The library
Every source behind the build: 703 manuals, suppliers, builds, forums and rules, each with a one-line reason it's worth your time. Start with the shortlist.
Start here
The links I use most. The full catalogue is below.The bikes
The bikesBike EXIF – Lakic's CX500The photo that started it: Sacha Lakic's CX500, later the Blacktrack BT-01. Solo tail, USD forks, under-engine pipe, the silhouette I'm chasing.
The bikesReturn of the Cafe Racers – Lakic CX500 GTSA second, longer write-up of the Lakic bike with closer detail on the exhaust routing, tank angle and seat unit.
The bikesPipeburn – Tossa R CX500 (2021)Built in Sofia on the same CX500E Eurosport frame as mine. The main reference for the back end and the tank.The bikesPipeburn – Tossa R CX650Same frame family, later build: welded seat-plate support, kept Pro-Link, moon disc. Shows the idea maturing.
The bikesBikeBrewers – Tossa R CX650 neo café (2022)Third Tossa build in the set. Useful for the rear strut treatment and how the shock is shown off.
The bikesautoevolution – Tossa R CX500Spec-sheet style coverage of the Tossa CX500: the running gear it borrowed and the claimed numbers behind it.
The bikesTossa R CX500 walk-round (video)Video walk-round of the Tossa CX500. The closest look at the seat plates and subframe without flying to Bulgaria.The bikesRACER TV – the Lakic CX500 (video)Walk-round of Lakic's original CX500, plus a tribute build. The best moving look at the bike this one copies.The bikesBike EXIF – Brick House Builds CX500/GL650The best-documented 650-into-500 swap. Kept on file now the 500 is staying, in case I change my mind.CX knowledge
CX knowledgeMotoFaction – CX/GL libraryThe deepest CX500/650 knowledge base online: ignition, stator, swap fitment, torque. First stop for checking any claim.CX knowledgeMotoFaction – ignition systemsWhy the CX500E is TI not CDI, which kits fit, and the wiring differences between the 500 and 650.CX knowledgeMotoFaction – Rae-San Hall-effect kitReview and install guide for the Rae-San ignition kit, the one I'm leaning to if stock TI goes.CX knowledgeMotoFaction – does a CX500 tank fit a CX650E/GL frameTank interchange between CX500, CX650E, GL500 and GL650 frames. Matters for the tilted-tank plan.
CX knowledgeCMSNL – Honda parts fichesHonda part numbers and exploded drawings for every assembly. Where the mount-bolt and hanger-plate comparison came from.Parts
PartsCognito MotoUS maker of conversion stems and triple clamps for fitting sportsbike USD forks to a CX. The dash-in-clamp kit.
PartsPurpose Built MotoAustralian café-racer parts: the 5.75-inch Flashpoint LED headlight, plus switches, indicators and small electrics.mPartsMurray's CarbsMurray Feldman's CX carb specialist. Kits for every CX/GL, and the most trusted word on engine swaps.mPartsMurray's Carbs – CX650 in a CX500 frame kitThe Mikuni VM34 kit made for exactly this swap: a CX650 engine in a CX500 frame, with the airbox space that leaves.New Zealand
New ZealandGP Motorcycle WreckersAuckland bike wrecker. Where the R1 front end nearly came from, and the likely source of the donor forks.
New ZealandAIL Protective CoatingsAuckland anodisers. Coloured anodising for fork parts if the donor forks aren't the colour I want.
New ZealandWise MoveHow the bike got from Nelson to Auckland: list the job, carriers quote, pick one. Velocity Transport did the run.
Manuals and references
261 sourcesShop manuals, wiring diagrams, parts lists and tech guides. Honda manuals are copyright, so they are listed here, not hosted.
| Source | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Aftermarket | ||
| All Balls fork-conversion lookup, full result table (8,746 donor rows) | All Balls Racing lookup table of donor forks with bearing sizes and part numbers, useful for matching steering stem bearings in a CX fork conversion. |  Open |
| All Balls stock steering kits 22-1011 (Honda CX/GL) and 22-1039 (Ducati 1098/1198) | All Balls Racing pages for stock steering bearing kits, listing contents and applications, handy when sourcing replacement stem bearings for a CX or donor fork. | Open |
| Cognito Moto - CX500/CX500E/CX650 conversion stems, bearings, rear disc hubs: fitment and install notes | Cognito Moto collection page for CX500, CX500E and CX650 conversion parts, including steering stems, bearings and rear disc hubs, with fitment notes for builders. |  Open |
| Motogadget cable kit for mo.unit - instructions (EN) | Instructions in English for the Motogadget cable kit used with the mo.unit, useful when planning and tidying the wiring on a custom café racer build. | Not hosted |
| Motogadget m-Unit V.2 operating and installation guide (EN) | Operating and installation guide for the earlier Motogadget m-Unit V2. Only relevant if you end up buying or inheriting a second-hand unit of that generation. | Not hosted |
| Motogadget mo.unit blue / basic V3.1 instruction manual (EN) | Instruction manual for the current Motogadget mo.unit blue and basic V3.1, including wiring diagrams, handy for replacing the factory wiring on a stripped-down café racer. | Not hosted |
| Motogadget mo.unit support articles (commissioning, starter relay, kill switch, mo.button, testing) | Motogadget support articles on commissioning, starter relay, kill switch, mo.button and testing the mo.unit, collected from their help centre for reference while wiring the bike. |  Open |
| Motogadget wiring diagram: chronoclassic + mo.unit + mo.lock + mo.button + mo.switch | Motogadget wiring diagram showing a chronoclassic speedo, mo.unit, mo.lock and mo.button switch combination, useful for planning a minimal café racer wiring layout. | Not hosted |
| Motogadget wiring diagram: mo.button + mo.switch | Motogadget wiring diagram for connecting a mo.button and mo.switch to the mo.unit, helpful when replacing bulky handlebar switchgear on a custom build. | Not hosted |
| Motogadget wiring diagram: motoscope pro with mo.unit | Motogadget wiring diagram showing how the motoscope pro instrument connects to a mo.unit, useful when fitting a compact digital gauge on a café racer. | Not hosted |
| Murray's Carbs - cable routing for CX/GL Mikuni VM34 kits | Murray's Carbs guide to cable routing on Mikuni VM34 kits for CX and GL engines. Their only CX-specific install page, so useful for the swap. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs - carbs leaking fuel: what to do | Murray's Carbs troubleshooting page on what to do when Mikuni carburettors leak fuel, useful when setting up a VM34 kit on a CX engine. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs - CX650 in a CX500 frame carb kit (VM34) product page | Murray's Carbs product page for the Mikuni VM34 kit that fits a CX650 engine in a CX500 frame, showing kit contents. Directly relevant here. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs - CX650E Eurosport carb kit product page | Murray's Carbs product page for the Mikuni VM34 carburettor kit made for the CX650E Eurosport, showing kit contents for comparison with the CX500 frame version. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs - GL650 in a GL500 frame carb kit product page | Murray's Carbs page for the GL650 in a GL500 frame carburettor kit. The 500E shares that frame layout, so confirm fitment with Murray's. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs - idle screw adjustment | Murray's Carbs how-to on adjusting the idle screw on Mikuni carburettors, a basic tuning step after fitting a new carburettor kit to the CX650 engine. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs - Mikuni dual repair throttle cable install | Murray's Carbs walkthrough for installing the Mikuni dual repair throttle cable, useful when sorting out throttle cables on a café racer with new handlebars. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs - pod mod: crankcase breather hoses | Murray's Carbs advice on handling the crankcase breather hoses when fitting pod filters, relevant to a Mikuni carburettor kit on a CX café racer. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs - removing a Mikuni VM float pin and needle seat | Murray's Carbs step-by-step guide to removing the float pin and needle seat on a Mikuni VM carburettor for cleaning or replacement during a rebuild. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs - using header temperatures for diagnosis | Murray's Carbs explanation of using an infrared thermometer to read header pipe temperatures and diagnose carburettor and mixture problems on a CX engine. | mOpen |
| Murray's Carbs CX500 single-spine VM34 cable routing photo 1 | Photo 1 of four showing how Murray's Carbs routes Mikuni VM34 cables on a CX500 single-spine frame, a handy visual reference for a carburettor swap. | Not hosted |
| Murray's Carbs CX500 single-spine VM34 cable routing photo 2 | Photo 2 of four showing how Murray's Carbs routes Mikuni VM34 cables on a CX500 single-spine frame, a handy visual reference for a carburettor swap. | Not hosted |
| Murray's Carbs CX500 single-spine VM34 cable routing photo 3 | Photo 3 of four showing how Murray's Carbs routes Mikuni VM34 cables on a CX500 single-spine frame, a handy visual reference for a carburettor swap. | Not hosted |
| Murray's Carbs CX500 single-spine VM34 cable routing photo 4 | Photo 4 of four showing how Murray's Carbs routes Mikuni VM34 cables on a CX500 single-spine frame, a handy visual reference for a carburettor swap. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San Bike Controller Module V1.1 installation manual (06/2023) | Installation manual for the Rae-San bike controller module, a generic alternative to the Motogadget mo.unit for managing lighting and electrical functions on a custom bike. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San CX/GL TAI HALL Ignitions - product page | Rae-San product page for its CX/GL TAI Hall ignition, a modern electronic ignition replacement option to consider for the CX650 engine in this build. |  Open |
| Rae-San OEM ignition hookups (controller schematic) | Rae-San hookup schematic showing how its controller connects to the original CX and GL ignition wiring, useful when planning a replacement ignition and simplified loom. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San TAI full-bike wiring schematic, 4-button controls (Nov 2022) | Rae-San full-bike wiring schematic for a CX or GL with its TAI ignition and controller using four-button controls, helpful for planning a new loom. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San TAI full-bike wiring schematic, standard controls (Nov 2022) | Rae-San full-bike wiring schematic for a CX or GL with its TAI ignition and controller using standard controls, helpful for planning a new loom. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San timing mark template V2 (for removed pickups) | Printable Rae-San timing mark template for engines with the original pickups removed, useful when setting ignition timing after fitting an aftermarket ignition. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San timing template instructions | Rae-San instructions on how to use its timing template for CX and GL engines, a companion to the printable timing mark template. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San V3 ignition troubleshooting flowchart | Rae-San flowchart for troubleshooting its V3 ignition module, supplied as an image only, useful when diagnosing a no-spark problem after fitting the system. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San V3.0 CX TAI Ignition Module installation manual (03/2018) | Older Rae-San installation manual for its V3.0 CX TAI ignition module, the most complete general write-up of how the system is fitted to a CX. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San V4.0 HALL TAI Ignition Module installation manual (draft, 12/2019) | Draft Rae-San installation manual for the V4.0 Hall-sensor TAI ignition module, which matches its current CX/GL TAI Hall product for this build. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San V4.0 TAI PULSER Ignition Module installation manual (draft, 12/2019) | Draft Rae-San installation manual for the V4.0 TAI Pulser module that uses the stock pulse generators. Probably the variant for the 500E; confirm with Rae-San. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San V4.2 CX HALL module - CX CDI to 12V Hall conversion and TAI V4.0 (05/2021) | Rae-San manual for converting CDI-engined CX500s to a 12 volt Hall ignition, plus TAI V4.0 notes. Reference only, since the 500E does not use CDI. | Not hosted |
| Rae-San vs Motogadget m.unit vs Axel Joost vs NWT controller comparison | Comparison of the Rae-San, Motogadget m.unit, Axel Joost and NWT controllers. Written by a vendor, so treat it with some caution when choosing electronics. | Not hosted |
| Factory service manual | ||
| Correction to GL500/GL650 FSM: rear axle pinch bolt torque (p.206 / 14-10) | User-written correction to the GL500/GL650 manual's rear axle pinch bolt torque, which also applies to the 500E's Pro-Link axle. Honda copyright, not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| CX500 1978-80 service/repair manual (Clymer-style aftermarket manual) | Aftermarket Clymer-style manual for 1978 to 1980 CX500s, scanned. Engine chapters help as a second explanation, but chassis chapters don't suit the 500E. | Not hosted |
| Honda Common Service Manual | Honda Common Service Manual with generic procedures for fasteners, bearings, brakes, suspension and electrical testing that all apply here. Honda copyright, not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX400E/CX500E Sports Shop Manual (European Direct Sales base, with U = Australia variants) | Honda's complete shop manual for the CX400E and CX500E, covering Pro-Link, TRAC anti-dive, transistorised ignition and wiring diagram. Honda copyright, not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX500 Shop Manual (base 1978 manual + '79, '79 Deluxe/Custom, '80, '81 and '82 addenda) | Honda CX500 shop manual with 1979 to 1982 addenda. The 1982 addendum covers the 500E ignition, but chassis chapters don't match. Honda copyright, not hosted. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650 Shop Manual (1983) | Honda CX650 shop manual, the most relevant for the swap, covering fuel, engine removal, head, clutch, cooling and transmission. Honda copyright, not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650E Shop Manual Addendum | Honda addendum covering only the CX650E differences, used with the CX400E/500E Sports manual, including a wiring diagram. Honda copyright, not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Honda GL500/GL650 Silver Wing Shop Manual (with '82 GL500 and '83 GL650 addenda) | Honda GL500 and GL650 Silver Wing shop manual, closest Honda chassis reference because it shares the 500E's Pro-Link, TRAC and ignition. Honda copyright, not hosted. | Not hosted |
| Honda Motorcycle Carburetion (training manual) | Honda training manual on constant-velocity and slide carburettor theory, useful for the stock Keihin carbs and tuning the Mikuni kit. Honda copyright, not hosted. | Not hosted |
| NZ compliance | ||
| LVV Certification Threshold Schedule, Issue 6 | LVV Certification Threshold Schedule, Issue 6, setting when modifications need certification. It covers cars, so motorcycles should use the NZTA inspection manual instead. | Not hosted |
| LVV Standard 145-15(00) Frame Modification & Construction - Motorcycles, V1 | LVV standard for frame modification and construction on motorcycles, the basis for the Motorcycle Construction Manual frame chapter, relevant to engine hangers and headstock work. | Not hosted |
| LVV Standard 145-35(00) Engine & Drive-train - Motorcycles, V1 | LVV standard for motorcycle engine and drive-train modifications, the legal basis for certifying the CX650 engine swap in a CX500 frame in New Zealand. | Not hosted |
| LVV Standard 145-40(00) Fuel Systems - Motorcycles, V1 | LVV standard for motorcycle fuel systems, relevant to changes such as new carburettors, fuel lines and a different tank on the café racer build. | Not hosted |
| LVV Standard 145-45(00) Exhaust Noise Emissions - Motorcycles, V1 | LVV standard for exhaust noise emissions on motorcycles, covering the newer noise testing rules that apply when fitting a custom exhaust in New Zealand. | Not hosted |
| LVV Standard 195-00(02) Suspension Systems | LVV standard for suspension systems, behind the car construction manual suspension chapter, and relevant to fitting upside-down forks on this build. | Not hosted |
| LVV Standard 35-00(03) Braking Systems, V4 | LVV standard for braking systems, relevant to the front brake swap and to making sure the modified bike can be certified in New Zealand. | Not hosted |
| LVVTA - How much does LVV certification cost (web page text) | LVVTA web page explaining what LVV certification involves and how its fees are structured, helpful for planning the compliance side of a motorcycle build. |  Open |
| LVVTA Info Sheet 02-2026: Braking System Requirement Updates (NZCCM Ch 8) | LVVTA information sheet from August 2026 on updated braking system requirements in the car construction manual, relevant to the front-end brake changes on this build. | Not hosted |
| LVVTA Info Sheet 04-2007: Stainless Steel Braided Brake Hoses (V2 Aug 2026) | LVVTA information sheet on fitting stainless steel braided brake hoses, updated August 2026, relevant to the new front brake lines on this motorcycle. | Not hosted |
| LVVTA Info Sheet 04-2025: New Motorcycle ONT Documents | LVVTA information sheet introducing the new motorcycle ONT documents, which explains the updated noise testing paperwork relevant to certifying a modified motorcycle. | Not hosted |
| LVVTA Info Sheet 06-2025: Release of Motorcycle Construction Manual Chapters | LVVTA information sheet listing which Motorcycle Construction Manual chapters exist, with other topics falling back to the car chapter. Key to knowing which rules apply. | Not hosted |
| LVVTA Technical Bulletin 1: Electroplating of High-Tensile Fasteners | LVVTA technical bulletin on electroplating high-tensile fasteners, guidance behind the fastener rules a builder should follow when plating bolts. Scanned without text. | Not hosted |
| LVVTA Technical Bulletin 2: Use of Stainless Steel Fasteners | LVVTA technical bulletin on using stainless steel fasteners on modified vehicles, useful when choosing bolts for engine mounts and chassis parts. Scanned without text. | Not hosted |
| LVVTA Technical Bulletin 5: Builder's Welding Guide | LVVTA technical bulletin, a builder's welding guide setting out expected welding practice for modified vehicles, useful for frame and mount fabrication. Scanned without text. | Not hosted |
| NZ Car Construction Manual Ch 12: Wheels & Tyres | New Zealand Car Construction Manual chapter on wheels and tyres, relevant if the donor front wheel is fitted to the café racer. | Not hosted |
| NZ Car Construction Manual Ch 18: Attachment Systems (fasteners, welding) | New Zealand Car Construction Manual chapter on attachment systems, covering fasteners and welding. It stands in for the unpublished motorcycle equivalent for engine-mount fasteners. | Not hosted |
| NZ Car Construction Manual Ch 6: Suspension Systems | New Zealand Car Construction Manual suspension chapter. With no motorcycle front-suspension chapter yet, it governs the upside-down fork swap, interpreted for a motorcycle. | Not hosted |
| NZ Car Construction Manual Ch 7: Steering Systems | New Zealand Car Construction Manual steering chapter, which applies because the motorcycle steering chapter is unpublished, covering steering-affecting changes like the stem conversion. | Not hosted |
| NZ Car Construction Manual Ch 8: Braking Systems | New Zealand Car Construction Manual chapter on braking systems, giving interim brake requirements for the front-end swap on this build. | Not hosted |
| NZ Motorcycle Construction Manual Ch 10: Fuel Systems, V1 | New Zealand Motorcycle Construction Manual chapter on fuel systems, effective January 2026, relevant to carburettor, fuel line and tank changes on this build. | Not hosted |
| NZ Motorcycle Construction Manual Ch 11 Part 1: Exhaust Noise & Gas Emissions, V1 | New Zealand Motorcycle Construction Manual chapter on exhaust noise and gas emissions, effective October 2025, relevant to choosing and certifying the exhaust for this build. | Not hosted |
| NZ Motorcycle Construction Manual Ch 5: Frame Modification & Construction, V1 | New Zealand Motorcycle Construction Manual chapter on frame modification and construction, relevant to any frame changes needed for the engine swap and café racer conversion. | Not hosted |
| NZ Motorcycle Construction Manual Ch 9: Engine & Drive-train, V1 | New Zealand Motorcycle Construction Manual chapter on engine and drive-train. The core document for the swap, covering engine mounting, fasteners and welding requirements. | Not hosted |
| NZTA VIRM: In-service WoF and CoF - Motorcycles (complete extract) | NZTA Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual extract for motorcycle WoF and CoF, covering brakes, steering, tyres, exhaust, engine and fuel. A handy inspection checklist. |  Open |
| Owner's manual | ||
| Honda CX400EC/CX500EC Sports Owner's Manual | Honda owner's manual for the CX400EC and CX500EC Sports, scanned. Useful for original controls, maintenance and specifications. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX500E Sports Owner's Manual | Honda owner's manual for the CX500E Sports, scanned. A good reference for the original controls, maintenance and specifications. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650E Eurosport Owner's Manual | Honda owner's manual for the CX650E Eurosport, scanned, useful for the donor engine's specifications, maintenance schedule and controls. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Parts list | ||
