[minimac]

I've got access to a free cx500. After thinking about it for a long time, I've decided to build it into a turnpike/touring cruiser(similar to a Kaw Concours)for one up traveling. I plan on kicking the front out a little bit by a cut and patch just behind the neck. Nothing radical, just a few more degrees of rake. The stock forks, brakes, and shocking should be adequate for the riding it will see. Also in the works is a modified racing style full fairing and lowered a little bit. Does anyone have a good source for a larger capacity gas tank(I can fabricate if I have to)and what engine mods are necessary to increase m.p.g.s?

 

[MikeCMP]

I've got access to a free cx500. After thinking about it for a long time, I've decided to build it into a turnpike/touring cruiser(similar to a Kaw Concours)for one up traveling. I plan on kicking the front out a little bit by a cut and patch just behind the neck. Nothing radical, just a few more degrees of rake. The stock forks, brakes, and shocking should be adequate for the riding it will see. Also in the works is a modified racing style full fairing and lowered a little bit. Does anyone have a good source for a larger capacity gas tank(I can fabricate if I have to)and what engine mods are necessary to increase m.p.g.s?

Welcome to the forum.

Can you add your bikes year and model to your signature, along with where you live? Someone might be nearby who could help you out.



As far as changing the rake angle, I know the eariler model years had thinner forks than the later years. The fork flex a bit even at the normal angle, especially around corners, so increasing the rake angle might have negative conequesnces for you - someone else on the board might know better than me.



As far as milage, start with the carbs, and possibly rebuild your brakes to ensure they don't drag at all.



There is a thread in General Discussion with a list of links in it, you will find some discussion about using a standard tank on a custom there. On my bike, I have a deluxe tank that was cut up and modified to be larger, it holds 5.7 gallons or gas. Remember though, a gas tank that is too big is great, but a smaller one forces you to take a break every so often.



Mike

 

[minimac]

Any details on your tank? I'd much rather break when I want to instead of when I have to!. That's good advice on the forks, but I am experienced with a mod like this, and be assured, proper precautions will be taken. Riding for nearly 45 years and fabricating and welding for 35 or so. Also have total access to a friends commercial machine shop!

 

[Cobram]

Typo in your sig, is it a '78? If it is, the forks are the smallest diameter they installed as noted in the previous post.



Almost all the bikes I've seen with increased rake have been done via the triple tree. Is this because it's easier to modify the triple tree, or is there some other reason? Curious because I've asked a couple of riders who've increased the rake (mostly Valkaries, it improves their low speed stability) and they said it had to do with addition stress on the bearing or some such. They weren't really sure.



Sounds like a nice project, take pics and post your progress if you can.

 

[minimac]

Good catch! I'll have to fix my sig. Blame it on fat finger syndrome. The link below shows the way I plan to change the rake. I prefer this method because everything remains stock and I've done it before. The stock configuration is just too upright for my liking. A fork brace should take care of most, if not all, flex. I'm more concerned with how to squeeze the most gas mileage out of the motor, and increase cruising range significantly with a larger capacity tank. I'm hoping to get ideas here.



http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=30651

 

[ramprat06]

Your link was a nice flow to your idea. Your concept seems logical, but that is from someone who has no interest in having that type of mod. I've always wanted to have a Connie, as I like the set up, but whether or not you can achieve that with a CX is a new idea to me. Something about the frame design from stock just leads me to think the geometry will be messed up somewhere.



As to mileage figures, these motors really are engineered from factory spec to be the best they can be overall. Sure, some folks have worked up some minor improvements, but if the carbs are spot on right, clean, and balanced, and all the associated elements thereto taken care of, you will be in the pink. Larry built a custom made tank for Blindstitch that is over 6 gallons, if I recall.



Do you have any pics of the bike you have now, or the pieces you are working with?