Honda CX500

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When Honda introduced the CX500 in 1978, it seemed as though the company had intentionally set out to create the weirdest bike it could envision. Virtually every aspect broke long-established molds.

While V-twins were nothing new, Moto Guzzi had been mounting them "crosswise" in the frame with shaft drive for many years, this Honda was decidedly different. Not only was the 500 cc engine water cooled, but it had four valves per cylinder that were operated by pushrods rather than more conventional overhead cams.

The styling was radical, upright forks and a short engine contributed to a stubby wheelbase on a bike that was rather tall. The CX500 was one of the first recipients of Honda's new Comstar wheels (and later, on B models, reverse comstar), which measured 19 inches (483 mm) in front and 18 inches (460-ish mm) in back.

The fuel tank tapered toward the front and a huge half-moon taillight jutted out from a short fairing behind the radically stepped seat. The end result was a mix of standard, sport, and cruiser features.

The CX500 met with a good degree of success. It proved to be reliable and economical, being the least-expensive shaft-drive bike. Many examples still exist today, and along with the GL Silverwings, are fast becoming cult bikes. There are owners clubs throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

Other variants were just as popular: Custom, Deluxe, Turbo, and Silver Wing.

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