| 1982 CX500E parts fiche F-23: Rear fork (swingarm) | Honda parts diagram of the 1982 CX400EC/CX500E rear fork (swingarm), handy for identifying the swingarm parts. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| 1982 CX500E parts fiche F-24: Rear cushion (Pro-Link) | Honda parts diagram of the 1982 CX400EC/CX500E rear cushion, the Pro-Link shock and linkage, useful for identifying rear suspension parts. Honda copyright, not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| 1982 CX500E parts fiche F-28: Wire harness / ignition coil | Honda parts diagram of the 1982 CX400EC/CX500E wire harness and ignition coil, useful for identifying wiring and coil parts. Honda copyright, not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| 1982 CX500E parts fiche F-30: Frame body | Honda parts diagram of the 1982 CX400EC/CX500E frame body, showing frame and engine mount bolts. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| 1982 CX500E parts fiche F-5: Handle pipe / top bridge (top yoke) | Honda parts diagram of the 1982 CX400EC/CX500E handle pipe and top bridge (top yoke), useful for identifying parts. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| 1982 CX500E parts fiche F-6: Steering stem (bearings) | Honda parts diagram of the 1982 CX400EC/CX500E steering stem, bottom yoke and stem bearings, useful for the stem conversion. Honda copyright, not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| 1982 CX500E parts fiche F-8: Front fork (TRAC anti-dive) | Honda parts diagram of the 1982 CX400EC/CX500E front fork with TRAC anti-dive, first of six pages. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| CX500EC parts fiche index (CMSNL links per assembly) | Index of 56 parts diagrams for the CX500EC on the CMSNL site, with links per assembly. Honda copyright, so diagrams are not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| CX650E parts fiche index (CMSNL links per assembly) | Index of 59 parts diagrams for the CX650E on the CMSNL site, with links per assembly. Honda copyright, so diagrams are not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX400EC/CX500EC Parts Catalogue 1 (multilingual) | Scanned Honda parts catalogue for the CX400EC and CX500EC, multilingual, with fiche numbering for finding original part diagrams. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650E Parts Catalogue (scan v1) | Complete scanned Honda CX650E parts catalogue, useful for identifying engine and frame parts on the donor bike. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650E Parts Catalogue (scan v2, partial) | Partial, higher-resolution scan of the Honda CX650E parts catalogue covering indexes, engine and frame groups, best for engine diagrams. Honda copyright, not hosted here. | Not hosted |
| Tech guide | ||
| Australian CX Register forum: Aftermarket Ignition Systems | Archived CX Register forum post about aftermarket ignition systems for CX engines, worth reading when choosing a replacement ignition for the swap. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Anti dive boots and dust cover for front master CX 650e | Archived CX Register forum thread on sourcing anti-dive boots and a front master cylinder dust cover for the CX650E, handy for keeping original brakes working. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Cam Chain Alignment | Archived CX Register forum how-to thread on checking and aligning the cam chain on a CX engine, useful when rebuilding the CX650 engine. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Circuit Diagrams (Wiring diagrams) | Archived Australian CX Register forum thread pointing builders to circuit diagrams and wiring diagrams for CX models, useful when tracing or replacing the factory wiring. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: CV Carbs Tutorial | Archived CX Register forum thread with a tutorial on CV carburettors, useful for understanding and tuning the stock carbs on CX engines. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: CX rebuild guide | Archived CX Register forum thread on rebuilding a CX, with general advice for restoring a tired CX500 or CX650, though some may be dated. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: CX500/650E Front Indicators. | Archived Australian CX Register forum post about front indicators for the CX500 and CX650E, helpful when choosing and fitting smaller lighting on the café racer. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: CX500E / 650E spoked wheel conversion. | Archived CX Register forum thread about converting a CX500E or CX650E to spoked wheels, useful for sorting hubs, spacers and brakes. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: CX650 / GL650 Timing Modification | Archived Australian CX Register forum how-to thread on the CX650 and GL650 timing modification, relevant to setting up the ignition timing on the CX650 engine. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Electrical gremlins 1982 Eurosport | Archived Australian CX Register forum fault-finding thread on electrical gremlins in a 1982 Eurosport, useful for diagnosing wiring and charging problems on a similar-era CX650E. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Engine bolt listing for Allen head conversion | Archived CX Register forum thread listing bolt sizes for converting engine fasteners to Allen head bolts, handy for tidying the engine's appearance. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Fork tube diameter listing (various makes & models) | Archived CX Register forum post with a table of fork tube diameters across makes and models, useful when hunting for a donor fork. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Frame Modifications and Registration | Archived CX Register forum thread on frame modifications and registration under Australian rules. Not New Zealand law, but useful for understanding the issues. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Honda CX500 & CX650 Reference Guide - Australian Models (V12 ~ 21-Feb-18) | Archived CX Register forum thread holding the Honda CX500 and CX650 reference guide for Australian models, a long overview of model differences and technical details. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: How to fit 50 engine into 500 frame | Archived CX Register forum thread on fitting a 650 engine into a 500 frame, with member build experiences closely relevant to this project. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Importing Bikes & Vehicles into Aust | Archived CX Register forum thread on importing vehicles into Australia. Those are Australian rather than New Zealand rules, so only loosely relevant. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Links to CX & GL technical info - all sorts of things! | Archived CX Register forum thread collecting links to CX and GL technical information. Many links are old, but it points to useful reference material. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Longer or adjustable monoshock for cx500 eurosport | Archived CX Register forum thread on longer or adjustable monoshocks for the CX500 Eurosport, relevant to Pro-Link rear suspension and ride height. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Paint for the red EC models | Archived CX Register forum thread about paint codes for the red EC models, useful when planning paint or restoring original colours. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Pro link front arm bolt removal | Archived Australian CX Register forum thread on removing a seized Pro-Link front arm bolt, practical help for stripping the rear suspension linkage on a CX500E. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Replacement wiring loom | Archived CX Register forum thread on replacing the wiring loom, with member advice on options and problems, relevant to rewiring this bike. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Suspension - Rear - Monoshock | Archived Australian CX Register forum post on rear monoshock suspension for CX models, taken from the EnCXlopedia, useful when sorting out the Pro-Link rear end. | Not hosted |
| Australian CX Register forum: Wiring Diagrams for Australian CX500s and CX650 | Archived CX Register forum thread pointing to wiring diagrams for Australian CX500 and CX650 models, a starting point for tracing the factory electrics. | Not hosted |
| coodie.com CX online service manual index | Index of the coodie.com online CX service manual with a link per chapter, plus the GL500/GL650 manual. It points to Honda manuals not hosted here. | cOpen |
| CX500 Engine Bolt List | One-page community-compiled list of CX500 engine bolt threads, lengths and quantities by area. Low confidence for the 650 engine, so verify before ordering fasteners. | Not hosted |
| CX500 Forum wiki: 7 Volt Regulator | Community wiki page covering the 7 volt regulator on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Base Readings for Aftermarket Stators | Community wiki page on base readings for aftermarket stators on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Batteries | Community wiki page covering batteries on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Cables, Gauges, Switches and Hoses | Community wiki page on cables, gauges, switches and hoses for CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Cam Chain Inspection | Community wiki page covering inspecting the cam chain on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Camshaft and Cam Chain | Community wiki page on the camshaft and cam chain for CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Carb Hints and Tricks | Community wiki page covering carburettor hints and tricks on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Carb Theory | Community wiki page covering how carburettors work on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Carburetor Mixture Adjustment | Community wiki page covering adjusting the carburettor mixture on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Chassis | Community wiki page covering the chassis on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Color of Wires and Where They Go | Community wiki page on CX wire colours and where each wire goes, useful when tracing the factory loom before rewiring the bike. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Cooling System | Community wiki page covering cooling system service on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: CX GL Rear Cover Oil Leak | Community wiki page on fixing the rear cover oil leak common to CX and GL engines, useful when rebuilding the CX650 engine. Verify against Honda. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: CX Wiring Diagram | Community wiki index of factory wiring diagrams by year and market for CX models, a handy starting point when tracing or redrawing the loom. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Electrical | Community wiki page covering the electrical system on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Engine | Community wiki page covering the engine on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Engine Internal | Community wiki page covering engine internals on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Exhaust System | Community wiki page covering the exhaust system on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: FAQ Chassis | Community wiki page covering common chassis questions on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: FAQ Electrical | Community wiki page covering common electrical questions on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: FAQ Engine | Community wiki page covering common engine questions on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: FAQ Ignition | Community wiki ignition FAQ for CX and GL bikes, mostly about CDI models, so only partly relevant to the 500E. Check against the Honda manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Final Drive and Rear Brake | Community wiki page on the final drive and rear brake for CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check against the Honda manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Fork Air Hose Assembly | Community wiki page on the fork air hose assembly for CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Fork Seal Replacement | Community wiki page covering replacing fork seals on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Forks | Community wiki page on fork oil and fork notes for CX and GL bikes. Figures are low confidence, so check them against the Honda manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Front Wheel and Suspension | Community wiki page on the front wheel and suspension for CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: General Electrical | Community wiki page covering general electrical topics on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Hydraulic Braking System | Community wiki page covering the hydraulic braking system on CX and GL bikes, from the CX500 forum wiki. Check figures against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Ignitech Ignition Module | Community wiki write-up on the Ignitech programmable ignition module, mostly for early CDI CX500s, so only indirectly relevant to the transistorised 500E. | mOpen |
| CX500 Forum wiki: Index of Factory Manuals | Community wiki index of the factory manuals it hosts. Those are Honda copyright and not hosted here; the page just shows where to find them. | mOpen |
| CX500 In The Outback, Two Wheels magazine (May 1983) | Scanned Two Wheels magazine feature from May 1983 about riding a CX500 through the outback, kept as background reading rather than technical reference. | Not hosted |
| cx500forum wiki: Individual wiring diagrams for all model years in color | Community wiki primer on reading the starter and charging circuit, linking cut-down schematics. Handy for tracing wiring faults, though it has no 500E colour diagram. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Links to OEM Parts and Fiches | Community wiki page collecting links to Honda parts catalogues and microfiche for the CX and GL range. Useful for finding genuine part numbers. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Main Fuse Modification | Community wiki page on modifying the main fuse arrangement on CX and GL bikes. Worth reading when upgrading the electrics; check against the shop manual. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Oil Change in Final Drive | Community wiki walkthrough for changing the oil in the shaft-drive final drive housing. A practical routine service guide for any CX500 or CX650 owner. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Old Cam Chain Inspection | Community wiki page on inspecting an old cam chain for wear and stretch. Useful for judging whether a CX engine needs attention before rebuilding. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Old Ignition Page | Long community write-up on CDI and transistorised ignition, including the pulser orientation trap when refitting the rear cover. Relevant to the 500E; low confidence. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Parts Numbers, Interchange, and Substitutes | Large community wiki list of part numbers and substitutes across CX and GL models. Handy for hunting parts, but confirm against Honda catalogues. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: ProLink | Community wiki page on servicing the Pro-Link rear linkage and adding grease fittings, with notes from a CX650E sidecar. Directly applies to the 500E. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Put 50 Clutch in 00 | Community wiki page about fitting the later, stronger clutch into earlier engines. Useful background for the 650 swap, since that engine already has it. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Quick Reference | Community wiki quick reference page of commonly needed CX and GL facts. A handy first stop on the bench; check against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Rear Case Gasket Thickness | Community wiki page on rear engine case gasket thickness for CX and GL motors. Useful when reassembling the rear of the engine during a rebuild. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Rear Suspension System | Community wiki write-up on rebuilding a Pro-Link rear shock, noting a CX650E shock matched the GL500 apart from some differences. Low confidence for the 500E. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Rear Wheel Spline Service | Community wiki page on servicing the splines in the rear wheel hub on shaft-drive CX and GL bikes. Useful before refitting the rear wheel. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Rebuilding TwinPot Calipers | Community wiki guide to rebuilding the twin-piston front brake calipers. Only relevant while the stock front end is kept, rather than fitting modern brakes. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Replacing the Steering Stem Bearings | Community wiki guide to replacing steering stem bearings and setting preload by one owner's method. Relevant when fitting a different front end or new stem. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Shortening Cables | Community wiki page on shortening control cables for a neater cafe racer layout. Useful once handlebars and controls change from stock positions. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Shortening the throttle cable | Community wiki page on shortening the throttle cable. Handy for a cafe racer build with lower bars, where stock cable lengths no longer suit. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Specs you always need | Community wiki page listing the specifications owners need most often, such as settings and clearances. A convenient bench reference; check against the Honda shop manual. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Speedometer Head | Community wiki page on the speedometer head for CX and GL bikes. Useful when diagnosing, repairing or replacing the instrument during the rebuild. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Starter wire broken at splice | Community wiki page on repairing a starter wire that has broken at a splice. A practical fix for starting problems on ageing CX wiring looms. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Stator | Community wiki page about the alternator stator on CX and GL bikes. Useful background for charging faults and ignition pickup questions during the rebuild. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Syncing the Carbs | Community wiki guide to synchronising the carburettors on a CX or GL engine. A practical tuning reference, especially after cleaning or rebuilding the carbs. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Templates | Community wiki page of printable templates for CX and GL bikes. Handy for marking out and cutting gaskets or parts during a rebuild. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Testing your stator | Community wiki guide to testing the stator with a multimeter. Useful for tracking down charging or ignition problems before replacing parts. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Thrust Washer | Community wiki page on the engine thrust washer in CX and GL motors. Useful when assembling or inspecting the engine; confirm against the shop manual. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: Upgrade to a Electric Fan | Community wiki write-up on converting to an electric cooling fan using a Kawasaki ZX6R fan. Useful if the 650 swap changes cooling or fan packaging. | mOpen |
| cx500forum wiki: What to do when your bike won't start | Community no-start diagnostic tree for CX bikes. It leans towards CDI models, so the transistorised ignition steps on the 500E and 650 differ. | mOpen |
| Honda CX500 Custom rubber (air dam) baffle template, 1981, page 1 | Scanned template of the 1981 CX500 Custom rubber air dam baffle, hosted on the community wiki. Low relevance to a 500E, but a cooling-air reference. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX500 Custom rubber (air dam) baffle template, 1981, page 2 | Second page of the scanned 1981 CX500 Custom rubber air dam baffle template, from the community wiki. Low relevance to the 500E; kept for completeness. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX500EC road test, REVS magazine (Nov 1982) | Scanned 1982 REVS magazine road test of the Honda CX500EC, from the Australian CX500 and CX650 Register. Period reading on how the bike rode. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650E road test, REVS magazine (Feb 1983) | Scanned February 1983 REVS road test of the Honda CX650E, listed by the Australian Register. Useful period context on the engine we are fitting. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650E road test, Two Wheels magazine (June 1983) | Scanned June 1983 Two Wheels magazine road test of the CX650E from the Register's files, via Wayback. The month is inferred from the filename. | Not hosted |
| Marzocchi AG Strada rear shock - instructions for use and maintenance (4/80) | Scanned multilingual instruction leaflet for Marzocchi twin rear shocks. Not applicable to the 500E's single-shock Pro-Link rear, but kept because the community wiki hosts it. | Not hosted |
| MotoFaction: A closer look at the cam chain - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction article taking a closer look at the cam chain on CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 engines. Useful before a rebuild; verify against Honda manuals. |  Open |
| MotoFaction: About MotoFaction | MotoFaction page of torque values and thread sizes for CX500 and CX650 engines. Check figures against the Honda manual before tightening anything. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Automatic cam chain tensioner differences - Honda CX500, GL650, CX650, Turbos | MotoFaction article comparing the automatic cam chain tensioners across the CX500, GL650, CX650 and turbo engines. Helps work out which tensioner suits a swapped engine. | Open |
