1981 Honda CX500, 498cc. Registration number RGW 525X. Frame...

Estimate

£3,500 - £4,500

1981 Honda CX500, 498cc. Registration number RGW 525X. Frame number PC012312879. Engine number CX500E 2043484.

The Honda CX series motorcycles, including the GL500 and GL650 Silver Wing variants, were developed and released by Honda in the late 1970s, with production ending in most markets by the mid 1980s. The design included innovative features and technologies that were uncommon or unused at the time such as liquid cooling, electric-only starting, low-maintenance shaft drive, modular wheels, and dual CV-type carburetors that were tuned for reduced emissions. The electronic ignition system was separate from the rest of the electrical system, but the motorcycle could only be started via the start button.

The CX series feature a crankshaft configuration aligned longitudinally with the axis of bike, similar to the Moto Guzzi layout. Unlike a "boxer" flat-twin, the cylinders protrude at an angle above the horizontal. The included angle of the CX is 80°, and the heads are twisted 22° so that the inlet tracts do not interfere with the rider's legs. A camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. Although Honda generally favors OHC engines, the cylinder head twist necessitated the use of stubby pushrods to operate the four overhead valves per cylinder, with a forked rocker arm acting off each pushrod. The 5-speed transmission is located below the crankshaft, with both in the same housing, an arrangement which keeps the engine short (length wise) but quite tall. The engine has a 10.0:1 compression ratio and 9,650 rpm redline. Just as with the Honda Gold Wing, the transmission rotates opposite to the engine to help counteract the engine torque's tendency to tip the bike slightly to one side when the throttle is opened or closed.

RGW was restored by the previous owner for her father, who was a professional bike sprayer, c.2012 when the engine was changed for a rebuilt one. He rarely used it and it was bought by our vendor in March 2020, needing final fettling. This has now been undertaken and a fresh MOT was obtained in May 2022.

Sold with the V5C, an original handbook, MOT history back to 2007, it should be noted that at the 2012 MOT the mileage was 64,415 miles and then the next one in 2019 it was at 26,770 miles (one presumes it was reset when restored).