Named “Obersten Regal” (German for “Top Shelf”), this CX500 was built by Chris Kent from Smith Brothers Classic Cycles & Customs out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “Top Shelf” refers to the incredible list of components, starting with a full motor rebuild which included new pistons, rings, and rod bearings sourced from CMS in the Netherlands. The cylinders were bored out .025 over and it has upgraded heads and a complete Athena gasket kit.
The new motor is claimed to put out 20 more horsepower than stock so the clutch plates and springs were replaced as well. For more information on the build, check out this story on Pipeburn or The Bullitt. The cost of the donor bike, parts, and paint was $25,070. For the full list of upgrades, please see the ‘Modifications’ section below.
Abhi had the pleasure of seeing this bike up close and personal at the 2018 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin, Texas, where it was one of the invited bikes.
This bike was given a two-page spread in an issue of a Japanese motorcycle magazine – note how they compare this to the original on the right page. Please note: This is not included with the sale.
This example is VIN: PC012007839. The seller acquired the bike here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions in October of 2020.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 1,900 miles. The previous owner had it for approximately 2 years ago after buying it directly from the builder. Total mileage since the conversion is less than 2,800, and the bike has a total of 5,911 since new.
Maintenance:
In November of 2020, the seller had us give the bike a once-over: we installed a new dual outlet petcock, new fuel lines, welded a crack in the exhaust, repaired the front brake harness, installed a horn switch and made a harness for it, installed a new rear brake switch, and installed new rotors on the front wheel.
In August of 2023, the seller had us repair the headlight mount by installing a Time Sert. At the time we noted that the tank was rusty.
In October of 2024, the seller had us get the gas tank professionally lined and then had the exterior of the tank painted. We also cleaned/synced the carbs, bypassed the NFC ignition switch for the Motogadget system with a push button switch under the tail section, installed Michelin Road 6 tires, and replaced the front wheel bearings.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, change the engine oil/filter, and drill/tap the headlight mount to the frame. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok, Lined
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Moderate (0.15V>0.29V)
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Shaft Drive
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Non Functional
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 23/24
Tire Date Code Rear: 53/23
Tire % Remaining Front: 95+%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 95+%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.2V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.7V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-No key
-Hidden Toggle Switch
Recommendations:
-Hydro 2
Modifications:
Rebuilt front end from a 2012 Yamaha R6 with Suzuki GSX-R rotors and Warp 9 custom wheels.
Brembo rear caliper.
Custom Penske Racing 8975 in-line double adjustable shock.
Paint by Scott Takes.
Speedmoto Mikuni carbs, CNC’d velocity stacks, K&N pod intake filters.
Full Motogadget electronic system (the NFC ignition has been bypassed) with a Speedhut GPS-drive speedometer.
BikeMaster LED headlight, aftermarket windscreen.
Street tracker bars, Rizoma brake fluid reservoir.
ASV levers, Tomaselli grips, aftermarket mirrors, Motogadget bar end turn signals.
Aftermarket rearsets, PSR side stand.
Fuel tank level sight.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin tires with date codes of 5323 and 2324.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Panorama City, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration current through October 2026.
Have any CX500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