| MotoFaction: CAD and 3D printing files for Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction page collecting CAD and 3D-printing files for CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 parts. Useful for designing or printing brackets and fittings for the build. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Camshaft profile differences - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, Turbos | MotoFaction article on camshaft profile differences across the CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 and turbo engines. Relevant to understanding what changes in the 650 swap. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Carburetor identification - CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction guide to identifying the carburettors on CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 models. Helps confirm which carbs are fitted and which suit the 650 engine. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Carburetor insulator shapes - Honda CX650E Eurosport, CX650C Custom, GL650, GL700 | MotoFaction article on carburettor insulator shapes for the CX650E Eurosport, CX650C Custom, GL650 and GL700. Helps match inlet parts when mixing engine and carb components. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Carburetor insulator sources and part numbers - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction page listing carburettor insulator sources and part numbers for CX500 and CX650 engines. Useful for replacing cracked inlet rubbers; cross-check numbers with Honda. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Carburetor shape differences - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction article on carburettor shape differences across the CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650. Useful when working out whether carbs and airbox parts will interchange. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Comparison between Honda CX500/GL500 and CX650/GL650 camshafts | MotoFaction comparison of CX500/GL500 and CX650/GL650 camshafts. Helps a builder understand the valve gear differences when moving from the 500 to the 650 engine. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Coolant overflow bottle or reserve tank differences - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction article on coolant overflow bottle differences across the CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650. Helpful for sorting cooling system parts when swapping engines. | Open |
| MotoFaction: CX500 3D CAD Felipe Uribe Salazar | Downloadable 3D CAD model of the CX500 as an AutoCAD DWG file, credited to a hobbyist designer on MotoFaction. Useful for planning fitment. | Open |
| MotoFaction: CX500 single piston brake upgrade parts required | MotoFaction guide listing the parts needed to upgrade the CX500 to single-piston brakes. A useful shopping list if the build keeps a Honda-style brake setup. | Open |
| MotoFaction: CX650 Specifications, Features, History and Regional Variants | MotoFaction overview of CX650 specifications, features, history and regional variants. A good background read for the engine going into the build; check figures against Honda. | Open |
| MotoFaction: DC CDI GY6 replacement modules for Rae San Ignitions | MotoFaction page on DC CDI replacement modules from the GY6 scooter family for Rae San ignition systems. Relevant to ignition upgrades on CDI-model CX500 engines. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Does a Honda CX500 tank fit a CX650 or GL500 or GL650? | MotoFaction article asking whether a CX500 fuel tank fits a CX650, GL500 or GL650. Directly useful when choosing a tank for the cafe racer. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Engine Mounting To Frame Bolt Sizing - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction page on engine-to-frame mounting bolt sizes for CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650. Useful when fitting the 650 engine into the 500E frame. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Engine swap compatibility for Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction article on engine swap compatibility among the CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650. Central reading for putting a 650 engine into a 500E frame. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Featured Build: "26" Honda CX500 Sports Cafe Racer | MotoFaction featured build article on a CX500 sports cafe racer made from a Eurosport. Useful inspiration and a record of another builder's parts choices. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Final drive compatibility - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, Turbos | MotoFaction article on final drive compatibility across the CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 and turbo models. Important for matching the rear drive to the swapped engine. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Final shaft comparison - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, GL700, Turbos | MotoFaction comparison of final drive shafts across the CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, GL700 and turbos. Helps check shaft compatibility during the engine swap. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Fork conversion - Suzuki GSX-R750 onto Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction write-up on fitting Suzuki GSX-R750 forks to a CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650. Useful for planning a modern front end conversion. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Fork swap considerations - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction article on what to consider before swapping forks on CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 bikes. Helps plan a front end conversion. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Front end conversion: Honda CBR929RR onto a CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 | MotoFaction guide to fitting Honda CBR929RR front end parts onto a CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650. Another option for a modern fork upgrade. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Front end swap fork lengths, steering stem sizes etc. - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 etc. | MotoFaction reference table of front end swap fork lengths and steering stem sizes for CX and GL bikes. Handy for comparing donor forks. | Open |
| MotoFaction: GL500 and GL650 torque values and thread sizes | MotoFaction page of GL500 and GL650 torque values and thread sizes. Useful cross-reference for the shared engine and chassis parts; confirm with the Honda manual. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda CX500 CDI Stator Wiring Diagrams for Ignitech and Rae San | MotoFaction page with CX500 CDI stator wiring diagrams for Ignitech and Rae San ignition systems. Relevant to ignition upgrades, mainly on CDI-model bikes. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda CX500 Engine and Frame Serial Numbers | MotoFaction page decoding Honda CX400 and CX500 engine and frame serial numbers. Helpful for identifying the year and model of the bike and its engine. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 Front End Conversion Database | MotoFaction database of front end conversions for the CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650. A handy starting point for choosing donor forks, stems and wheels. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 Oil Seal and O-ring list | MotoFaction list of oil seals and O-rings for CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 engines. Useful for the rebuild; confirm numbers with Honda catalogues. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda CX650 4-stud final drive U-joint, driveshaft info | MotoFaction page on the CX650 four-stud final drive, universal joint and driveshaft information. Relevant for matching the rear drive line when installing the 650 engine. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda CX650 and GL650 Engine Serial Numbers | MotoFaction page for decoding CX650 and GL650 engine serial numbers. Helps verify the year and model of a 650 engine before committing to the build. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda CX650C Custom 1983 sales brochure | Scanned Honda sales brochure for the 1983 CX650C Custom, found via MotoFaction technical pages. Period reference for the 650 family; original file location uncertain. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda CX650E, CX650C, GL650, GL700 radiator | MotoFaction page on the radiator fitted to the CX650E, CX650C, GL650 and GL700. Useful when choosing a radiator for the swap or sourcing a replacement. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda CX650TD Turbo Wiring Harness Diagram or Schematic PDF - 1983 | MotoFaction page offering the 1983 CX650 Turbo wiring harness diagram as a PDF. Only a cross-reference, since the turbo has fuel injection and different electrics. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Honda Gasket Templates - CX400, GL400, CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, GL700 | MotoFaction collection of Honda gasket templates for the CX400, GL400, CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 and GL700. Useful for cutting your own gaskets during a rebuild. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How do you know if your Honda CX500 is CDI or TI? | MotoFaction article on telling whether a CX500 has CDI or transistorised ignition. Important, since the 500E uses the TI system and the two differ. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How do you know what size bearing you have? Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction guide to working out which bearing sizes are fitted on CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 bikes. Useful when ordering wheel, steering or swingarm bearings. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How much life is left in the cam chain with an automatic tensioner? Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction article on judging how much life remains in a cam chain with an automatic tensioner. Useful for deciding whether to renew it. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How to check a TI stator - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction guide to testing a transistorised ignition stator on the CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650. Handy for diagnosing no-spark problems on the 500E and 650. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How to check the advance ignition timing rotor air gap - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction guide to checking the air gap on the advance ignition timing rotor. A useful step when setting up ignition on a TI-model CX engine. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How to find out if a front end is going to fit - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction article on checking whether a donor front end will fit a CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650. Useful before buying forks for the conversion. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How to install the automatic tensioner rebuild kit - Honda CX500, GL650, CX650, Turbos | MotoFaction guide to installing the automatic cam chain tensioner rebuild kit on CX500, GL650, CX650 and turbo engines. A practical walkthrough for the engine rebuild. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How to measure the driveshaft angle - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, others | MotoFaction guide to measuring driveshaft angle on shaft-drive Hondas. Useful when changing ride height or swingarm geometry on a cafe racer conversion. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How to remove the engine from the frame - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction how-to for removing the engine from the frame on CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 bikes. Directly useful for the engine swap job. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How to service the Pro Link Bushings: Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction guide to servicing the Pro-Link bushings on CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 bikes. Practical reading for refreshing the rear suspension linkage. | Open |
| MotoFaction: How to set the ignition timing - static timing procedure for TI - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction guide to setting static ignition timing on TI-model CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 engines. Useful when setting up the ignition after the engine swap. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Install guide for Murray's Coil On Plug (COP) kit | MotoFaction install guide for a coil-on-plug kit sold by Murray for CX engines. Relevant to ignition upgrade options for a cleaner, tidier cafe racer. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Model Differences and History - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, Turbos | MotoFaction article on model differences and history across the CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 and turbos. Good background reading on what carries over between models. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Rae San Hall Effect Ignition Kit Installation Guide | MotoFaction installation guide for the Rae San Hall effect ignition kit. Relevant to ignition upgrade options, mainly for CDI-model CX engines. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Rebuilding 37mm front forks - TRAC side - Honda CX500E, CX650E - Part 01 | MotoFaction part one of a guide to rebuilding the 37mm front forks, TRAC side, on the CX500E and CX650E. Useful if the stock forks stay. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Regulator rectifier part numbers - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction page listing regulator rectifier part numbers for the CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650. Useful for replacing the charging components; verify numbers with Honda. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Replacement Pro-Link Steel Collar Dimensions - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, Turbos | MotoFaction page giving dimensions for replacement Pro-Link steel collars on CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 and turbos. Handy when remaking worn rear suspension bushings. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Specifications - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, Turbos, CX400 | MotoFaction specification tables for the CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, turbos and CX400. A convenient comparison, though the site warns its tables may contain errors. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Speedometer and tachometer ratios - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650, CX400, GL400 | MotoFaction page on speedometer and tachometer ratios for the CX and GL models. Useful when fitting new instruments or changing gearing on the cafe racer. | Open |
| MotoFaction: The triple backbone frame - Honda CX500E, CX650E, GL500, GL650, Turbos | MotoFaction article on the triple backbone frame used by the CX500E, CX650E, GL500, GL650 and turbos. Helpful context for the 500E frame this build uses. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Triple or Quadruple Bypass Parts List - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction parts list for the triple or quadruple bypass wiring modification on CX500 and CX650 bikes. Useful for improving electrical reliability in the rebuild. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Which other monoshocks fit? Honda CX500E, CX500T, GL500, CX650E, CX650T, GL650 | MotoFaction article on which other monoshocks fit the Pro-Link CX500E, CX500T, GL500, CX650E, CX650T and GL650. Useful for planning a rear suspension upgrade. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Which regulator rectifier to use with a lithium battery? | MotoFaction article on choosing a regulator rectifier to suit a lithium battery. Relevant if the rebuild moves to a compact lithium battery. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Won't fire on both sides - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 - Troubleshooting | MotoFaction troubleshooting guide for a CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 that will not fire on both sides. Handy for diagnosing running problems after the rebuild. | Open |
| Robert Spanel's 1980 Honda CX500C bolt, O-ring and oil-seal list | Scanned 1980 CX500C bolt, O-ring and oil seal list compiled by an owner. It covers a CDI twin-shock model, but many engine items match. | Not hosted |
| Wiring | ||
| 1982 CX500 wiring diagram (greyscale) | Greyscale scan of a 1982 CX500 wiring diagram. A general electrical reference for the bike, though it should be checked against the 500E-specific diagram. | Not hosted |
| 1982 CX500 wiring diagram, colour redraw | Colour redraw of the 1982 CX500 wiring diagram for the transistorised ignition model. The closest colour reference to the 500E's electrics, handy for tracing wires. | Not hosted |
| 1983 CX650C wiring diagram, colour redraw | Colour redraw of the 1983 CX650C wiring diagram from the CX/GL archive via the Wayback Machine. Useful for comparing the 650's electrics with the 500E. | Not hosted |
| 1983 GL650 wiring diagram, colour redraw | Colour redraw of the 1983 GL650 wiring diagram, recovered via the Wayback Machine. A related 650 reference for tracing circuits and wire colours. | Not hosted |
| CX400E/CX500E Sports wiring diagram (from the shop manual) | Wiring diagram for the CX400E and CX500E Sports, extracted from the Honda shop manual. Key reference for rewiring the 500E; Honda copyright, so not hosted. | Not hosted |
| CX500C Custom 1982 wiring diagram | Greyscale scan of the 1982 CX500C Custom wiring diagram. Useful cross-check for the 500E, since the two share a similar electrical layout. | Not hosted |
| CX500C German-market colour wiring diagram (NEC ignition) | Colour redraw of the German-market CX500C wiring diagram for the NEC ignition version. A colour reference for comparison, though not the exact 500E layout. | Not hosted |
| CX500E Sports 1982 wiring diagram | Cleaner greyscale scan of the Honda wiring diagram for the 1982 CX500E Sports, from the CX/GL wiki. The most useful diagram for rewiring the bike. | Not hosted |
| CX650C Custom 1983 wiring schematic (colour) | Colour wiring schematic for the 1983 CX650C Custom, from the community CX/GL wiki. A readable reference for the 650's electrics during the engine swap. | Not hosted |
| CX650E wiring diagram (from the shop manual addendum) | CX650E wiring diagram extracted from the Honda shop manual addendum, in greyscale. Key reference for the 650 side of the swap; no colour version found. | Not hosted |
| GL650 Silver Wing 1983 wiring schematic (colour) | Colour wiring schematic for the 1983 GL650 Silver Wing, from the community CX/GL wiki. A related 650 reference that helps when tracing circuits. | Not hosted |
| GL650D 1983 wiring diagram (European) | Greyscale Honda wiring diagram for the European-market 1983 GL650D. A related 650 reference useful for comparing circuits against the CX650E. | Not hosted |
| GL650I Interstate 1983 high-definition colour wiring diagram | Very high resolution colour wiring diagram for the 1983 GL650I Interstate, posted on a forum in 2014 and recovered via Wayback. Excellent for fine detail. | Not hosted |
| GL650I Interstate 1983 wiring schematic (colour) | Colour wiring schematic for the 1983 GL650I Interstate, from the community CX/GL wiki. A related 650 reference for comparing circuits and wire colours. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX500 CDI wiring diagram, filed by the Register as 1982 CX500 | Greyscale CDI wiring diagram for the standard CX500, filed by the Register under 1982. It is not the transistorised 500E diagram, so reference only. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX500 Sports (CX500E) 1982 wiring diagram, high-resolution scan | High-resolution scan of the 1982 CX500 Sports wiring diagram from the Register's collection. The same Honda drawing as the shop manual page, in better detail. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX500C Custom 1982 wiring diagram (addendum) | Scanned 1982 CX500C Custom wiring diagram from the Honda addendum, via the Register. It shares the 500E's TI ignition, so it is a useful cross-check. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650E Eurosport 1983 wiring diagram (addendum, two scans) | Two scans of the 1983 CX650E Eurosport wiring diagram from the Honda addendum, via the Register's collection. A separate copy of a drawing already held. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650E Eurosport 1983 wiring diagram (high-resolution image) | High-resolution image of the 1983 CX650E Eurosport wiring diagram from the Register's files via Wayback. A single, easy-to-read image of the Honda drawing. | Not hosted |
| Honda CX650TD Turbo 1983 wiring diagram (MotoFaction clear redraw) | Clear redrawn schematic of the 1983 CX650 Turbo wiring from MotoFaction, not a Honda original. The turbo has fuel injection, so use as cross-reference only. | Not hosted |
| MotoFaction: CX500 Ignitech CDI and charge-only stator wiring | Wiring diagram image from MotoFaction for a CX500 with Ignitech ignition and a charge-only stator upgrade. Useful for planning a modern ignition and charging setup. | Not hosted |
| MotoFaction: Motogadget m.unit button wiring diagram, CX500 CDI | MotoFaction PDF wiring diagram for connecting a Motogadget m.button unit on a CX500 CDI. Useful for planning a minimal, modern cafe racer electrical layout. | Open |
| MotoFaction: Rae San full Hall effect stator and pickup wiring | Wiring diagram image from MotoFaction for the Rae San full Hall effect stator and pickup upgrade. Helpful for planning an ignition upgrade. | Not hosted |
| Redesigned simplified CX wiring schematic (CDI) | Community-drawn simplified one-page CX wiring schematic for a CDI bike. Not a factory diagram and not for TI, but a template for a minimal loom. | Not hosted |
Suppliers and services
212 sourcesWho sells, makes, fixes, coats, ships or certifies the parts, in New Zealand and overseas.
