Description
Click here for a CycleVIN Report on this 1981 Honda CX500 Custom. Additional photos of this are available here for your perusal.
Introduced in 1978, the Honda CX500 was ahead of its time in many ways thanks to the use of features like liquid-cooling, shaft drive, modular wheels, tubeless tires, and electric-only starting. That’s why Honda’s marketers sold this bike with a slogan of “First into the future!” The styling was distinctive, but the V-Twin (a first from Honda) engine was legendarily reliable – and that’s why you see many of them around to this day, often providing the base for interesting customs.
The CX500 platform spawned several versions, including a “Deluxe” that debuted in 1979. Differences included the removal of the small chin fairing and corresponding modifications to the headlight and gauges. In addition, the Comstar wheels were black instead of silver and the sizes were changed to 19″ front/16″ rear.
This example is VIN: JH2PC0118BM203668. The seller acquired it five years ago after it was custom built by Larry Cargill in Sacramento, California.
Per the seller, “Larry’s bikes are as much art as they are motorcycle. Often bikes aren’t just how they’re built, but who built it. For those unfamiliar with Larry’s work his resume is extensive. His bikes have graced magazine covers such as Motorcycle Classics and others. Larry is well known in the Honda cafe restoration community and is personally responsible for numerous Honda recalls in his pursuit of perfecting these classic motorcycles over the years. Larry is meticulous and a perfectionist in every sense of the word. Larry has a published book specific to the carbs on these bikes and is one of the central authorities in the world regarding all things Classic Honda. His builds are known internationally. He has a loyal following and a quick search will yield any additional info on Larry’s builds that you might need. Briefly, this bike was a ground up build Larry tackled with me after my purchase of a CX restoration that was not at all the quality it was advertised as. It proved to be a good parts bike that required extensive work to achieve its final form. I spared no expense in the building of this cafe. It is essentially a brand new bike. Beautiful in every way. The complete build thread of this bike can be viewed here in its entirety. Every detail of this build is meticulously documented by Larry himself. As far as I know this was one of Larry’s last complete builds. He has moved onto tiny tractor restorations that has garnered him a lot of followers as well as business. I think the new challenge of a different machine to restore has rekindled Larry’s interest in restoration work.”
The odometer shows 1,905 miles and represents mileage covered since the build was performed. True mileage is unknown however it is roughly 7,000 miles.
Maintenance:
“All maintenance was performed by the builder. Last maintenance performed 100 miles ago by the builder in Sacramento.”
Modifications:
Honda CBR600RR front end swap.
Ported heads, powder-coated engine case, larger tuned carb jets.
Custom rear subframe, hand rolled fenders.
Custom Versace leather saddle.
Bar end blinkers, clip ons, leather grips.
Custom brass fender rods, braided brake lines.
Cognito Moto gauge, hand made gauge mount.
Custom paint, Cone Engineering exhaust.
The seller notes that the paint is darker in person than is shown in the photos. He provides this image
Brass top radiator shroud.
M unit keyfob ignition and controls, custom wiring harness.
The tank has been lined.
Not pictured is a lithium battery.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller states that there are no cosmetic blemishes.
Currently located in Watsonville, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration current through January 2023.
Have any CX500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
