Difference between revisions of "Honda CX500"

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Honda CX500 (edit)

Revision as of 20:43, 7 October 2006

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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 [[motorcycle|bike]] it could envision. Virtually every aspect broke long-established molds.
First introduced in 1978, the [[Honda]] CX500 broke all the norms the company was known to follow.


While [[V-twin]]s were nothing new, [[Moto Guzzi]] had been mounting them "crosswise" in the frame with [[Driveshaft|shaft drive]] for many years, this Honda was decidedly different. Not only was the 500 cc [[motorcycle engine|engine]] water cooled, but it had four [[Poppet valve|valves]] per [[cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] that were operated by [[Pushrod engine|pushrods]] rather than more conventional [[overhead cam]]s.
While [[V-twin]]s were nothing new, [[Moto Guzzi]] had been making transversely mounted [[Driveshaft|shaft driven]] engines(which in theory should save power since it has to change directions less) for many years, but this Honda was quite different. Not only was the 500 cc OHV engine water cooled, but it had four [[Poppet valve|valves]] per [[cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] that were driven by [[Pushrod engine|pushrods]] rather than more conventional [[overhead cam]]/cam chain combinations.


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.
Honda derived many other bikes from the CX500 including the following: [[Honda CX500C|Custom]], [[Honda CX500D|Deluxe]], [[Honda CX500T|Turbo]], and [[Honda GL500|Silver Wing]].


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: [[Honda CX500C|Custom]], [[Honda CX500D|Deluxe]], [[Honda CX500T|Turbo]], and [[Honda GL500|Silver Wing]].




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