| Source | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Bodywork & seats | ||
| ARH Custom | UK custom parts shop that stocks the C-Racer CX500 seat and Motogadget m.unit electronics. A possible source for cafe racer seat and wiring components. |  Open |
| C-Racer | Maker of cafe racer seats, including a CX500 flat and cowl two-to-one seat whose solo cowl lifts off for a pillion pad. A candidate source. |  Open |
| Cafe Racer Garage | Cafe racer parts shop offering a CX500 two-in-one seat with a removable cowl, and resale of suspension brands. A possible source for seats and shocks. |  Open |
| Cafe Racer Garage Shop (Prime Moto) | Cafe racer parts shop, trading as Prime Moto, linked from the Cafe Racer Garage site. A possible general source of cafe racer parts and accessories. |  Open |
| Cafe Racer Kits | UK supplier of modular cafe racer kits, including a CX500 Roadster kit with fibreglass tail, seat and mudguard for twin-shock models. Check 500E fitment first. |  Open |
| Caswell | US plating supplier that sells a fuel tank sealer kit, an alternative to POR-15. Relevant for treating a rusty CX500 tank before painting. |  Open |
| Lowbrow Customs | US custom motorcycle parts supplier selling a Haifley Bates-style bolt-on pillion P-pad. A possible source for a removable passenger seat pad. |  Open |
| Motorvated | New Zealand importer of motorcycle parts, mainly for dirt bikes, quads and scooters. Worth checking for small items, though it may not suit cafe racers. |  Open |
| POR-15 | Maker of POR-15 rust sealing coatings, including a fuel tank sealer kit. Relevant for treating the inside of an old steel CX500 tank. | pOpen |
| Saddlemen | US seat maker offering detachable suction-cup pillion pads. An option for a passenger pad, though unsuitable as a main seat for a warrant of fitness. |  Open |
| TC Bros | US custom parts supplier selling a bolt-on pillion pad with threaded inserts. A possible solution for a removable passenger seat on the cafe racer. |  Open |
| Brakes | ||
| Accossato | Italian maker of motorcycle controls, including a forged radial master cylinder chosen by the Eurosport cafe racer build featured on MotoFaction. A brake upgrade option. |  Open |
| Biketeile-Service | German motorcycle parts retailer listed as a possible source of brake and other parts. Little detail is recorded, so check its range for the CX. |  Open |
| Brembo | Official Brembo store listing a rear caliper, radial master cylinders, discs and a banjo-bolt brake light switch. A source for planned brake upgrades. |  Open |
| Cafe Racer Club | Australian cafe racer shop that carries HEL and Venhill brake lines and other parts. A possible Australasian source for braided lines and cafe racer components. |  Open |
| CarpiMoto | Italian parts supplier listing a brake light pressure switch in the common thread size. Useful for wiring a brake light to new hydraulic brakes. |  Open |
| Cycle Gear | US motorcycle gear and parts retailer listing Brembo radial master cylinders and Woodcraft clip-on bars. A possible source for the cafe racer's controls and brakes. |  Open |
| Enzed | New Zealand hydraulic hose business that can make braided brake lines to length locally. A practical option for custom lines after the front end changes. |  Open |
| HEL Performance | British maker of braided brake lines made to suit new geometry. A source for custom-length lines after the front end and brake changes. |  Open |
| Hydraulink | Hydraulic hose service with local outlets that can make braided brake lines to length. A practical option for custom lines on the rebuilt bike. | hOpen |
| MotoWheels | US wheel and parts retailer listing a Brembo banjo bolt with integrated pressure switch. Useful for connecting a brake light to the new brake setup. | mOpen |
| OPP Racing | US performance parts retailer listing an Ohlins shock, a Brembo radial master cylinder and a Brembo rear caliper. A reference for suspension and brake upgrades. |  Open |
| Pirtek | New Zealand hydraulic hose business that can make braided brake lines to length locally. Another practical local option for custom lines on the rebuilt bike. |  Open |
| Reactive Parts | Parts retailer listing an Accossato forged radial master cylinder. A source for the cafe racer's front brake master cylinder upgrade. |  Open |
| Spears Racing | US racing parts supplier listing a Brembo banjo bolt with integrated pressure switch for the brake light. Useful when fitting new brakes to the build. |  Open |
| Sportsbikeshop | UK motorcycle parts retailer that ships HEL braided brake lines to New Zealand, handy for a CX500 or CX650 builder upgrading the brake hoses. |  Open |
| Venhill | UK maker of braided brake lines and a custom-length clutch cable kit, useful when a café racer conversion changes the lengths of hoses and cables. |  Open |
| Certification | ||
| AA (NZ Automobile Association) | New Zealand Automobile Association site offering WOF inspections and re-registration, an alternative to VTNZ once the rebuilt bike has passed low volume vehicle certification. |  Open |
| Fraser Cars (Scott Tristram) | Auckland low volume vehicle motorcycle certifier, an alternative option for certifying the CX650 conversion so it can be registered for the road again. |  Open |
| LVVTA (Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association) | Industry body running New Zealand's low volume vehicle certification system, the rulebook and certifier network a modified motorcycle like this CX650 conversion must work through. | Open |
| Midhirst Service Station (Bruce Jamieson) | Workshop that carries out low volume vehicle certification of motorcycles, one of several certifiers a New Zealand custom builder can approach for the CX650 conversion. | mOpen |
| NZTA Waka Kotahi | Government transport agency site for checking registration status, WOF rules and the re-registration steps needed after a modified motorcycle passes low volume certification. |  Open |
| Rivers Speed & Spares (Grant Rivers) | New Zealand workshop listed as a low volume vehicle motorcycle certifier, another option for signing off the CX650 café racer conversion for road use. | rOpen |
| Smith Autos (Andrew Smith) | Workshop listed as a low volume vehicle motorcycle certifier in New Zealand, one more candidate for certifying the finished CX650 conversion for registration and warrant. |  Open |
| VTNZ | Vehicle testing company providing WOF inspections and re-registration after low volume certification, the final step before the finished CX650 can legally return to the road. |  Open |
| Controls & gauges | ||
| Acewell | German maker of small round speedometers and tachometers, a compact instrument option for a minimal café racer cockpit, including a unit with a temperature sensor. | aOpen |
| Auckland City Honda | Auckland Honda dealer used for ordering genuine Honda parts for the rebuild, and listed here as a place to source a rear paddock stand. |  Open |
| BikeBiz | Australian motorcycle retailer stocking the Rizoma Spy-R bar-end mirror, a compact mirror option that suits the clean handlebar look of a café racer build. |  Open |
| Daytona | Japanese maker of motorcycle instruments and accessories, noted as a gauge brand worth checking when choosing small gauges for the café racer cockpit. |  Open |
| Demon Tweeks | UK motorsport and motorcycle supplier that ships to New Zealand, listed for braided brake lines and an Oberon bar-end mirror for the CX650 build. |  Open |
| Domino | Italian maker of motorcycle grips and throttle controls, relevant for its quick-action single-cable throttle to suit the Mikuni carburettors on the CX650 conversion. |  Open |
| Koso North America | North American site for Koso instruments, including small speedo and tacho units, a GPS speedometer, a temperature and rpm meter, and an LED headlight. |  Open |
| Louis | UK arm of the German motorcycle shop Louis, stocking LSL and ABM clip-on handlebars a builder could use to lower a café racer's bars. |  Open |
| LSL | German manufacturer of motorcycle controls, with Sport-Match and Tour-Match clip-on handlebar kits that are candidates for converting the CX650 to lower, café racer style bars. | lOpen |
| Moto-D Racing | US supplier selling Vortex seven-degree clip-on handlebars, one of the options considered for the CX650's lower, sportier riding position and fork fitment. |  Open |
| Moto1 | New Zealand motorcycle accessories retailer listing a rear paddock stand and a front head-lift stand, both useful for holding the bike steady during the rebuild. |  Open |
| Mr Moto | New Zealand parts and accessories shop with nationwide delivery, where a rear paddock stand can be bought for working on the bike in the garage. |  Open |
| RevZilla | Large US motorcycle gear retailer, used as a source for the Trail Tech Striker gauge and the m.unit blue electronics module for the CX650. |  Open |
| Rizoma | Italian maker of premium motorcycle accessories, listed for a brake reservoir with a red accent, bar-end mirrors and indicators for a refined café racer finish. |  Open |
| S3 Performance | Australian performance parts retailer that stocks the Acewell round speedometer, a compact gauge choice for the minimal cockpit on this café racer. |  Open |
| Streetbike Supply | US shop supplying Vortex clip-on handlebars in both forty-three and fifty millimetre sizes, helping a builder match them to the fork tubes on the conversion. |  Open |
| Trail Tech | American gauge maker whose temperature gauge with an inline hose sensor lets the rider keep an eye on the CX650's coolant temperature on the road. |  Open |
| Woodcraft CFM | US builder of model-specific clip-on handlebars for fifty millimetre upside-down fork tops, plus riser versions, relevant to the front end planned for this CX650 build. |  Open |
| Engine & carbs | ||
| 454.co.nz | New Zealand supplier of bearings, seals, brushes and batteries, a handy local source of everyday consumables when rebuilding the CX500 or CX650 engine and electrics. |  Open |
| CMSNL | European Honda parts dealer with online fiche diagrams and part numbers for the CX500EC and CX650E, plus a CX alternator rotor puller tool. |  Open |
| CP-Carrillo | US maker of custom pistons and connecting rods, noted in case the engine is ever taken beyond stock capacity, though that is not currently planned. |  Open |
| David Silver Spares | UK specialist supplying Honda genuine and pattern parts for older bikes, a useful source of components needed during the CX500 to CX650 rebuild. |  Open |
| Mikunioz (Mikuni Oz) | Australian supplier of Mikuni carburettor kits, an alternative TM34 or VM34 kit for the CX650, jetted for local fuel and nearer to New Zealand. | mOpen |
| MRC Cycle | US motorcycle recycler that ships worldwide, a possible source of second-hand CX engine and chassis parts when new or genuine items are hard to find. |  Open |
| Murray's Carbs | US specialist in Mikuni VM34 carburettor kits for the CX650, with advice on the Eurosport frame, output shaft and hanger, plus gaskets. | mOpen |
| Old Bike Barn | US vintage motorcycle parts business carrying both original and aftermarket parts for the CX650, useful when sourcing hard-to-find components for the rebuild. |  Open |
| Partzilla | US Honda parts site with fiche diagrams and genuine parts for US models only, covering CX650C parts but not those specific to the CX500E. |  Open |
| Randakk's Cycle Shack | US dealer offering carburettor rebuild kits, Samco silicone coolant hoses and a range of CX650 parts, handy for refreshing the carbs and cooling system. |  Open |
| Sun Coast Cycle Sports | US seller of vintage CX genuine and used parts, a possible source of original components for the rebuild when new stock is unavailable. |  Open |
| Exhaust & cooling | ||
| Alphatechnik | German supplier of a matt black silicone coolant hose kit for the CX500 and GL500, a tidy upgrade for the cooling system during the rebuild. |  Open |
| Bike Mufflers NZ | New Zealand muffler supplier listed for the exhaust plan, though its website appears dead, so its status would need checking before relying on it. | bOpen |
| Bits4Bikes | New Zealand motorcycle parts shop listing a WMP shorty reverse-cone muffler and heat wrap, both relevant to building a compact café racer exhaust. |  Open |
| Burns Stainless | US stainless fabrication supplier offering a premium merge collector, used in this build for a do-it-yourself Y-pipe that joins the two exhaust headers. |  Open |
| CafeRacerWebshop.com | European café racer parts shop stocking MAD headers for the CX, C-Racer seats, Tarozzi clip-ons and rearsets, a Daytona Velona gauge and a Rebel switch. |  Open |
| Cone Engineering | US exhaust maker producing a twelve-inch stainless shorty or eighteen-inch Quiet-Core muffler, also sold through Dime City and Randakk's, suitable for a compact CX650 exhaust. | cOpen |
| Custom Chambers | Auckland motorcycle exhaust specialists, operating since 1984, who could build stainless headers, a Y-pipe and under-engine silencer, and recommend machinists and coating shops. | cOpen |
| Delkevic | US exhaust maker offering an eighteen-inch stainless oval muffler to lie flat under the engine, or a bolt-on two-into-one fallback for the CX650 conversion. |  Open |
| Fastlane Spares | New Zealand supplier stocking Proflow stainless mandrel bends, a local source of tube bends for fabricating the custom exhaust headers on the CX650. |  Open |
| JB's Power Centre | Retailer of Vibrant exhaust components including a two-into-one merge collector, one of the parts considered for the custom exhaust on the CX650. |  Open |
| MAD Exhaust | European maker of hand-built stainless CX and GL headers in a two-into-two layout, the closest bought equivalent to the Lakic-style exhaust this build wants. | mOpen |
| Moto Machines | US company that has made radiator and oil-cooler guards for the CX, though its current site lists only luggage and grips, so availability is uncertain. |  Open |
| Musket Mufflers | New Zealand maker of hand-made mufflers for 1970s and 1980s Hondas, built to order, relevant when choosing a period-correct exhaust finish for this build. |  Open |
| Samco Sport | UK silicone hose maker, listed for a coolant hose kit and twenty-two millimetre elbows that suit plumbing a custom radiator on the CX650. |  Open |
| Speedway Motors | US automotive and hot-rod supplier, a source of spun moon discs and Vibrant stainless pie cuts for fabricating the exhaust on this build. |  Open |
| Ticon Industries | US supplier of stainless and titanium pie-cut tube sections, in two angles, useful for fabricating custom exhaust headers and bends on the CX650. |  Open |
| Torque Performance | New Zealand fabrication shop doing stainless and titanium TIG work and merge collectors, though it is car-focused, so bike work needs confirming before enquiring. |  Open |
| Z1 Enterprises | US dealer stocking a Samco silicone coolant hose kit for the CX, a reliable way to replace ageing radiator hoses on the CX650. |  Open |
| Freight | ||
| BikeTranz | New Zealand motorcycle transport company considered for carrying the Eurosport donor bike from Nelson to Auckland, ideally on an enclosed truck. |  Open |
| Cargo Co-Ordinators | Auckland freight firm with a published consolidated shipping service for importing car and motorbike parts from the USA, judged the best fit for CX650 parts. |  Open |
| Famous Car Shipping | Auckland shipper bringing motorcycles in from the USA via its Los Angeles depot, though its page covers whole bikes, not loose engines, so check suitability. |  Open |
| Motomovers | New Zealand motorcycle carrier considered as an alternative way of moving the Eurosport donor bike from Nelson to Auckland for the CX650 build. |  Open |
| New Zealand Customs Service | New Zealand Customs Service site covering the GST and duty rules that apply when importing motorcycle parts and a donor bike from overseas. |  Open |
| NZ Post YouShop | NZ Post's overseas parcel forwarding service, considered for small parts but marginal: oils and petroleum products are prohibited and automotive parts are excluded from consolidation. |  Open |
| Schumacher Cargo Logistics | Long-established US-to-New Zealand vehicle and motorcycle shipper with its own Los Angeles warehouse for packing, crating and trucking, delivering to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. |  Open |
| Sneddens International Freight | New Zealand freight forwarder whose USA import page covers motorcycles and machinery, offering weekly consolidated ocean sailings for smaller items plus air freight options. |  Open |
| Front end & wheels | ||
| All Balls Racing | US bearing maker whose tapered headstock bearing kits suit the conversion steering stem, plus linkage and wheel bearing kits useful throughout the CX650 rebuild. | Open |
| Cognito Moto | US specialist supplying the conversion stem and bearings for the upside-down front end, plus billet triple trees, a Eurosport rear disc hub and rearsets. | Open |
| Fastec Racing | UK maker of one-off CNC machined yokes for almost any fork and frame, the fallback if Cognito's triple trees do not suit the build. | fOpen |
| Forsaken Motorsports | Aftermarket triple clamp maker for Ducati models, included as a reference for the option of fitting a Ducati 1198S front end to the CX650. |  Open |
| G. Arnold Motorcycles | UK wheel specialist who can ring Comstar hubs for spokes and lace them to new alloy rims, relevant if the spoked wheel route is chosen. |  Open |
