. (You're usually pretty broke, remember?) Get it running, then modify to your hearts content.





R

 

[mist8kn]

Indeed; I'm not far from a major metropolitan area and can't seem to GIVE one away.

if you'd like to give that frame away I know of someone that can pick it up whenever you want it gone.

 

[Blindstitch]

if you'd like to give that frame away I know of someone that can pick it up whenever you want it gone.

Just contact him and i'm sure he will let you give it a new home.

 

[cafex]

I think most would agree that the beauty of these bikes is the motor. A unique, dependable, smooth, running lump of twisted engineering. The frame is designed around the motor specifically for this motor and on it's own is nothing special. Go ride a cx500 and perhaps you will understand that the best choice is the easiest and cheapest one that comes with the best technical support group on the planet. Get yourself a twisted twin lump of glory and never look back.

 

[cdyoung1985]

Hi. I have to agree with cdyoung1985, it would be far simpler going with a 650 conversion. I am rebuilding one at this moment and can vouch for their toughness. However, if you have the need to go totally crazy, find yourself a 650 turbo, that baby will keep you busy for a while. Seriously, do a web search for a cx engine in Belgium, I am sure you will find one there.

I said that to someone once and was called a noob cuz "everyone" knows it doesn't work, guess I'm no one, but I haven't done tons of research, I just figured if a 650 engine will fit, why not the turbo, but supposedly you can't make that work... I can't say either way, can't say I've ever even seen a 650, let alone a 650t, have seen a 500t, for sale for $3500, wish I had a ton of money, I'l have bought it, but that's $1k more than I paid for my house.....