I don't think you're alone but I don't think you're right. Not that anyone can be right.



Both styles have their likes and dislikes.



Personally I don't like the sitting position of the std/deluxes. But it isn't fair that ones private areas have to suffer on the custom.



But it's all about style. Honda introduced several customs at the same time of our bikes and they all seem to be similar.



If you look into it most bikes had a twin. There's a Standard, Custom and F.



One of the bikes I would really like to get my hands on is a vt1100c.

Seems to look like another bike.

 

I knew this topic would bring out some disagreements Re: the "Look" of the Custom. I'm glad at least we all seem to agree that we have a nice ride... reliable, economical, safe... and not just the usual UJM by any means.



And then I came across this.picture



I have to laugh at the irony of the most well known maker of TT or Longitudinal Crank engines proved in 1984 that imitation truly is the most sincere form of flattery.

Maybe the "styling" is just a sign of times when "Styling" was kind of weird anyway... *I.E. the 1982 ford Mustang???

And then again... as so many of our CXs are retrograding to that "Cafe" look with the lines of the early 50's-60's



they sure seem to work on this little scooteria...

note the "Chain" drive circa 1953...









* 1982 Ford Mustang... a "Styling Masterpiece of the 80's"

 

That bike in mid-city? I told a buddy about it and he's interested in it. Not sure if he'll actually get it though. At least it'll go to a good home if you nab it.





I do think the CX standards are a bit ugly, but ugly in a way that I like. Does that make any sense?

 

Ok... I know this may start some "opinionated" banter as there are a lot of Modded Cx,s in the "looks" dept as well as many "keep it original" believers. I don't intend to start a flame war so let's keep it at least impersonal

.

I really like what Larry, Rickbert and some others here have done in the polish and paint Dept., I like Charles's Front End, Phil's Trike's are amazing... I even like Dakota's hump seat

Well maybe when she tells us what she's hiding in there...



I gotta say though,in my opinion. The box stock CX custom is about the ugliest bike I've ever seen. (pause, thinking of hitting Cancel below)



I'm not talking about the motor or other mechanicals, the motor is one of the best looking and running engines I've ever seen or wrenched on, Inside and out. ( I think most of us would agree on this). It has the Character of a radial aircraft engine and looks like a fine chunk of engineering and mechanical design from the golden part of the post modern "industrial" age. I have found it to be straightforward and simple if not refined and modern all the time.



it's just the "styling" that reminds me of a "T Rex, David Bowie, Mick Jagger boys wearing mascara in the low spark high heeled 80's affected bad acid trip" design concept. More of a post modern "steaming pile of art"

Why Oh Why did they put such a nice looking motor into such a "tramp" of an outfit?

I keep telling myself it's such an ugly dog, like a pug, it's pretty in it's own way. I know I'm lying to myself



The Deluxe, with it's more "Euro" style tank just looks more "right" or cohesive. The Cx looks like a bunch of unrelated after thoughts put together by a culture for another culture no one understood. no wonder they are becoming Cafe'd out...



On one hand the custom has got some nice lines in the drop of the tank with the rake of the fork... then it has a silver box in front, ( too keep it cool, without looking cool?) and a pleated naugha sofa hanging off the back like a side of beef...Sheeze, I could fit three of the 1982 me on a 82CX saddle... comfortably. ( I weighed 145lbs then ).... Sheeze, Elephant wranglers in Thailand have smaller seats... My rear signal lights are larger than ping pong paddles and then there is an 80mph speedo and unreadable thermometer in the middle of the "command" console . ( I guess we all share that )



Enough of my opinion... I cannot bear to think of "chopping" my all there, in pretty decent shape original 82CXc. Even if I do think it has all the beauty of a bad mullet on a breezy day...



what do y'all think of the CX custom's styling and design ? Am I alone in my distaste for the aesthetic approach taken by Honda on the Cx custom. I think I need another CX to re-style to my tastes.



I hope this guy calls me back...



http://neworleans.cr...2232649954.html

I agree. I bought mine with the intent of converting it. I only rode it a few times before I tore it apart. The idea was to build a unique bike that would last a long time once sorted out and be easy to maintain. It's all about the lovely motor.

 

I like 'em. And yes, I like platforms.... in fact, I have boots with a decent platform on them... lol Not that I need them @ 5'9".... ah well

 

Keep them original, value increases that way as opposed to a hack job. Just like the way neck ties go wide then narrow it all comes around over time.