| Kyle Racing (via shopducparts) | Billet triple clamp maker with a thirty millimetre offset for Ducati 1098 and 848 models, only relevant to the 1198S front-end option; now redirects elsewhere. |  Open |
| Mooneyes | Japanese hot-rod accessory brand known for spun aluminium moon discs, a possible source if a spun finish is wanted instead of a laser-cut disc. |  Open |
| Oro2U | UK retailer stocking the All Balls tapered steering bearing and the stock steering bearing kit, relevant to fitting the conversion stem on the CX650. |  Open |
| Sportbike Track Gear | US sportbike parts shop listing the All Balls stock steering stem bearing kit, a source for replacing the CX's worn headstock bearings. |  Open |
| Timaru Yamaha | New Zealand Yamaha dealer that lists All Balls bearing kits by part number, a local way to order steering and wheel bearings for the rebuild. |  Open |
| Wheel and Spoke Ltd | New Zealand wheel specialist that laces and trues spoked wheels and supplies custom spokes and rims, relevant if the Cognito spoked wheel route is chosen. |  Open |
| Ignition & electrics | ||
| Antigravity Batteries | US maker of lithium motorcycle batteries, noted as an alternative four-cell lithium battery for the tail hump of the café racer conversion. |  Open |
| Bros Custom Parts | Custom parts seller offering an LED version of the Rebel Switch, a compact four-button handlebar switch often paired with the Motogadget m.unit. |  Open |
| Cafe4Racer | German café racer parts shop stocking Motogadget m.unit sets, Highsider brackets, C-Racer CX500 seats and IronHorse universal rearsets for the conversion. |  Open |
| CX500Parts.com | US specialist in CX500 parts, listing an under-seat battery and electronics tray, battery boxes, a stator grommet, radiator covers and Comstar wheel covers. |  Open |
| Dime City Cycles | US custom motorcycle shop stocking a lithium-compatible regulator rectifier, Samco hoses, a Cone shorty muffler, Acewell gauges, All Balls bearings and the Motogadget m.unit blue. |  Open |
| Highsider | German maker of motorcycle accessories, listed for headlight brackets and small LED lights suited to the minimal front end of a café racer. |  Open |
| Ignitech | Czech maker of programmable ignition systems, noted because its DCCDIP2 suits CDI CX500s only, so it does not suit the TI-ignition CX650 engine. | iOpen |
| J.W. Speaker | US lighting maker whose adaptive LED headlight in the 5.75-inch size, with ECE and DOT approval, is the premium headlight option for the build. |  Open |
| Jaycar Electronics | New Zealand electronics retailer used for wire, connectors, heat-shrink, a multimeter and an ultrasonic cleaner, all handy for rewiring the bike and cleaning the carburettors. |  Open |
| Kellermann | German lighting maker whose tiny Atto and Atto DF LED indicators and tail lights are ECE approved and friendly to a New Zealand WOF. |  Open |
| Motodemic | US lighting supplier offering Evo S LED headlights in 5.75-inch and seven-inch sizes with E-marking, plus headlight buckets for the café racer front end. |  Open |
| Motogadget | German electronics maker behind the keyless m.unit blue control box, NFC lock, switches, indicators, gauges and mirrors; no New Zealand dealer, so order direct. |  Open |
| Purpose Built Moto | Australian custom shop and nearest stockist of the Black Box lighting controller, an LED headlight, switches, levers, a muffler and fender fabrication packs. |  Open |
| Rae-San Electronics | Australian electronics specialist offering a Hall-effect ignition for the CX650 that replaces the original TI boxes and pulse generators, plus coil conversions. | Open |
| Rebelmoto | European maker of the Rebel Switch four-button handlebar switch, the common partner for the Motogadget m.unit when simplifying the bike's electrics. |  Open |
| REM Motorcycle | European maker of CNC machined handlebar switch controls, considered as a neat way to tidy up the handlebars on this café racer build. |  Open |
| Revival Cycles | US Motogadget stockist whose articles on wiring the m.unit and CDI systems help with planning the electrics for the CX650 conversion. |  Open |
| RMStator | Supplier of aftermarket replacement stators, a possible solution for the CX's charging system if the original stator needs replacing during the rebuild. |  Open |
| Shorai | Lithium battery maker, with its LFX14 model considered as a lightweight battery that fits into the tail hump of the café racer. |  Open |
| Slipstream Supply | New Zealand shop selling café racer LED tail and stop lights plus small universal parts, a local source for lighting on the CX650. |  Open |
| Speed Moto Co | US shop offering a 5.75-inch LED projector headlight with fork brackets as a budget option, though its approval status is unknown. |  Open |
| Spiegler USA | US dealer for Kellermann indicators, a possible source of the small ECE-approved LED lights if the German store will not ship. | sOpen |
| THS Moto | New Zealand motorcycle shop stocking CX500 consumables, LED tail lights and hard parts, a useful local source during the rebuild. |  Open |
| Urban Rider | UK stockist of the Motogadget m.unit blue, listed as a fallback supplier if the European store will not ship to New Zealand. |  Open |
| Wunderlich America | Wunderlich is a German maker of motorcycle accessories with a US site, listed as a possible source of rider-focused parts for the café racer build. |  Open |
| Manuals & info | ||
| Bateman Books | New Zealand bookshop listed as a source of motorcycle workshop manuals and reference books, useful for finding printed CX500 and CX650 repair guidance. |  Open |
| Blacktrack Motors | Reference site for Blacktrack Motors, covering the production Lakic BT-01, the Honda CX-based motorcycle whose design inspires this build; the series is now complete. |  Open |
| Book Hero | New Zealand bookseller listed as an alternative local supplier of the Haynes CX/GL500 and 650 workshop manual, useful during the rebuild. |  Open |
| Brick House Builds | Reference builder with a long CX500 build series including a GL650 engine swap, who also sells some new old stock parts and builds by appointment. | bOpen |
| CarTech Books | US publisher's page for a book on building a café racer, a general guide to the planning, parts and techniques this CX650 project draws on. |  Open |
| Etsy | Online marketplace listed as a source of a hardback Haynes CX500 workshop manual, handy for torque figures and procedures during the rebuild. |  Open |
| Gasoline Motor Co | Australian custom motorcycle business listed as a reference for café racer and custom builds, useful for ideas and inspiration for this CX650 project. |  Open |
| Haynes | Publisher of the Haynes manual for the Honda CX/GL500 and 650 V-Twins, the standard workshop reference for engine and chassis work on this build. |  Open |
| Kaspeed Custom Motorcycles | European custom builder producing several CX500 and GL500 café racers to order, useful as a reference for what the finished CX650 could look like. |  Open |
| Lake Motorcycle | US reference builder of CX500 café and brat custom bikes to order, with a parts store that may supply components for similar CX conversions. |  Open |
| Mighty Ape | New Zealand retailer listed as an alternative local seller of the Haynes CX/GL500 and 650 workshop manual, handy for engine and chassis work. |  Open |
| Perfmoto | US parts retailer listing the Clymer manual for Honda CX/GL500 and 650 models, an alternative workshop reference to Haynes for the rebuild. |  Open |
| SVS Powersports | US powersports parts retailer also selling the Clymer CX/GL500 and 650 workshop manual, another source for a printed service reference. |  Open |
| Thornton Hundred Motorcycles | UK motorcycle workshop that once built a CX500 but now focuses on Triumphs, so it is a general reference rather than a CX specialist. |  Open |
| Tossa R (Asen Zahariev) | Instagram account of a reference builder whose Eurosport-chassis CX650 look this build is copying; he builds to order, ships worldwide and can advise on parts. |  Open |
| Veloce Publishing | Publisher of a restoration book covering the Honda CX500 and CX650, widely regarded as the closest thing to a definitive guide for these models. | vOpen |
| Services (NZ) | ||
| AIL Protective Coatings | New Zealand anodising company that could finish the fork outer tubes and billet clamps in gold or red, all done together in a single batch. |  Open |
| Assurant (formerly Protecta Insurance) | New Zealand insurer, formerly Protecta, offering motorcycle and classic vehicle insurance, worth considering once the rebuilt CX650 is registered and back on the road. |  Open |
| Auckland South Automotive | Auckland automotive firm that could paint the tank, tail and headlight shell for the build, and also does motorcycle upholstery for the seat. |  Open |
| Auto Restorations | New Zealand restoration business offering coachwork-grade finishes and experience with motorcycle projects, a possible choice for high-quality paint on the CX650. |  Open |
| Bunnings | New Zealand hardware chain used for bench materials and tools such as treated timber, fixings, an angle grinder, a vice and stacking storage bins. |  Open |
| Classic Cover | New Zealand insurer offering agreed-value cover for classic and modified vehicles, a relevant option for insuring the rebuilt CX650 once it is finished. |  Open |
| Coating Lab | New Zealand powder coating business that could coat the frame, subframe, swingarm, Boomerang wheels and engine cases together in one batch. |  Open |
| Concourse & Custom | New Zealand custom painters offering tank paint, dent repair, pinstriping and colour matching, relevant to the café racer's finish and overall look. |  Open |
| Dreamcycles | Auckland business that imports and restores 1970s to 1990s Italian classics and builds customs, with a full-time mechanic, so a possible workshop contact. |  Open |
| HPE Automotive Services | New Zealand engineering firm offering motorcycle engine reconditioning, CNC valve seat cutting and balancing, relevant to refreshing the CX engine. | hOpen |
| JR Motorcycles | New Zealand motorcycle shop listed for workshop tools, particularly a professional air lift table with side extensions for working on the bike. |  Open |
| Machineryhouse | New Zealand tool supplier listed for a motorcycle lift table, vernier calipers and a dial indicator, all useful for measuring and working on the engine. |  Open |
| Metal Press and Bend | New Zealand laser cutting and folding service that works with aluminium up to three millimetres, suited to making brackets and covers for the build. |  Open |
| MetalShop NZ | New Zealand metalworking business that laser-cuts one-off aluminium parts, listed for making the moon-disc blanks used on the CX650 build. |  Open |
| Mitre 10 | New Zealand hardware chain listed as an alternative to Bunnings for bench timber, fixings and stacking storage bins used in the workshop. |  Open |
| Motor Machinists | New Zealand engineering firm offering motorcycle engine reconditioning, balancing and flywheel grinding, relevant to freshening up the CX engine during the rebuild. |  Open |
| Motorcycle Doctors | New Zealand motorcycle dyno tuning centre using Dynojet equipment, a possible source of engine work as well, though rebuild capability would need confirming. |  Open |
| No.8 Moto | Instagram account of an Auckland fabricator who does TIG welding for the seat subframe, shock-mount plates and brackets on this build. | Open |
| NZ Cylinders | New Zealand engine machinists offering rebore, honing, resleeving and cylinder head rebuilds, listed as the fallback machinist for the CX engine. |  Open |
| OfficeMax | New Zealand office supplier used for Avery label sheets and heavy zip-lock bags, handy for labelling and storing parts during the teardown. |  Open |
| One Stop Cutting Shop | New Zealand laser cutting service that handles thicker material, up to twenty millimetres, and one-off pieces, useful for custom brackets and plates. |  Open |
| Powder Pros | New Zealand business offering vapour blasting and powder coating under one roof, suitable for the frame, subframe, swingarm and wheels of the CX650. |  Open |
| Quality Automotive Machinists | New Zealand machinists offering full engine reconditioning, with classic engines a speciality, a strong candidate to rebuild the CX engine. |  Open |
| RC Hobbies | New Zealand hobby shop listed for a Tamiya JIS screwdriver, a good-quality tool for working on Japanese-standard screws on the old Honda. |  Open |
| Repco | New Zealand automotive chain listed for workshop tools and supplies, including sockets, an engine stand, wire and connectors, and heat wrap for the exhaust. |  Open |
| Royale Cars & Motorcycles | New Zealand car and motorcycle dealer and workshop that may fabricate chassis and subframe parts, though mostly a dealer, so fabrication work needs confirming. |  Open |
| S2S Vapour Blast | Auckland-area vapour blasting service. A CX builder uses it to clean and refinish engine cases, covers, carburettors and the water-pump housing without damaging the alloy. |  Open |
| Star Insurance | New Zealand insurer offering agreed-value cover for modified and classic motorcycles. Worth considering once the café racer is registered, to cover the finished build properly. |  Open |
| STS Trim & Sound | Auckland auto-trim business. A builder can have a solo café racer seat made from scratch, with foam, cover and contrast stitching. |  Open |
| Supercheap Auto | New Zealand automotive retailer stocking workshop tools for a CX500 rebuild: sockets, hex and Torx sets, bearing pullers, engine stand, feeler and vacuum gauges. |  Open |
| Sydney Tools NZ | New Zealand tool retailer used for workshop tools, especially the three torque wrenches covering low, middle and high ranges for an engine rebuild. |  Open |
| The Pacific Motorcycle Co. | Facebook page for a New Zealand motorcycle shop with a documented CX500 custom. Useful for seeing a local build and finding a nearby contact. |  Open |
| The Tool Shed | New Zealand tool supplier used for Teng tools, a tap and die set and a Helicoil thread-repair kit, handy for rebuilding old engine cases. |  Open |
| TIS Tools | New Zealand tool retailer stocking Teng socket sets and torque wrenches, a local source of quality spanners and torque tools for CX500 or CX650 work. | tOpen |
| Tool Factory | New Zealand tool retailer used as a local source of Teng socket sets for the spanner work in stripping and rebuilding a CX500 or CX650. |  Open |
| Trade Tested | New Zealand online retailer used as a source of workshop storage, specifically a roller tool cabinet with multiple drawers for keeping the build's tools organised. |  Open |
| Trevor Hall Motorcycles | New Zealand motorcycle workshop specialising in restoring 1970s and 1980s bikes. Relevant for classic restoration, compliance work and electrics on an older Honda. |  Open |
| Trim It | New Zealand seat specialist that reshapes and re-foams custom motorcycle seats. You courier the seat pan to them, which suits a café racer seat project. |  Open |
| Warehouse Stationery | New Zealand stationery retailer used for sheets of address labels, printed with QR codes to label parts and bags during the CX engine teardown. |  Open |
| West Auckland Engine Reconditioners | Auckland engine reconditioning firm. Offers reboring, valve seat work, crank grinding and cylinder head surfacing, the machining needed for the CX650 engine in this build. |  Open |
| ZY Fabrication | New Zealand laser-cutting and fabrication business. It can cut aluminium parts from a DXF drawing, such as the moon disc, shock-mount plates and subframe gussets. |  Open |
| Suspension | ||
| Blackpines | French supplier of YSS shock conversion kits for the CX, offered in many colours. It is a twin-shock-frame kit, not needed on the Eurosport. | bOpen |
| Choice City Moto | US shop that sold a YSS Topline shock built for the CX500E and CX650E Pro-Link, plus radiator covers and subframe parts. Stock was sold out. |  Open |
| Darkart Motosport | New Zealand suspension workshop that can re-spring and revalve the donor shock, or set up a new one to rider weight. Services Öhlins, Nitron, YSS. |  Open |
| Hagon Shocks | UK shock maker listing a rebuildable Pro-Link shock for the CX500EC and CX650ED, with custom lengths. Its New Zealand distributor is in New Plymouth. |  Open |
| Jax Garage | Australian YSS distributor. It can supply a Pro-Link shock for the CX500E and GL650, built to the rider's weight, which suits a CX650 café racer. |  Open |
| Kickstarter.de | German supplier of a YSS CX mono-shock conversion kit. It is aimed at twin-shock frames, so it is not needed on the Eurosport Pro-Link frame. |  Open |
| Kiwi Suspension Solutions | New Zealand Öhlins and Nitron distributor with a shock dyno. It can re-spring and revalve a used CBR1000RR shock to suit the Eurosport Pro-Link. | kOpen |
| Ludwigsen Motor Co | US supplier of CX500 subframe, lower shock mount and battery box kits. It may be dormant since 2016, so check before relying on it. |  Open |
| motorcyclesuspension.co.nz (Bryce) | New Zealand suspension specialist working on Showa, KYB and Öhlins units. A local option for servicing or rebuilding the forks and shock on a CX. |  Open |
| NTB Racing | New Zealand YSS agent that supplies, fits and tunes YSS shocks. A local route to a Pro-Link rear shock for the CX650 café racer. |  Open |
| Race Tech | Suspension tuning company selling fork emulator kits, springs and the Motorcycle Suspension Bible. Used here to rebuild the stock 37 mm CX forks. |  Open |
