[ME-Trooper]

My first street bike when I was 15 years old was a 1979 CX500 Custom. I recently located one, completely original, but facing years of neglect. It didn’t matter though…As soon as I sat on it…I knew I had to own it. The paint was full of scratches and swirls….the aluminum was all pitted and oxidized…. the chrome full of surface rust. The mufflers were totally rusted out and the baffles had been removed. I’ve already begun the process of bringing this bike back to its former glory, but lots of work ahead.

 

[washoe]

I have the exact mate of that bike !...Except for that engine guard.

 

[ME-Trooper]

I have the exact mate of that bike !...Except for that engine guard.

I already took that off. My original bike never had one either.

 

[bahn88]

I already took that off. My original bike never had one either.

To me that guard looked to be an unusual orientation for a cx or guzzi.....
Mines bare...but the effectiveness of guards is a debated topic....

 

[ZXtasy]

Looks way better than what I started with, good find and have fun making it your own!

 

[Sidecar Bob]

Welcome to the forum and welcome to the world of antique vehicle ownership (they own us, not the other way around). Your bike is about 4 decades old and may or may not have had all of the maintenance necessary to keep it safe & reliable so it is highly recommended to download the Factory Shop Manual for your model (available through the CX Wiki - link in my signature) and go through all of the service procedures, regardless of whether your bike has reached the specified mileage.
I also recommend looking on all rubber parts with suspicion because rubber does not age gracefully. You may already know to check the date codes on your tires and replace them if they are over 5 years old no matter how good they look & feel (old rubber simply cannot flow around the irregularities in the asphalt well enough to grip, especially if it is cool or wet) but many people don't realize that the original rubber brake lines should be replaced every 2 or 3 fluid changes (= 5 or 6 years) too. I recommend shopping for modern stainless braided ones (they last practically forever and double the life of the fluid).
And don't forget things like the rad hoses and the boot between the engine and swingarm (they can crack on the bottom where you don't see it).

 

[ME-Trooper]

To me that guard looked to be an unusual orientation for a cx or guzzi.....
Mines bare...but the effectiveness of guards is a debated topic....

I never liked the look on a CX, I'll take my chances without it.

 

[ME-Trooper]

Looks way better than what I started with, good find and have fun making it your own!

Thank you

 

[ME-Trooper]

Welcome to the forum and welcome to the world of antique vehicle ownership (they own us, not the other way around). Your bike is about 4 decades old and may or may not have had all of the maintenance necessary to keep it safe & reliable so it is highly recommended to download the Factory Shop Manual for your model (available through the CX Wiki - link in my signature) and go through all of the service procedures, regardless of whether your bike has reached the specified mileage.
I also recommend looking on all rubber parts with suspicion because rubber does not age gracefully. You may already know to check the date codes on your tires and replace them if they are over 5 years old no matter how good they look & feel (old rubber simply cannot flow around the irregularities in the asphalt well enough to grip, especially if it is cool or wet) but many people don't realize that the original rubber brake lines should be replaced every 2 or 3 fluid changes (= 5 or 6 years) too. I recommend shopping for modern stainless braided ones (they last practically forever and double the life of the fluid).
And don't forget things like the rad hoses and the boot between the engine and swingarm (they can crack on the bottom where you don't see it).

Thank you, Sir. I concur with your assessment. As impatient as I am, I told myself I wouldn't ride it until it was well sorted out. I've already torn into it, so there is a motivation to get it done soon.

 

[MCReviver]

I think the engine guard is a KG. brand. They made a lot of chrome accessories for Hondas of that era. And I installed a lot of them.

 

[Skidsolo]

Beautiful example, mine is way worse condition but a runner!

 

[Bill S]

2022 HTTA AMISH RALLY information post.

DATES: Sunday, August 7th to Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 LOCATION: Zeager's Mountain View Camp, Lewisburg, PA. CLICK HERE TO VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS I am the coordinator/organizer for this year’s rally, a fancy title for the guy who opens the gate and collects...

www.cx500forum.com

Bring it to the Amish Rally !