Yes, we very much want to see the build mate.
krugerjq 1983 CX650E build
Hi everybody
My name is Jacques and I am from South Africa.
I am actually doing this wrong way around…… The bike is almost nearing completion. I always wanted to start the build threat but time flies. I still want to make the threat though if its okay with you guys?
I bought my 1983 Honda CX650E in 2016. The whole episode actually started very slowly back then. I always had the liking in a Café racer or Scrambler. I spend lots of hours on this forum and checking almost every build. This forum has created some very nice looking bikes....
Here is my CX
![Tire Wheel Fuel tank Automotive fuel system Plant]()
![Fuel tank Tire Wheel Automotive fuel system Plant]()
My inspiration for my CX came from this bike. I liked the look, almost scrambler look with those tires
![Wheel Tire Fuel tank Automotive tire Automotive fuel system]()
So stay tuned for some more pictures and updates on my vintage bike build journey
My name is Jacques and I am from South Africa.
I am actually doing this wrong way around…… The bike is almost nearing completion. I always wanted to start the build threat but time flies. I still want to make the threat though if its okay with you guys?
I bought my 1983 Honda CX650E in 2016. The whole episode actually started very slowly back then. I always had the liking in a Café racer or Scrambler. I spend lots of hours on this forum and checking almost every build. This forum has created some very nice looking bikes....
Here is my CX
My inspiration for my CX came from this bike. I liked the look, almost scrambler look with those tires
So stay tuned for some more pictures and updates on my vintage bike build journey
1 - 20 of 61 Posts
The bike is running kind off fine. Decided to do a oil service for just in case.
![Automotive tire Bumper Automotive exterior Fender Motor vehicle]()
Removed and repainted
![Silver Gas Aluminium Metal Fashion accessory]()
Was surprised to find a oil filter at my local bike shop but could not get a air cleaner
![Motor vehicle Vehicle Automotive design Rim Automotive exterior]()
Cleaned and touched up some of the paint on the engine.
I also decided at this point not to open up the motor. According to the original owner the the engine was at some stage rebuild by Honda South Africa. Not sure why? According to the speedo that was not working the bike had done almost 38K kilometers. But could be way more
Removed and repainted
Was surprised to find a oil filter at my local bike shop but could not get a air cleaner
Cleaned and touched up some of the paint on the engine.
I also decided at this point not to open up the motor. According to the original owner the the engine was at some stage rebuild by Honda South Africa. Not sure why? According to the speedo that was not working the bike had done almost 38K kilometers. But could be way more
That makes sense, Doug, because it has run 38 tsd km.
The CX 650 has an automatic timing chain tensioner and the chain has a life of max. 50tsd km. But I have also seen worn timing chain tensioner at less than 50tsd km.
Therefore, this is now the right time to also aim for a "controlled maintenance condition" as part of the rebuild. 👍
I generally open any engine that I don't know the maintenance history of.
You are welcome to look at this engine in the German CX forum. It has run just 33tsd km and looked visually like new. Even if the text is in german, the pictures tell you everything.
I shouldn't have looked at that before lunch.
I saw the pics, not pretty...That makes sense, Doug, because it has run 38 tsd km.
The CX 650 has an automatic timing chain tensioner and the chain has a life of max. 50tsd km. But I have also seen worn timing chain tensioner at less than 50tsd km.
Therefore, this is now the right time to also aim for a "controlled maintenance condition" as part of the rebuild. 👍
I generally open any engine that I don't know the maintenance history of.
You are welcome to look at this engine in the German CX forum. It has run just 33tsd km and looked visually like new. Even if the text is in german, the pictures tell you everything.
I didn't mean weird the new owner wants to take the engine apart, i meant it seemed unusual for such a low mileage bike to have to be rebuilt. In my mind a rebuild consists of boring out cylinders, new pistons, rings, crank & cam bearings/machining etc. I think Marks comment seems to make more sense for the term "rebuild".
I have contacted the original owner..... Sorry guys, he cant remember what was done....
I removed the 20 year old tires and fitted new ones. I also cleaned and opened the mufflers. Unfortunately there is nothing left inside except a few pieces of rust. So I need to replace them.
![Tire Wheel Vehicle Automotive tire Locking hubs]()
I went for a Kenda 120/80/18 rear and 110/80/18 front. Not easy getting rubber that fits
![Tire Wheel Motor vehicle Automotive tire Tread]()
I went for a Kenda 120/80/18 rear and 110/80/18 front. Not easy getting rubber that fits
The endoscope will not tell you everything about the tensioner.
What is important is not only how far it is extended or not, but whether the dowel pin still locks at the end. And you can only check this when the tensioner is removed.
This tensioner, for example, has a play of 1.15 mm. You can read about what that entails in this thread.
...and this is a calculation example, which is based on the findings described in the linked thread and what is important for you to know:
With 1.15 mm clearance, the timing chain would not have to be replaced at 50 tsd km, but already at approximately 43.000 km, if it is not modified.
The greater the clearance, the shorter the service life of the timing chain. With your engine at 38 tsd km, theoretically you shouldn't have any play yet, but it's good to have it measured.
With your engine at 38 tsd km, theoretically you shouldn't have any play yet, but it's good to have it measured.
Remember: The chain has a maximum life of 50 tsd km, then the tensioner is fully extended. If it were my engine, I would replace the chain now, because otherwise you would have to remove the engine after 10 tsd km.
I had to replace the downpipes also because the left hand side was damaged by a fall
![Automotive fuel system Automotive lighting Automotive tire Motor vehicle Fuel tank]()
The valve cover also damaged
![Motor vehicle Automotive exterior Automotive fuel system Auto part Nut]()
The valve cover also damaged
I also found a right hand side cover in a terrible condition at a local motorcycle scrap yard.
Before (It was painted black with a brush)
![Automotive lighting Automotive exterior Fish Food Auto part]()
After some serious cleaning
![Tool Wood Automotive exterior Plastic Musical instrument accessory]()
Before (It was painted black with a brush)
After some serious cleaning
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