You'll get a lot more comments on an original especially from the Harley & Triumph guys who strive to restore to originality.



Just an honest opinion, that's why I've gone to such trouble and expense getting mine back to as close to factory as I can.

 

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"



I think the Custom looks much better than the Deluxe.

 

They are not called the "Plastic Maggot" because they are beautiful.

 

The Custom isn't the "Plastic Maggot." That's the Standard, with the plastic mini-fairing (one of the first production bikes with a plastic face.)



The Standard was abandoned in '79 because it wasn't selling well. In the American market of the the time, everyone wanted a cruiser. That's why the majority of CXes out there are Customs. Note that even the Deluxe, which was introduced to address the "Maggot" criticisms, didn't last the entire run. (It's ironic that the UK kept the Standard model through '81(?), when it was the British motorcycle press that was particularly critical and coined the term "Plastic Maggot.")



Things haven't changed all that much. Have you noticed that in today's market, there are cruisers, tourers, sport bikes, and a couple scramblers, but you can't find a straight-up basic motorcycle?



Personally, I like the maggot-mask on the Standard because it's unique. The Custom is ugly because it looks like everything else offered at the time (and I can't stand those handlebars.) Unless you have a nearly pristine example, the Custom is ripe for hacking, in my opinion. A less common Standard or Deluxe should be restored.



I have to agree with Kingston on the Eurosport, though. It's too bad they weren't offered here. But they had to respond to market demands, and the market wanted cheap Harley wannabees.





R



P.S. The above is just an opinion. You think my Standard's ugly. I think your Custom's ugly. Let's go for a ride.

 

nol,



I actually agree with you but I think it was mainly the times, a lot of bikes from that late 70's to mid 80's had similar styling, actually thinking about it most of the cars from that era are fairly homely too. My favorite of all the CX styles is the eurosport, I really wish they had sold them here and I think they hold up best as far as styling goes.

 

I didn't know my bike was a CX custom when I bought it as it came as a collection of parts which included a standard seat and tank. I actually thought that the custom tank that the seller threw in when it was being loaded into the van must have been from a harley sportster.



It took me a few days or so once I had it home to work out what I had due to the missing parts {side covers, instruments, head and tail lights etc.} I had never even heard of a custom variant of these bikes, they're not the most common bike in Oz.



Not being a great fan of harleys or Jap wannabe harley clones I wasn't real pleased to find out what I'd actually bought.



BUT the bike grew on me, at least it doesn't look like a universal Jap 4 with some custom touches or have the V twin aligned with the frame like the current multitude of Jap harley clones. To me it's the Guzzi style orientation of the motor that sets it apart from the current multitude of Jap harley style factory customs.



I like the deluxe too but we never got those here in Oz and think that the standard bike is kinda ugly. I will eventually build myself a deluxe from standard and custom parts the same as Honda did.





I suppose, in short, what I'm saying is I LIKE the custom.

 

I like the looks, but I also like the looks of a 1980 F150 and a 1980 mustang GT. Not that Im stuck on 1980, but it is a throwback to a different time. Full disclosure, I was 1 year old in 1980, so I didn't know the bike in the context of how they looked new compared to the other offerings out there.



I don't think that it will end up as a classic like other bikes, but for what you can pick them up for, they look great!

 

I was also very young at the time of their release, 2 yrs old in fact in '78. But I like the vintage look of the 70's bikes.



There's too many big slow clunky-looking cycles out there nowadays that I strayed back to the CB/CL350's for a while - maybe a little too plain looking for me. So I searched out a bike that had the best of both worlds (shaft drive, liquid cooled but with some cool vintage looking lights and cafe-ish possibilities). And these were it.



Sure a Suzuki M90 or a Shadow 1100 Ace might have a little beefier look, but a stock 600lb shadow can't do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds while turning heads as the ugly plastic maggot does. And that's what makes the CX500's all the more appealing in my eyes.



Kind of that same older-classic appeal that Ben Stiller & Owen Wilson have in that BUTT UGLY Torino in Starsky & Hutch. Not classic like the 40's/50's era, just "VINTAGE"...

 

Opinions are like (you know what), everyone has one.



I can see the merits of the various comments, some of which I agree with. Personally, of all the CX's, the CX650 Custom is the ugliest duckling in the family to me, it looks like it got hit with the ugly stick and went back for 2nds and 4ths. The regular CX Customs look OK, not a big chopper fan in any guise.



