[efleschner]

Hi folks,
Been a member for awhile, just haven't had much time to participate. My 1979 CX500 Deluxe has been sitting for about 5 years and I'm looking to bring it back. Nothing was terribly wrong on the last ride. I was commuting long distances and the CX wasn't my first choice for that.
Now that I have more time and money, thought I'd burn both in one project

Here's a list of initial tasks in no particular order. Please let me know if I'm missing anything critical.
1. new fluids & oil filter
2. new battery
3. new spark plugs
4. valve clearance check (using Murray's tool)
5. new battery
6. Murray's Carbs
7. check cam chain tensioner

Upcoming tasks. I live in Wisconsin. Winter will affect how long i can work in the garage.
8. new tires
9. change fork oil

The CDI was replaced about 12 years ago by a Honda shop. Haven't had any fluid leaks or electrical gremlins otherwise. I rebuilt the front caliber and replaced the brake reservoir about 7 years ago.

I'm looking forward to sharing more posts with my progress.

Cheers!

(Edit: model is standard, not Deluxe as originally posted)

 

[CXPHREAK]

Nice bike. But it's a standard, not a deluxe.

Looking forward to seeing how this develops.

 

[jlbutler81]

Nice bike. But it's a standard, not a deluxe.

Looking forward to seeing how this develops.

Thought the deluxe tanks looked like those? and that the side covers are ribbed on a deluxe?

 

[CXPHREAK]

Yes, but the deluxe is a parts bin raider. It has the headlight. indicators and instruments from the C model, its own seat foam and cover and other details.

While mine is a replica it is accurate. The D wasn't sold here so I built my own. All parts are correct to model, barring the harley mufflers.


A US model would have a single disc brake.

The OPs bike is a standard.

 

[efleschner]

That makes more sense. I always thought the tank was the big difference between the Custom and Deluxe. The more I look at it, the more replacement parts I see. I wouldn't be surprised that it's a parts bin bike.
Seat is Saddlemen, mirrors are yamaha, etc.

 

[CXPHREAK]

Deluxe and standard use the same tank with minor differences to the fuel filler. This is actually a year thing so essentially a late/early thing. There are in fact three of these tanks with very early examples being different again.



My deluxe seat is a saddleman cover too, Your seat is the standard seat. The foam contour differs between the two as does the cover pattern.

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

Wisconsin might call it a Deluxe. I know that Minnesota's registration only has CX500C and CX500D option for 1979. The 1979 CX500 (Standard) was pulled from the market mid-year.

 

[Speedster]

Nice bike and project efleschner!

In terms of reviving your bike again, it seems you have got most critical things already on your list.
I would maybe just add:

• Check, Clean /replace the air filter
• Bleed the front brakes and possibly replace the brake fluid entirely if possible / needed.
• Double check rear brakes, adjust and or if your hands are real itchy, maybe open the drum and clean and regrease pins.

Have fun, good luck and keep showing us...we like pics!!

 

[Speedster]

O yeah...if it was me I would also replace the Final Drive oil (not sure if you included this in your plan to replace "fluids"- simple, easy and cheap

 

[efleschner]

Yeah, final drive oil will be replaced, as well as brake fluid.

I’m suspecting I’ll need to do a triple bypass. Cam chain inspection will determine when. I know it’s coming. Already buying parts for it.

Recent home renovations will push work on it until late Feb/early March. By then, I’ll have a garage heater installed. I’m very looking forward to using it!


1979 cx500 standard

 

[Blurredman]

Looking lovely.

 

[bahn88]

O yeah...if it was me I would also replace the Final Drive oil (not sure if you included this in your plan to replace "fluids"- simple, easy and cheap

And grease the final drive splines and change the 2 O-rings that "keep the grease in and dirt out".....

 

[reclinedrelic]

I'd suggest using the maintenance schedule in the factory service manual. If you do not yet have a copy of the manual, visit the wiki, link in my signature line, and download a free copy.

 

[efleschner]

I'd suggest using the maintenance schedule in the factory service manual. If you do not yet have a copy of the manual, visit the wiki, link in my signature line, and download a free copy.

It’s likely that everything is due for maintenance on this bike.


1979 cx500 standard

 

[reclinedrelic]

It’s likely that everything is due for maintenance on this bike.

Exactly! The FSM provides the best check list of things to do.