| Rogue Motorcycles | Australian motorcycle shop listing a YSS shock whose fitment needs confirming, and acting as the nearest Motogadget dealer for the Motoscope Mini and Pro instruments. |  Open |
| Suspension Store Europe | European suspension business that originated the YSS CX Files kit and builds YSS shocks to order, a source of a custom rear shock. |  Open |
| Wilbers (via mpartz) | German suspension maker's shock for the 1982 CX500, sold through the mpartz shop and quoted by email. Another premium rear shock option. |  Open |
| YSS | Manufacturer of the Pro-Link shocks fitted to the Eurosport. Buy through an agent such as Jax Garage, NTB Racing or Suspension Store. |  Open |
| Öhlins | Swedish maker. Its TTX shock can be built to 290 mm, and used CBR1000RR shocks are a known upgrade. Kiwi Suspension Solutions is agent. |  Open |
| Wreckers & used parts | ||
| Amazon | Online marketplace used to buy JIS screwdrivers, which suit the Japanese screws on a CX500, and a Clymer workshop manual for the bike. |  Open |
| AutoScout24 | European used-vehicle marketplace searched for complete CX650C and CX650E bikes, which are the donor machines for the 650 engine swap into a CX500. |  Open |
| Bike Bitz | New Zealand motorcycle parts seller with second-hand and OEM parts, including a dedicated café racer parts category useful for custom Honda builds. |  Open |
| Bike Busters | New Zealand Japanese road bike wrecker working by appointment and shipping within New Zealand and to Australia. A possible source of used CX parts. |  Open |
| BikeParts.co.nz | New Zealand motorcycle dismantler with a large stock of mostly Japanese bikes taken apart, worth checking for used Honda parts for a CX500 or CX650. |  Open |
| bikesales.com.au | Australian motorcycle classifieds site used to find whole CX650E bikes, which share the same chassis as the Eurosport and could serve as donors. |  Open |
| Car & Classic | UK classic vehicle marketplace searched for a Honda GL650, the sibling of the CX650 and a possible source of the 650 engine for the build. |  Open |
| Craigslist | US classifieds site where a complete 1983 CX650C was found in Oregon, noted as a possible whole-bike donor for the 650 engine. |  Open |
| Franks' Motorcycles & 4 Spares | New Zealand motorcycle wrecker selling used and wrecked bikes. Worth contacting by email about Eurosport-specific parts for a CX500E rebuild. |  Open |
| Good Parts Motorcycle Dismantlers | New Zealand motorcycle dismantler with 1980s stock that has previously listed CX500C and GL500 parts, a handy local source for older Honda spares. |  Open |
| GP Motorcycle Wreckers | New Zealand road-bike wrecker covering Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki. Used for sportsbike front ends and shocks that suit a café racer conversion. |  Open |
| Motor Morgue | New Zealand wrecker offering a complete used sportsbike front end (forks, triple clamps, stem, calipers, wheel), plus shocks and radiators for a café racer build. | mOpen |
| Welly Wreckers | Wellington wrecker selling used parts and new accessories, and willing to order in. It trades as Wellington Car Wreckers, so confirm they handle motorcycles. |  Open |
Builds and articles
165 sourcesOther CX builds and the articles and forum threads the research leans on.
| Source | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Background | ||
| Bicycle and motorcycle geometry | Wikipedia article on bicycle and motorcycle geometry. Useful for the standard trail formula and the maths behind rake, trail and handling. |  Open |
| Ducati 1198 | Wikipedia article on the Ducati 1198 superbike. A secondary background reference used while researching specifications relevant to the build, consistent with other sources. | Open |
| Honda CX series | Wikipedia overview of the Honda CX series. A good CX history starting point, though it contradicts itself on wheel sizes and some figures are unconfirmed. | Open |
| Honda GL500 | Wikipedia article on the Honda GL500, the CX500's sibling. Medium-reliability background on the model, relevant to parts swaps between CX and GL variants. | Open |
| Öhlins (Wikipedia) | Wikipedia article on the Swedish suspension maker Öhlins. Checked for any statement on its shock colours; none was found, so it serves only as background. | Open |
| Bike EXIF | ||
| Bike EXIF account page | Account page on the Bike EXIF custom motorcycle website. Not a build article, so it has little use beyond navigating to the site. |  Open |
| Bolt Motor Co BMW R100 | Bike EXIF feature on a custom BMW R100 from Bolt Motor Co. Inspiration for café racer styling and proportions that could suit a CX. | Open |
| Custom Honda CX500 with GL650 engine | Bike EXIF feature on the Brick House Builds CX500 fitted with a GL650 engine, by Wesley Reyneke. Closely matches this project's 650 swap. | Open |
| Custom Honda Trail Cub | Bike EXIF feature on a custom Honda Trail Cub from Colorado. Mainly for general Honda custom inspiration, a long way from a CX500 café racer. | Open |
| Custom kit for the Honda CB350 from Taiwan | Bike EXIF throwback feature on a custom kit for the Honda CB350 from Taiwan. Background on bolt-on café kits reshaping an older Honda. | Open |
| Custom motorcycles from the best builders | Bike EXIF roundup of custom motorcycles from leading builders. General café racer and custom inspiration for styling ideas on the CX650. | Open |
| Earth Motorcycles BMW R100R café racer | Bike EXIF feature on an Earth Motorcycles BMW R100R café racer. Styling inspiration for a boxer-style café racer that a CX builder can learn from. | Open |
| HB Custom Honda NX650 supermoto | Bike EXIF feature on an HB Custom Honda NX650 supermoto build. A Honda single-cylinder custom, offering general ideas for a Honda special. | Open |
| Honda CB750 Nighthawk café racer | Bike EXIF feature on a Honda CB750 Nighthawk café racer. Useful visual reference for turning a 1980s Honda four-stroke into a café racer. | Open |
| Marekswerk BMW R100 café racer | Bike EXIF feature on a Marekswerk BMW R100 café racer. Inspiration for clean, minimal café racer lines that could suit the CX650 project. | Open |
| Motorcycle news, 29 May 2022 | Bike EXIF news roundup that includes a Honda CX650 'Neo café racer' in red and white with a gold front end. Direct CX650 café inspiration. | Open |
| Motorcycle news, 29 May 2022 (comments) | Comments section of the Bike EXIF news roundup of 29 May 2022 by Chris Hunter, which features a CX650 Neo café racer build. | Open |
| Viral custom motorcycles, September 2026 | Bike EXIF roundup of viral custom motorcycles from September 2026. General custom-scene inspiration rather than anything specific to the CX500 or CX650. | Open |
| BikeBound | ||
| BikeBound author archive | Author archive page for BikeBound, a custom motorcycle blog. Lists the site's articles and helps find further café racer and custom build features. |  Open |
| Eleanor | BikeBound feature on Eleanor, a custom build from a Bulgarian shop led by a former racing driver. A reference for a CX-based café racer. | Open |
| Eleanor (comment reply) | Reply form link for a reader comment on the BikeBound Eleanor article. Contains no content of its own beyond the comment thread. | Open |
| Eleanor (comment reply) | Reply form link for a reader comment on the BikeBound Eleanor article. Contains no content of its own beyond the comment thread. | Open |
| Eleanor (comment reply) | Reply form link for a reader comment on the BikeBound Eleanor article. Contains no content of its own beyond the comment thread. | Open |
| Eleanor (comments) | Comments section of the BikeBound Eleanor article, published in November 2022. Reader discussion of the custom build featured in the main story. | Open |
| Eleanor (leave a comment) | Comment-reply link on the BikeBound article about the Eleanor custom build. It points to the comment form only, with no content of its own. | Open |
| Eleanor (reader comment) | Reader comment on the BikeBound Eleanor article. Adds reader reaction to the custom build, so only marginally useful beyond the main article. | Open |
| Eleanor (reader comment) | Reader comment on the BikeBound Eleanor article. Adds reader reaction to the custom build, so only marginally useful beyond the main article. | Open |
| Eleanor (reader comment) | Reader comment on the BikeBound Eleanor article. Adds reader reaction to the custom build, so only marginally useful beyond the main article. | Open |
| CX500 Forum threads | ||
| '82 CX500 Eurosport build | CX500 Forum thread on an 82 CX500 Eurosport build, read from an archived copy. Forum opinion, so low reliability, but very close to this project. |  Open |
| 1980 CX500 custom for sale (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of a thread about a 1980 CX500 custom imported from the US in 1994 and listed for sale. Jumps to the newest replies. | Open |
| 1980 CX500 custom imported from the US | CX500 Forum sale thread for a 1980 CX500 custom imported from the US in 1994. Shows how an earlier custom was put together. | Open |
| 650 motor swap and base carb jetting | CX500 Forum thread on carburettor jetting for a 650 motor swap (2017 snapshot). A practical starting point for jetting a CX650 engine. | Open |
| Aircraft-style CX500 instrument panel | CX500 Forum thread about a special edition CX500 instrument panel styled after aircraft. Gauge and dash inspiration for a café racer cockpit. | Open |
| Aircraft-style instrument panel (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread about a special edition CX500 instrument panel in an aircraft design. Jumps straight to the newest replies. | Open |
| Café racer seat for sale (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread about a café racer seat for sale on the CX500 Forum. Jumps straight to the newest replies. | Open |
| Café racer update | CX500 Forum thread with progress updates on a café racer build. Useful for seeing how other owners tackle the same conversion. | Open |
| Café racer update (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the café racer update thread on the CX500 Forum. Jumps straight to the newest replies and progress photos. | Open |
| Cutting a CX500 Turbo frame (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread on cutting a CX500 Turbo frame for a custom build. Jumps straight to the newest replies. | Open |
| CX café racer seat for sale | CX500 Forum thread about a café racer seat for sale. Shows what seats are available for CX conversions and what other builders have used. | Open |
| CX to café racer | CX500 Forum thread on turning a CX into a café racer. Direct advice and experience from owners who have already done the conversion. | Open |
| CX to café racer (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread on converting a CX to a café racer. Jumps straight to the newest replies and advice. | Open |
| CX won't start | CX500 Forum thread about a CX that will not start. Practical troubleshooting reading for an old CX500 after storage or a rebuild. | Open |
| CX won't start (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread about a CX that will not start, on the CX500 Forum. Jumps straight to the newest troubleshooting replies. | Open |
| CX/GL500 fork diameter | CX500 Forum thread on the front fork diameter of the CX and GL500. Useful for sizing fork upgrades and checking what front-end parts will fit. | Open |
| CX500 custom | CX500 Forum thread on a custom CX500 build. Another owner's project, useful for comparing against the CX650 café racer plans and ideas. | Open |
| CX500 custom (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the CX500 custom thread on the CX500 Forum. Jumps straight to the newest replies on that owner's custom build. | Open |
| CX500 Forum home | Front page of the CX500 Forum with its welcome message and list of sections. The entry point for CX owner discussion and technical help. | Open |
| CX500 Forum registration prompt | Quick registration pop-up on the CX500 Forum, attached to the X2 CX café builds thread. It holds no content, only a sign-up form. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: build threads | CX500 Forum section listing member build threads. A good place to browse other owners' CX500 and CX650 rebuilds and café racer projects. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: custom how-to | CX500 Forum section for custom how-to threads. Collects practical modification advice for CX owners, including engine swaps and café conversions. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: customisation and mods | CX500 Forum section covering customisation and modifications. The main index for threads about modifying CX500 and CX650 bikes, from café conversions to engine swaps. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: general discussion | CX500 Forum general discussion section. Wide-ranging owner conversation, handy for browsing and for questions that fit no other category on the forum. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: member classifieds | CX500 Forum member classifieds section. A place to find CX500 and CX650 bikes, frames and parts offered by other members. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: new member introductions | CX500 Forum section where new members introduce themselves and their bikes. Useful for seeing who owns CX500 and CX650 machines worldwide. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: technical help | CX500 Forum technical help section. The place to look for repair and troubleshooting threads covering the engine, electrics and chassis. | Open |
| CX500 frame numbers | CX500 Forum thread on CX500 frame numbers, with a 2021 snapshot. Helps identify model years and variants when buying a donor or registering the bike. | Open |
| CX500 misfiring (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread on a CX500 that misfires, backfires and will not accelerate. Jumps to the newest diagnostic replies. | Open |
| CX500 misfiring, backfiring and won't accelerate | CX500 Forum thread about a CX500 that misfires, backfires and will not accelerate. Handy diagnostic reading for carburettor and ignition problems on an old CX. | Open |
| CX500 story and build (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the CX500 story and build thread on the CX500 Forum. Jumps straight to the newest replies on that owner's progress. | Open |
| CX500 story and build, part one | CX500 Forum build thread, part one of one owner's CX500 story. Useful for following a full build from the start and learning from it. | Open |
| CX500 vs CX500 Turbo motor differences | CX500 Forum thread from 2010 comparing the CX500 and CX500 Turbo motors. Explains engine differences that matter when choosing parts or a donor. | Open |
| CX500/CX650 Turbo forum | CX500 Forum section for CX500 and CX650 Turbo discussion. Useful for the 650 engine family and parts shared with the turbo models. | Open |
| CX650 engine impulse buy: what to do? | CX500 Forum thread about what to do with a CX650 engine bought on impulse. Relevant to anyone planning a 650 motor in a CX500. | Open |
| CX650 engine swap to CDI CX500 | CX500 Forum thread from 2011 on swapping a CX650 engine into a CDI CX500, captured in a 2018 snapshot. Covers ignition compatibility for the swap. | Open |
| CX650 Eurosport | CX500 Forum thread about the CX650 Eurosport. Relevant because the Eurosport is the model family this project's CX500E and CX650 parts come from. | Open |
| CX650 into a GL500 frame | CX500 Forum thread from 2015 about fitting a CX650 engine into a GL500 frame. Related swap experience useful for the CX650 build. | Open |
| Do y'all mind if it's not a CX? | CX500 Forum thread asking whether members mind a bike that is not a CX. Little technical value, but shows the forum's tolerance of other builds. | Open |
| Engine swap | CX500 Forum thread from 2013 about engine swaps, including a larger engine into a GL500. Background for the 650 engine swap into a CX500. | Open |
| Exhaust sound question (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread on which exhaust to build for a particular sound. Jumps straight to the newest replies. | Open |
| Fork diameter (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread on CX and GL500 fork diameter. Jumps straight to the newest replies on fork sizing. | Open |
| GL500 engine case with GL650 rear cover | CX500 Forum thread from 2014 on fitting a GL500 engine case to a GL650 rear cover. Useful for understanding case compatibility across CX and GL. | Open |
| GL650 and CX650 motor mounting in a 500 frame | CX500 Forum thread from 2013 on whether the GL650 and CX650 motors mount the same as a 500 frame. Key reading for the 650 swap. | Open |
| GL650 automatic cam chain tensioner on a CX500? | CX500 Forum thread asking whether the automatic cam chain tensioner from a 1983 GL650 fits the CX500. Relevant to the 650 engine swap. | Open |
| GL650 engine in a CX500 Eurosport frame | CX500 Forum thread from 2017 about a GL650 engine in a CX500 Eurosport frame. Very close to this project's engine and frame combination. | Open |
| GL650 parts in a GL500 frame | CX500 Forum thread from 2016 on fitting GL650 parts to a GL500 frame. Relevant to parts interchange between the 500 and 650 engines. | Open |
| Hello from Germany (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread from a German owner with a CX500 and CX650. Jumps straight to the newest replies. | Open |
