Another Orphan Coming? [CX500 Turbo!]

[Rednaxs60]

The FI systems are similar and the CX forum members have come up with some good alternatives depending. They have sourced the MAP sensor replacement from a Suzuki variant, I use these on my '85 Limited Edition. They found that the QA/QC of the early model Honda MAP type sensors left a bit to be desired - not very well made. The Gr/Gl sensors (PG) have an alternative as well. Lots of good restoration projects to read through for inspiration. The CX650 turbo, if I had the room, would be one I would be looking for. Looking forward to following your progress. Cheers

 

[Ansimp]

If you can’t find donor replacement frame parts you could use tube and spigots with plug welds to join into the good section of the frame tubes. Even though it is some more work/cost for you I don’t really believe that you made a poor investment. :good:

 

[desertrefugee]

Thanks Tony. I suppose not. This is a fairly uncommon machine and represents a brief crazy time for motorcycles. The Japanese manufacturers were going crazy trying to figure out how to one-up the competition. With regard to turbos, Honda got it right. The Kawasaki might have been the hp king, but the CX was the whole package.

The subframe (rearward protruding "ears") are bolted to the mainframe. I've read that they can be bent or tweaked just from falling off the kickstand. I just wish the fellow had come up with a better method for addressing it.

For now on my ressurection,, the injectors are on the way to OKC for servicing and a new rear master cylinder is on the way. (Mine was ruined by deep rust in the bore.) Tomorrow I try and see if I can get the frozen waste gate moving again...

 

[Ansimp]

I didn’t want to mention it but the turbo I see as your main potential problem. Just treat it right and hopefully you will be able to recover it fully. Good to see that you are getting the injectors serviced just make sure the rest of the fuel system is as clean as the serviced injectors. If it was mine I would probably be using my portable boat tank with EFI fuel pump to get the engine running initially.

 

[desertrefugee]

Yep. I will be making darn sure the oil feed is solid. Guy says it ran well, and boosted well, when he prepped for paint. He did put 3k miles on it between 2007 and 2009 when it was idled. He also had a very well sorted ‘82 CBX and we chatted about those creatures a bit.

The tank has just been internally treated and coated. Looks as pure as the driven snow. However, I will definitely be running it on my IV bottle for initial testing.

I’m not going to lie, this bike will be a handful. Hopefully, I will come out with my sanity on the other end. And some remnants of a checkbook.

 

[Ansimp]

desertrefugee » Sun Jun 28, 2020 2:41 am[/url]":jdny6axg]
Yep. I will be making darn sure the oil feed is solid. Guy says it ran well, and boosted well, when he prepped for paint. He did put 3k miles on it between 2007 and 2009 when it was idled. He also had a very well sorted ‘82 CBX and we chatted about those creatures a bit.

The tank has just been internally treated and coated. Looks as pure as the driven snow. However, I will definitely be running it on my IV bottle for initial testing.

I’m not going to lie, this bike will be a handful. Hopefully, I will come out with my sanity on the other end. And some remnants of a checkbook.

:good:

 

[pidjones]

I've not followed the CX line. Are the turbo rear subframes different from the non-turbos?

 

[desertrefugee]

Indeed they are. Don't know why, but I guess it had to do with the body work.

This beast has been on hold due to, uh, "elevated" temperatures in the shop. Work will resume soon.

 

[Ansimp]

opcorn: opcorn:

 

[Rednaxs60]

A good addition to morning coffee: https://youtu.be/qE04rTNQqmc



The CX 500 forum is a good place to visit: https://www.cx500forum.com/forums/cx500 ... o-forum.9/ Lots of good info, and the FI info is relevant regarding my '85 FI GW. Have read some of the turbo restoration threads that have included engine rebuilds and these are quite interesting.

Cheers

 

[desertrefugee]

That's a great, recent video on the 650 turbo, Ernest. Hadn't seen that one. Obviously, given a choice between the 500 and the 650, the 650 with it's larger displacement and minor refinements would be the preferred route. However, this 500 came available at a very attractive price, so I didn't have a lot of choice on the matter! My hand was forced, my fate sealed.

Both are scarce and and usual. Both represent a brief shining moment in motorcycle history. The turbo wars. Those were some heady times. The late 70s and early 80s were a fabulous time to be a motorcycle enthusiast.

I would love to have an 84 Kawasaki 750 Turbo. A very close friend of mine had a new one when I had my new Eliminator. We swapped often. Wanted one ever since.

With a little luck, this 500 will scratch that itch.