I never really cared about aesthetics when it comes to things mechanical, but can appreciate the ones that marry art and machinery. The only CX's that look "good" to just about everyone who sees them are the Turbos.



I don't have any real numbers, but I've noticed that there are probably 4 or 5 CX Customs offered for sale for every 1 standard or deluxe model, so they must have sold a bunch more of them.



The CX and GL's are very unique bikes, you can remove all the badges and even someone with a mild knowledge of bikes would be able to pick them out of a lineup.

 

Opinions are like (you know what), everyone has one.



I

Noses? ... Belly buttons?

 

It just depends really....we are talking about 30 yr old bikes. One can choose to do what Larry and I did and polish EVERYTHING and shine up EVERYTHING and it looks GREAT or you can do nothing to make it look better then have a bunch of oxidized metal showing everywhere with faded paint, scrapes and scratches and yes then it looks UGLY !! It's all up to the owner, I guess !



I'm waiting and waiting, been looking and looking for that ONE Craig's List CX or GL ad that says:



"Took all the decals and badges off, Looks and Sounds like a Harley"



That's the add I'll actually call on to meet the guy, then I'll go kick his ass cuz he's/she's retarded ! LMAO

 

I think they are great looking bikes! Of course, I lust after a late '80's BMW R100RT, so my tastes tend to run to the unusual anyway. My CX will likely never be polished to a fine sheen; too much like work for me. It will be ridden very regularly. It is mine, and that makes it the most beautiful bike in the world to me!

 

Opinion?

you want an opinion?

hey, I got one of them too !



CX's have never done it for me looks wise

the obsessive compulsion to source decals, paint codes and 'just so' parts

often reminded me of turd polishing.

( I got told off for calling it that)



I've always had much respect for the time and effort people put in but the

finished result never got me excited.

OK its shiny but so what? its only a CX

When I see how much some of these restored classics go for, I always think

"How much? jeez, I could buy a proper bike for that"



The customs are a wee bit more attractive but the small tank always

put me off

GL's look too plasticky and are often burdened with shiny crap

Those goldy looking wheels on the Turbos? yuk!



I liked the Cx for its useful, cheap, practical reliability and the ones that have interested

me most have been modded or ratted.

Its always seemed a good platform for creative modding in my opinion



Upon reflection, my utter disinterest in shiny doo dahs paint codes and stuff never

made me a 'proper person' to run a CX or any other 'classic' bike club.

I doubt my attitude endeared me to the purists and they're happier with

managers who take it more seriously

 

I think the majority of us consistently online here appreciate the basic platform for its reliability and low cost maintenance aspects.



Style? Personal preferences as unique as each of us individually. When I bought my Custom new in '79, I was drawn to the Harley-esque similarity (to me), the overall look of compact power and squat ruggedness, and the unique engine/drivetrain. I'm small, and the size and riding position felt right. I was going to be riding it as basic transportation hours at a time in a relatively mild climate (deep S. Texas) and ... I loved the way it looked. Customizing/improving these bikes just make them even more personal.



If I had known I'd be looking for gas constantly, I might have gotten the Deluxe, but personally... I loved the overall way the Custom looked, and so 32 years later, I bought another one just like it and having driven the last two months daily through the winter here in Dallas, I could not be happier!

 

I don't like the look that much, but it looked better than a lot of other late 70's early 80's bikes imo, and those were the years I was stuck buying because I'm a poor boy, then I found out it was only a 500, and I didn't like the bike, it isn't pretty, and it's only a 500? Then I get her running, and take off, and wow, that's not shabby for a 500... Then I rode her for a while, and started falling in love, then I had her at Martin drag races, and lined up with an 03 Sporty with aftermarket carbs, rest of the bike stock, and I DUSTED him, I was running 14.8 to 14.9 all day, with saddlebags, a trunk, and both loaded with crap, and his was stripped down, his best run was 15.19, now yes, I know Harley isn't designed for speed, but my antique 500 tore up an 03 883 all day long, had a good time, and the kid riding it was cool. I would like to turn one of my bikes into a chopper seeing as I have an 80 and an 81, although only the 81 is in running condition right now... I'd also like to swap the 650 motor into my 500 if I could come up with one. Like I said, they aren't too pretty, but she's reliable, kinda sorta quick, cheap, and chicks still dig it cuz it's a bike

 

Reg... lol... you're a little ornery these days.. LMAO.... cute

cracks me up every time





Rick- even with mine looking like the way it did when I brought it home, I still love it! Of course, if mine were as shiny as yours, my other half probably wouldn't be happy, as I would be out in the garage wayyyyyyy more .. raccoon syndrome and all

cdyoung- not true.... crotch rockets are soooooooo not impressive, so it kinda DOES depend on the bike.. LOL

 

All Very interesting and a good example of how different we are as individuals here... ThX all.