| Hello from Germany with CX500 and CX650 | CX500 Forum introduction thread from a German owner with both a CX500 and a CX650. Shows a rare owner running both models. | Open |
| How to stuff a CX650/GL650 motor in a CX500 | CX500 Forum thread from 2013 on how to fit a CX650 or GL650 motor into a CX500. A core reference for this project's swap. | Open |
| Interesting aside about 650 motors in 500 frames | CX500 Forum thread from 2010 with an aside about fitting 650 motors in 500 frames. Early community evidence that the swap works. | Open |
| JWC CX500 build | CX500 Forum build thread for a CX500 by a member known as JWC. Another owner's project that is useful for comparing approaches. | Open |
| JWC CX500 build (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the CX500 Forum JWC CX500 build thread. Jumps straight to the newest replies on that owner's build. | Open |
| Kiwi CX500 café build | CX500 Forum thread on a Kiwi CX500 café build, from about 2015. A rare New Zealand example, directly relevant to a local café racer project. | Open |
| New member greeting (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of a new member's seasonal greeting thread on the CX500 Forum. Jumps to the newest replies; little technical content. | Open |
| New member seasonal greeting | CX500 Forum thread where a new member says hello over the festive season. Little technical content, mostly useful as a forum introduction. | Open |
| Not a CX? (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the thread asking whether members mind a bike that is not a CX. Jumps straight to the newest replies. | Open |
| NZ guy does CX500 brat/café | CX500 Forum thread about a New Zealand owner building a CX500 brat and café style bike. A local example relevant to this Auckland project. | Open |
| Opinions on cutting a CX500 Turbo frame | CX500 Forum thread asking for opinions on cutting a CX500 Turbo frame for a custom build. Relevant to frame modifications for a café racer. | Open |
| Part numbers for the G8 stator upgrade | CX500 Forum thread from 2015 listing part numbers for the G8 stator upgrade. Handy for improving the charging output on an older CX. | Open |
| Port Townsend CX café | CX500 Forum thread about the Port Townsend CX café racer build. Another owner's café conversion to compare with this project. | Open |
| Port Townsend CX café (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the Port Townsend CX café thread. Jumps straight to the newest replies on that café racer build. | Open |
| Turn signal upgrade | CX500 Forum thread about upgrading the turn signals. Practical ideas for replacing the original indicators on a café racer conversion. | Open |
| Turn signal upgrade (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the turn signal upgrade thread. Jumps straight to the newest replies on indicator options for the CX. | Open |
| Twinkie 1979 CX500C | CX500 Forum thread about a 1979 CX500C known as Twinkie. An owner's bike story that offers comparison with other CX custom builds. | Open |
| Twinkie 1979 CX500C (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of the Twinkie 1979 CX500C thread on the CX500 Forum. Jumps straight to the newest replies on that owner's bike. | Open |
| Two CX café builds | CX500 Forum thread showing two CX café racer builds side by side. Good visual and practical reference for a CX café conversion. | Open |
| Two CX café builds (post) | Specific post in the CX500 Forum thread on two CX café builds, dated May 2022. Reference material for a CX café racer conversion. | Open |
| Wanted: registered CX500 for frame | CX500 Forum wanted thread seeking a registered CX500 purely for its frame. Relevant to registration and frame questions on a custom project. | Open |
| Wanted: registered CX500 for frame (latest posts) | Latest-posts view of a wanted thread on the CX500 Forum seeking a registered CX500 for its frame. Jumps straight to the newest replies. | Open |
| Which exhaust gives this sound? | CX500 Forum thread asking which exhaust to buy or build to get a particular sound. Useful for planning a café racer exhaust. | Open |
| X2 CX Café Builds | CX500 Forum thread collecting café racer builds, with photos and owner discussion. A handy source of ideas and fitment advice for CX builders. | Open |
| X2 CX Café Builds | CX500 Forum thread collecting café racer builds, with photos and owner discussion. A handy source of ideas and fitment advice for CX builders. | Open |
| X2 CX Café Builds | CX500 Forum thread collecting café racer builds, with photos and owner discussion. A handy source of ideas and fitment advice for CX builders. | Open |
| X2 CX Café Builds | CX500 Forum thread collecting café racer builds, with photos and owner discussion. A handy source of ideas and fitment advice for CX builders. | Open |
| MotoFaction | ||
| Camshaft Part Numbers: CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction reference listing camshaft part numbers for the CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650. Handy when checking which cam suits an engine before ordering parts. | Open |
| Crankshaft Part Numbers: CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction reference listing crankshaft part numbers across CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 engines. The CX500EC part is missing, so cross-check it elsewhere. | Open |
| CX500 Builds Index | MotoFaction master index of CX500 builds, linking to many custom bikes. A good place to browse café racer ideas and see what owners have done. | Open |
| CX500 Café Racer by Paul: CBR Front End and Monoshock | MotoFaction builder feature on a CX500 café racer with a CBR front end and monoshock rear. Anecdotal, and the URL and text disagree. | Open |
| CX500/CX650/GL500/GL650 Camshaft and Cam Chain | MotoFaction hub page on CX500, CX650, GL500 and GL650 camshafts and cam chains. Useful for understanding the cam and chain parts before opening the engine. | Open |
| CX500/CX650/GL500/GL650 Ignition System | MotoFaction overview of the ignition systems on the CX500, CX650, GL500 and GL650. Handy when diagnosing ignition problems or planning an electronic ignition upgrade. | Open |
| CX500/GL500/CX650/GL650 Final Drive | MotoFaction page on the final drive unit fitted to CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 models. Useful for identifying parts and understanding the shaft drive. | Open |
| CX500/GL500/CX650/GL650 Stator, Flywheel and Rear Cover | MotoFaction page covering the stator, flywheel and rear cover on CX and GL engines, with part numbers. Useful when chasing charging faults or replacement parts. | Open |
| CX500/GL500/CX650/GL650 Transmission | Brief MotoFaction page on the transmission used across CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 models. A short starting point before turning to the factory manual. | Open |
| CX650/GL650 Piston and Bore Lubrication | MotoFaction article on piston and bore lubrication problems in the CX650 and GL650. Useful when assessing wear or planning an engine rebuild on a 650. | Open |
| Featured Build: CX500 Café Racer with GSX-R Front End (Graeme Dobbs) | MotoFaction featured build of a CX500 café racer with a GSX-R front end, told by the builder. Anecdotal, but shows a fork swap. | Open |
| Featured Build: CX650 Scrambler Café Racer (Frank Guarini) | MotoFaction featured build of a CX650 scrambler café racer by its owner. Worth a look for ideas on turning the larger CX650 into a custom. | Open |
| Featured Build: GL650 Café Racer (Mantas Simanauskas) | MotoFaction featured build of a GL650 café racer by Mantas Simanauskas. Closely related to the CX650, so a useful reference for engine and chassis ideas. | Open |
| Featured Build: Murray's Custom Deluxe CX500/CX650 | MotoFaction feature on Murray's Custom Deluxe, a CX500/CX650 café racer supplied by the builder. Useful for seeing well-sorted details on a finished custom CX. | Open |
| Featured Build: Super Deluxe CX500 (Murray Feldman) | MotoFaction feature on Super Deluxe, a CX500 custom built by Murray Feldman, with builder-supplied details. A good reference for finishing a thorough CX café build. | Open |
| Featured Build: Turbocharged CX500 Café Racer 'Boostaholic' | MotoFaction feature on a turbocharged CX500 café racer called Boostaholic. Undated and anecdotal, but it shows how far the CX engine can be pushed. | Open |
| Frame or Chassis: CX500/GL500/CX650/GL650 | MotoFaction frame and chassis page for the CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650. Only a stub, so treat it as a pointer and rely on others. | Open |
| Front Wheel Suspension, Shocks and Forks: CX/GL | MotoFaction index page on front suspension, shocks and forks for CX and GL models. Useful background for fork swaps, including the 18-inch Comstar wheel. | Open |
| GL400/GL500 Frame, Engine and VIN Serial Numbers | MotoFaction page explaining how to read GL400 and GL500 frame, engine and VIN serial numbers. Handy for identifying a donor bike or confirming a model. | Open |
| Honda CX/GL Buying Guide | MotoFaction buying guide for the Honda CX and GL range, covering what to look for in a used bike. Worth reading before choosing a donor. | Open |
| Piston, Crank and Flywheel Upgrades: CX/GL | MotoFaction article on pistons, crank, over-boring and flywheel upgrades for high-performance CX and GL engines. Contacts quoted are old, but the technical discussion helps. | Open |
| Speedo Drive Part Numbers: CX/GL | MotoFaction list of part numbers for mechanical speedo drives on CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 models. Handy for the speedometer drive after a front-end swap. | Open |
| Triple or Quadruple Bypass: CX/GL | MotoFaction guide to the triple or quadruple bypass for CX and GL engines, covering known weak points. Very relevant when refreshing an old CX500 engine. | Open |
| Valves, Heads and Porting Upgrades: CX/GL Engines | MotoFaction article on cylinder head, valve and porting upgrades for CX and GL engines, including turbo ideas. Experienced-builder opinion, so weigh it against other advice. | Open |
| Where to Buy What: CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 | MotoFaction guide to sourcing CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650 parts. Dated around 2016 to 2017, so treat suppliers and contacts as possibly out of date. | Open |
| Orli Automoto | ||
| Orli Automoto: City 1 Sofiya | Page from Orli Automoto, a European custom motorcycle builder, showing a bike from its City range. General styling inspiration for a modern café build. |  Open |
| Orli Automoto: Package 4601 Tossa R | Orli Automoto page about a package for its Tossa R build, from the Bulgarian shop known for CX conversions. Helpful for seeing what is included. | Open |
| Orli Automoto: Profile 4601 Tossa R | Orli Automoto profile page for the Tossa R bike, from the Bulgarian shop famous for CX500 and CX650 customs. A strong rear-end reference. | Open |
| Orli Automoto: Profile 4601 Tossa R | Orli Automoto profile page for the Tossa R bike, from the Bulgarian shop famous for CX500 and CX650 customs. Another view of the reference build. | Open |
| Pipeburn | ||
| Back to Basics: Honda CX500 by Kaspeed | Pipeburn feature from 2019 on a Honda CX500 built by Kaspeed. A good example of a clean, back-to-basics approach to a CX café racer. |  Open |
| BMW GS Adventure Custom | Pipeburn feature on a BMW GS adventure custom. Not a Honda, but a general custom-build reference for fabrication and styling ideas. | Open |
| BMW R nineT Carbon | Pipeburn feature from 2023 on a carbon-themed BMW R nineT custom. Useful for finish and detailing ideas, even though it is a different bike. | Open |
| BMW R100 by Tossa R: The Gold Digga | Pipeburn feature on a Tossa R BMW R100 custom called The Gold Digga, from 2021. Useful as a look at the Bulgarian shop's wider style. | Open |
| BMW R1250R by Tossa R: Hulk | Pipeburn feature from 2021 on a BMW R1250R custom called Hulk, built by Tossa R. Shows the same shop's work as the CX650 builds. | Open |
| BMW R18 by Ironwood Motorcycles | Pipeburn feature on a BMW R18 custom by Ironwood Motorcycles. Not a CX, but good general inspiration for shaft-drive boxer-style custom work. | Open |
| Classically Trained: The Deuce Yamaha RD350 by James Berreau | Pipeburn feature on a Yamaha RD350 custom called The Deuce, built by James Berreau. General café styling inspiration from a classic two-stroke. | Open |
| Curtiss Motorcycles | Pipeburn article about Curtiss Motorcycles and its electric custom machines. Not CX related, but interesting for modern design thinking on a minimalist build. | Open |
| Ducati 900SS Goodwood | Pipeburn feature on a Ducati 900SS custom built for Goodwood. Not a CX, but a good general reference for café racer proportions and finishing. | Open |
| Dutch Courage: Triumph Bonneville Bobber by DBBP Design | Pipeburn feature on a Triumph Bonneville bobber from DBBP Design. A different style from a café racer, but useful for fabrication and detail ideas. | Open |
| Harley-Davidson FXDL GTO | Pipeburn feature on a Harley-Davidson FXDL custom. Not a CX, but a general custom-build reference for stance, detailing and overall proportions. | Open |
| Honda CB900F Bol d'Or Café Racer: Project 26 | Pipeburn feature from 2024 on a Honda CB900F Bol d'Or café racer called Project 26. Related Honda inline-four build with useful styling cues. | Open |
| Honda CX500 Café Racer 2 | Pipeburn feature from 2018 on a Honda CX500 café racer. A solid example of how the CX frame and engine suit a classic café look. | Open |
| Honda CX500 Dotto | Pipeburn feature from 2022 on a Honda CX500 custom called Dotto. Useful for seeing how builders tackle the tank, seat and rear end. | Open |
| Honda FTR223 Custom | Pipeburn feature on a custom Honda FTR223 flat-tracker. A small single rather than a CX, but good for compact styling ideas. | Open |
| Keino Cox 2022 Indian Chief Bobber: Dark Horse | Pipeburn feature on a 2022 Indian Chief bobber called Dark Horse, built by Keino Cox. General custom-build inspiration rather than CX specific. | Open |
| Maggot Magnifique: Honda CX500 by Duke Motorcycles | Pipeburn feature from 2021 on a Honda CX500 called Maggot Magnifique, built by Duke Motorcycles. A bold CX custom worth studying for ideas. | Open |
| Magnificent Maggot: Honda CX500 Mustang by Underground Custom Cycles | Pipeburn feature from 2019 on a Honda CX500 Mustang-style custom by Underground Custom Cycles. Shows how different a CX can look from a café racer. | Open |
| Pipewrapped 005 | Pipeburn Pipewrapped roundup, a collection of recent custom bike stories. General inspiration, though not specific to the CX500 or CX650. | Open |
| Rescue Mission: Honda CX500 by Purpose Built Moto | Pipeburn feature from 2021 on a rescued Honda CX500 rebuilt by Purpose Built Moto. Relevant for its mono-shock approach and clean restoration work. | Open |
| Retro Remake: Ducati 900SS Darmah Replica by Barn Built Bikes | Pipeburn feature on a Ducati 900SS Darmah replica from Barn Built Bikes. Not a CX, but a good reference for faithful retro styling. | Open |
| Shaken Not Stirred: BMW K100RS by Tossa R | Pipeburn feature from 2020 on a BMW K100RS called Shaken, Not Stirred, built by Tossa R. Further reading on the shop behind the CX650 builds. | Open |
| Sportsbike Treatment: Honda CX500 by Tossa R | Pipeburn feature from 2021 on a 1986 Honda CX500E Eurosport given a sportsbike treatment by Tossa R, with R1 forks. Very close to this project. | Open |
| Suzuki Bandit Custom: The Last Samurai | Pipeburn feature from 2022 on a Suzuki Bandit custom called The Last Samurai. A general inspiration piece rather than CX specific. | Open |
| Suzuki GSX-R1100 by Haxch | Pipeburn feature on a Suzuki GSX-R1100 custom by Haxch. Handy for seeing how sportsbike parts are blended into a custom build. | Open |
| Triumph Bonneville by Tamarit | Pipeburn feature on a Triumph Bonneville custom by Tamarit. General custom-build reference for tank, seat and detailing ideas on a classic roadster. | Open |
| Triumph Thruxton Final Edition | Pipeburn feature on the final edition Triumph Thruxton, a modern café racer. Useful for comparing proportions and styling cues with a CX build. | Open |
| Yamaha TR1 by Tossa R: Bulgarian Brutale | Pipeburn feature from 2022 on a Yamaha TR1 called Bulgarian Brutale, built by Tossa R. Shows the shop's style on another shaft-drive V-twin. | Open |
| autoevolution | ||
| CX500 (autoevolution tag) | autoevolution news tag page collecting stories about the Honda CX500. A convenient way to find recent CX custom builds covered by the site. |  Open |
| Honda (autoevolution tag) | autoevolution news tag page collecting Honda motorcycle stories. A quick way to browse recent Honda customs and news relevant to a CX builder. | Open |
| Honda Motorcycles (autoevolution) | autoevolution Honda motorcycle section, including a Bulgarian shop's thorough overhaul of a tired CX500. Good for seeing what a full teardown and rebuild involves. | Open |
| One-Off Honda CX500 with Superbike-Worthy Running Gear | autoevolution article on a one-off Honda CX500E Eurosport with R1 front end and Ohlins suspension. A close match for the sportsbike-style CX build here. | Open |
| Tossa R (autoevolution tag) | autoevolution news tag page for Tossa R, the Bulgarian shop famous for CX500 and CX650 conversions. A quick way to find coverage of its builds. | Open |
Communities and media
62 sourcesForums, YouTube channels, Facebook groups and magazines where CX owners talk.
