[cgpiper]

Are the triples the same for the 1978-82 CX500s? If not, which ones will replace a '78 if I can't find that year? Is the replacement very difficult to do (besided time-consuming)? It looks fairly straightforward in the service manual, but looks are frequently deceiving. I'm a class D mechanic... just know enough to be dangerous... good enough to take things apart but not so good at putting them back together...



But I'm thinking I can tackle this with the manual at hand.

 

[Blindstitch]

78 triple trees are the same as the cx500's 1978-80. The fork holes are 33mm. The forks after 80 are 35mm.



Are you just changing the tree or the forks?

 

[cgpiper]

The PO removed the originals and put something else on it to make it look more "cafe" I guess. I just want it back to stock, so I'm scrounging the parts locally (got a lead today) and will probably start working on this so I can get the stock cowl, electrics, etc., in shape before I start with the rest of the bike. I posted some pictures so you can see what it has right now, if you get a chance.



http://tubbs.cc/cx500





Thanks, Blindstitch!



Bill

 

[Blindstitch]

I think I see your forks.

 

[Blindstitch]

Yep looks like a magna. Cant seem to find the rim configuration anywhere else.



I cant tell you what to do but if I could I would take a stock triple tree and put it next to the one you have on the bike and see how much welding it would take to make the current one work. It is a far superior system. The only reason to go back to stock would be to restore it.



If that was your goal I wish we were neighbors because I would trade you straight up for the superior front end and dual disc brakes.

 

[cgpiper]

Yeah, I'm just more into getting it to stock and out on the road. Thanks for finding that Magna, though. It's good to know.

 

[Blindstitch]

Just don't pay to much for the stock parts as they aren't that special. Sure you need



Nacelle

gauge cluster

triple tree

left and right fork

wheel with axle and speedo gear

And then a brake caliper.



Plus all the little odds and ends to put a nacelle on.

You might even buy a whole parts bike just to get it solid.

 

[cgpiper]

I have all but the forks at this point. At least the PO. Saved it I didn't realize I had the top portion of the tree in my box of spare parts.

 

[cgpiper]

So can I safely assume that '80 forks will fit the '78 just like the triple tree?

 

[Blindstitch]

As long as they are original 80's from a cx yes.

 

[cgpiper]

Great, and thanks!

 

[RVP3]

Are these properly described as coming from an '80s Deluxe and are they likely 33 or 35mm?



My link



What has me wondering is that they are air forks. Thanks.

 

[Blindstitch]

Incorrect or adapted. The question is which. If you look at the bottom of the forks they have oil drain bolts. Those could have been drilled and tapped. Or they could be from a similar honda. They also have air caps on the top. But just because they have air caps doesn't mean that they are incorrect because people would semi mod them by putting on the air caps to make them act like air powered forks. Then they could add 10psi and get the benefits from it.



I think someone said cb400 forks are similar.



The tree does look right.

 

[Blindstitch]

Here's my guess. 1982 Cb450 SC

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmo...torcycle-cb450sc-front-fork/o/m14678sch633572

 

[cgpiper]

These are the ones I was looking at and I asked the seller to verify the parts numbers for me. No response yet, but after reading this thread it appears that it's not the one I want. Glad there's some good resource info with you guys!

 

[Blindstitch]

These should do the job.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hond...7580162QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories



I would suggest that you rebuild anything you buy. The forks you're thinking of are dirt cheap to rebuild. Maybe $40 tops.

 

[cgpiper]

These should do the job.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hond...7580162QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories



I would suggest that you rebuild anything you buy. The forks you're thinking of are dirt cheap to rebuild. Maybe $40 tops.

What about these?



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/79-H...5566143QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978...4043725QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hond...7693229QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories



This last one is actually pretty close by -- about a hundred miles.



I have the complete triple tree so all I need are forks. Think one of these will do the job?



Looks like more than a few available but if I'm going to rebuild them anyway, they should be fine as long as they're straight and not pitted, right? Then I'll just need to fork over (sorry... bad pun) money for rebuild parts.

 

[Blindstitch]

Those all look like the right ones. the last set looks the worst but they are all usable.

 

[RVP3]

Are these properly described as coming from an '80s Deluxe and are they likely 33 or 35mm?



My link



What has me wondering is that they are air forks. Thanks.

Seller tells me they are 33mm.

 

[Blindstitch]

Seller tells me they are 33mm.

Sure they are but they aren't cx. They're cb. It doesn't really make a difference but if he's going to go from a superior system down to stock crap then he should use pure stock for a cx.