I had an Epiphany of sorts reading these posts. I figured, It's not ugly, nor "bad" design that I don't like. It's that the CX never found it's own look, with the exception of the turbos. It's either a Honda Guzzi or a Honda Davidson as the designers pulled existing eye appeal from known winners. IMO, An all original looking motor approach deserved the same in the exterior design dept but I guess Tokyo and Turin were not on the same page.



If nothing else, I want to get rid of that radiator shroud, case, box, whatever it's called. I want to try and make a round one, and keep it black... Mid City Guy has not called. cest la vie...

I'm not sure what I would have done in 1979 as a designer... a subject for another thread?





P.S. Wayne, an opinion is like anything everyone has as we all have one... what Steve is referring to is what we all are to someone else when we voice our opinion. Just like having an opinion, eventually all of us, even saints, are a hole occasionally. ( see my comment below for me demonstrating my hole-ness)



Rickbert. I've been told if you polish it more than three times, your playing with it

and IMHO that two story sissy bar is ugly no matter how shiney.... meet cha w my filthy CX at the flagpole later bro

 

Nah, outside between the merry go round and jungle jim

 

Aw Darned interweb and intent.... I wanted to fight

, not help you polish

or have you help me polish

or play

Nah....



I gotta go to work, Make mo money, buy a more or less CX... and Modify!

 

I think you're pretty much on the ball with your comments Randall. Opinions are like backsides - everyone's got one.

I actually prefer the look of the Custom because it looks a bit like the early Pommy bikes that I like but can't afford.

And it's a lot more reliable than a Pommy bike and doesn't leak any oil.

 

I actually prefer the look of the Custom because it looks a bit like the early Pommy bikes that I like but can't afford.

If I was in Oz, where it's much less common, I'd probably like the Custom a bit more.



R

 

I dont know they dont look to bad. I like them because its deffrent, the flying twin motor grabs alot of attention and is uniqe. Plus they sound cool, there affordable ,and they ride pretty good what more could you ask for.

 

I dont think they are ugly. Not the prettiest bikes every, but ugly is a bit too strong of a word.



except the 650 custom... ugly doesnt even get me started.



The Eurosport, and turbo are my favotites looks wise, but Ill likely never get to see one in person being in America.



The Deluxe/Standard follow. My only big issue with the (and a LOT of 70's/80's bikes) is that hideous seat. Once someone plops a Dyna seat on there they are beautiful.



The customs can be handsome, but they are very easy to make ugly. And the seat is gross. That said they can also be very nice, but your dancing on more of a fine line.



The GL (non interstate) is really the only one that was imported to the US that wont looked completely right straight from the factory. Its the only one I would consider restoring back to origional

 

"Ugly" is just an opinion. The Custom isn't "ugly", it just has "character".



My first impression when I saw my bike... "The Ugly Duckling" Yeah it was (about to be) my bike, but akin to newborn baby it wasn't a pretty first sight. The night I got it, it was dark and the bike was dusty. Once I had it at home, I had the dreaded "why did I just do this" feeling. I let it set for about a week or so, and then went out and spent some time looking it over and doing some clean up work on it. The bike wasn't neglected, it was just dusty from sitting in a garage for a while.



As I cleaned it up and started studying the bike's design, it began to grow on me. Probably like the ugly kid does on his/her parents.

It doesn't have the style and flair that many bikes have, but it isn't the "Ugly Duckling" that I first saw either. Could a few things be made to look better on the bike? Yep! No doubt. As has been said, what were they thinking when they came up with that seat? It had to be designed at closing time the day before a Japanese Holiday Weekend. Or it was a bet that went bad. No matter, the bike ended up with the "box' seat on it.







I don't know... I kind of like the look of the Custom. Maybe it is because I am the parent of one.

 

They are not called the "Plastic Maggot" because they are beautiful.



Yea, look at my '76 AMC Gremlin, '78 1 ton Chevy Beavillle van or '65 AMC Barracuda. Ugly at best but functional all with gas sucking V-8 engines and A/C. All unique to say the least.



Our bikes look like bikes, not a ton of plastic, and we can easily work on them.



I've got so many good compliments from the Harley community I feel proud riding mine.