| Source | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook groups | ||
| Australian Honda CX500/650 V-Twin Group (Facebook group) | Australian Facebook group for Honda CX500 and CX650 V-Twin owners. Complete CX650Es change hands here, making it a good place to find a whole 650. | Open |
| Cafe Racers New Zealand (Facebook) | Facebook page for the New Zealand café racer scene. Good for finding local donor bikes and recommendations for workshops in New Zealand. | Open |
| Christchurch Cafe Racers (Facebook group) | Local Christchurch Facebook group for café racer owners and builders. Useful for finding donor bikes and parts in New Zealand's South Island. | Open |
| CX/GL500/650 Community: Builds, Resto, Stock (Facebook group) | Facebook community for CX, GL500 and GL650 owners covering builds, restorations and stock bikes. A good place to ask about the CX650 engine swap. | Open |
| Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club (Facebook group) | Facebook group for the Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club in New Zealand. CX500s turn up for sale here, so it is handy for finding donors. | Open |
| Honda Cx 500 owners (Facebook group) | Large Facebook group for Honda CX500 owners, with a strong UK following. Useful for sourcing parts and asking about problems on an old CX. | Open |
| Honda CX500 (Facebook group) | Facebook group for Honda CX500 owners with New Zealand parts offers and project threads. Handy for local parts and seeing what other Kiwi builders do. | Open |
| Honda CX500/CX650 Turbo Owners Society (Facebook group) | Facebook group for CX500 and CX650 turbo owners, with deep Pro-Link rear end knowledge and some New Zealand members. Good for rear suspension questions. | Open |
| NZ LVV Certification Q&A (Facebook group) | New Zealand Facebook group for LVV certification questions. Worth joining to get certifier recommendations before cutting the frame or making structural changes. | Open |
| Official NZ Classic Motorcycle Buy/Sell/Trade (Facebook group) | Facebook group for buying, selling and trading classic motorcycles in New Zealand. A useful place to find classic parts and donor bikes locally. | Open |
| Forums | ||
| ADVrider: CX500 adventure (ChopperCharles) | ADVrider thread by the CX500 Forum admin on a CX500 build using a GSX-R750 fork and GL500 Pro-Link swingarm. Relevant to fork and rear-end swaps. |  Open |
| Australian CX Register forum | Forum of the Australian CX Register, in the same timezone with Australian-spec bikes. Members can ship parts across the Tasman, which helps New Zealand sourcing. |  Open |
| Café Racer Forum (Germany): CX500 Mono Federbein | German café racer forum thread on a CX500 mono-shock conversion. The only thread found that takes apart Lakic's swingarm, though it is in German. |  Open |
| CX500 Forum (cx500forum.com) | Main CX500 Forum with the deepest CX knowledge online. It covers 650 swaps, mono-shock and fork-swap threads, and has free factory manual PDFs. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: CX650 Engine in a CX500 Frame | Set of CX500 Forum threads with first-hand notes on fitting a CX650 engine into a CX500 frame, covering hangers, the output shaft and carb fitment. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: Monoshock Conversion Options | CX500 Forum thread on monoshock conversion options, explaining the spring-rate physics behind choosing a shock. Useful before picking a rear shock for a mono-shock conversion. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: NZ Café Build Thread (will_nic, 2017) | CX500 Forum build thread from 2017 by a New Zealand member on a full CX café racer. Good for local parts sourcing and certification experience. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: radiator replacement threads (27075, 115924) | CX500 Forum radiator replacement threads covering upsized radiators for the CX650's extra heat, such as a Classic Mini alloy radiator and the GL500 unit. | Open |
| CX500 Forum: service manual downloads (thread 59410) | CX500 Forum thread with free Honda factory service manuals for the CX500, GL500, GL650 and CX650C, including torque tables. Honda copyright, so not hosted here. | Open |
| DoTheTon Café Racer Forum | DoTheTon café racer forum section covering general fabrication, with several CX build threads. Useful for ideas on seats, subframes and other chassis work. |  Open |
| finishing.com Anodising Q&A | finishing.com question-and-answer thread on anodising. Explains why cast fork clamps anodise blotchy, which matters if you plan a gold or red anodised finish. |  Open |
| Kiwi Biker Forums: Front-End Swap Thread | Archived thread on the Kiwi Biker forum, a New Zealand site. Useful for front-end swap costs and local experience of fitting GSX-R forks. | kOpen |
| LVVTA Forum: Motorcycle Suspension Modifications | LVVTA forum thread where a technical officer answers questions on motorcycle suspension modifications. Important reading for New Zealand certification of fork and shock swaps. | Open |
| r/CafeRacers (Reddit) | Reddit café racer community with CX mono-shock and radiator-swap threads. There is no dedicated CX500 subreddit, so this is the closest general option. |  Open |
| Magazines and blogs | ||
| AMD Championship: Blacktrack BT-01 | AMD Championship page for the Blacktrack BT-01, Sacha Lakic's CX500-based factory custom. Used as a specification reference for the bike this build takes cues from. | aOpen |
| Bike EXIF: CX500 Café Racer | Bike EXIF feature on the Lakic CX500, the reference bike for this build, along with the Brick House Builds CX500. Strong visual inspiration. | Open |
| BikeBound: Honda CX500 Café Racer | BikeBound article on the BBCR CX500 build, with background on the now defunct subframe maker. Useful when researching bolt-on subframe options. | Open |
| BikeBrewers: Honda CX650 by Tossa R | BikeBrewers feature on the Tossa R CX650 neo café racer, plus Motogadget m.unit wiring handouts. Helpful for planning modern electronics on a CX650. |  Open |
| Burt Munro Challenge (event) | Burt Munro Challenge, a motorcycle event held each February in Southland, New Zealand. A good target for a road trip once the build is finished. |  Open |
| Caffeine & Classics, Smales Farm (event) | Caffeine and Classics at Smales Farm, a monthly Auckland meet for classic vehicles. Good for making local contacts and showing a finished bike. |  Open |
| Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (event) | Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, a charity ride for classic and café style bikes held each May. A good first outing for a finished café racer. |  Open |
| GrabCAD: CX500 Pro-Link and Frame Models | GrabCAD library models of the CX500E Pro-Link rear suspension and frame. The only free dimensional models found, handy for planning mono-shock geometry. |  Open |
| Honda CX and GL Wiki (motovillage) | Community wiki for Honda CX and GL models with specs, serial numbers and how-tos. Links to Honda factory manuals, which are Honda copyright, not hosted. | mOpen |
| Instagram: @purpose_built_moto | Instagram account of Purpose Built Moto, the specialist shop closest to this build, showing mono-shock CX builds. Good for photos of finished work. | Open |
| Instagram: Garth Allison (@allisongarth) | Instagram account of Garth Allison, who built a Lakic-inspired CX500 in New South Wales. Handy for seeing a similar build close up. | Open |
| Lakic.com: BT-01 Info | Sacha Lakic's own page on the Blacktrack BT-01 and BT-01 Carbon, the CX500-based bikes that inspired this build. A primary source for the design. |  Open |
| Le Repaire des Motards: Blacktrack BT-01 | French motorcycle news article on the Blacktrack BT-01 by Sacha Lakic, with specification details. Written in French, and handy as a design reference. |  Open |
| Moto-Mucci: CX500 Common Issues | Moto-Mucci blog post on common CX500 faults, including the water pump seal, stator and tensioner. Useful as a checklist when inspecting a donor bike. |  Open |
| MotoFest Bike Show, Hampton Downs (event) | MotoFest Bike Show at Hampton Downs, held each March, where CX builds and parts turn up. A worthwhile day out for ideas and parts hunting. |  Open |
| Motorcycle Fan Wiring Guide (genebitsystems) | Old guide for motorcycle fans on wiring an electric cooling fan through a relay and switch. Useful for adding a fan to a CX radiator. | gOpen |
| NZ Motorcycle Show (event) | Website for the New Zealand Motorcycle Show, a trade and consumer event. The next show is listed for October 2027, handy for seeing new gear. |  Open |
| Old Bike Australasia: The Honda CX500, 40 Years On | Old Bike Australasia article on the Honda CX500 forty years on. Gives an Australasian view of CX history, including top-end wear on the CX650. |  Open |
| Pipeburn: Honda CX650 Custom | Pipeburn features on the Tossa R CX650 and other CX500 builds. A good starting point for seeing what a finished CX650 café racer looks like. | Open |
| Return of the Cafe Racers | Return of the Cafe Racers coverage of the Lakic CX500 GTS, Garth Allison's Lakic-inspired CX500, Josh Deardorff's Pro-Link graft and the Ellaspede CX500. |  Open |
| Rob Davis CX/GL FAQ and Interchangeability Chart | Rob Davis's CX and GL FAQ with an interchangeability chart showing which parts swap across CX and GL models. Very handy when sourcing donor parts. | rOpen |
| Silodrome: DownShift Studio Honda CX500 | Silodrome feature on the DownShift Studio Honda CX500, covering its custom subframe and swingarm build. Useful reference for rear-end fabrication on a CX. |  Open |
| The Moto Social Auckland (event) | The Moto Social Auckland, a motorcycle gathering held on the first Tuesday of each month from October to April. Handy for meeting local builders. |  Open |
| TheArsenale: Blacktrack BT-01 Listing | TheArsenale product listing for the Blacktrack BT-01, used as a specification reference. It notes the Ohlins, Brembo and Accossato parts fitted to the bike. |  Open |
| Thingiverse: CX Fork Bushings | Thingiverse page with a 3D-printable model for CX fork bushings. Handy if you want to print a part when fitting or modifying CX forks. |  Open |
| Ultimate Motorcycling: Purpose Built Moto's Signature Honda CX500 | Ultimate Motorcycling inside story on Purpose Built Moto's signature mono-shock Honda CX500. Useful for understanding how a specialist shop approaches the conversion. |  Open |
| YouTube | ||
| Brick House Builds (YouTube) | YouTube playlists from Brick House Builds, a CX500 builder. It is the closest analogue to this project, so it is great for following along. |  Open |
| Cafe Racer Garage: Budget Build CX500 (YouTube) | Cafe Racer Garage playlist on a budget CX500 build using simple home-garage techniques: hoops, seat pan, wiring and carb sync. Good for basic tool kits. | Open |
| Coolhand99au (YouTube) | Coolhand99au YouTube video showing a CX650 motor going into a CX500 frame, a CX650 overhaul and a ZX-6R fan run from Motogadget. | Open |
| Deboss Garage: 1979 CX500 Café (YouTube) | Deboss Garage video on a 1979 CX500 café build. A clear sequence for cutting the rear and welding mono-shock mounts, but treat the engineering cautiously. | Open |
| Dutched Shed Builds: CX500 'Silver Shadow' (YouTube) | Dutched Shed Builds YouTube series on a CX500 restomod called Silver Shadow, running in 2026. Handy for following a current build as it progresses. | Open |
| For The Bold: CX500 'Black Heart' (YouTube) | For The Bold YouTube playlist on a CX500 called Black Heart. The frame, wiring and carburettor episodes apply directly to this kind of build. | Open |
| RACER TV (YouTube) | RACER TV YouTube walkaround of Lakic's original CX500 bike, plus the Geert Verwimp tribute build. Great visual reference for the design this build follows. | Open |
| Revival Cycles (YouTube) | Revival Cycles YouTube video, among the best primers on the Motogadget m.unit blue and m.lock. Useful for planning modern keyless wiring on a custom. | Open |
| Rob's World: CX500C Engine Disassembly (YouTube) | Rob's World YouTube playlist on CX500C engine disassembly. A teardown reference that helps with the bagging and labelling sequence when pulling an engine apart. | Open |
| TJS Welding & Fabrication (YouTube) | TJS Welding and Fabrication YouTube video in which a professional fabricator builds a CX500 mono-shock and seat frame. Good for seeing proper fabrication technique. | Open |
| Tossa R Walkaround (YouTube) | YouTube walkaround of the Tossa R CX500, the rear-end look this build copies. Handy for studying the shape and proportions up close. | Open |
| Urban Monk TV: Honda CX500 (YouTube) | Urban Monk TV playlist on a Honda CX500 showing a step-by-step triple bypass covering stator, mechanical seal and cam chain. Great for engine refresh work. | Open |
NZ rules and certification
3 sourcesThe LVV and WoF rules a modified bike has to meet in New Zealand.
| Source | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|
| LVV and WoF | ||
| LVVTA Documents | Official LVVTA document index, listing technical documents for low volume vehicle certification in New Zealand. Essential reading for planning modifications that must pass certification. | Open |
| NZTA VIRM: Motorcycle Brakes | NZTA Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual section on motorcycle brakes for in-service WoF and CoF checks. Essential for ensuring brake changes pass in New Zealand. | Open |
| NZTA VIRM: Motorcycle Engine and Transmission | NZTA Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual section on motorcycle engine and transmission for WoF and CoF checks. Authoritative guidance on what inspectors look for after swaps. | Open |
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