It’s Retro time - Well all my bikes are a bit retro but I’ve just done a deal with my ‘52 Sunbeam S8 in exchange for a recently rebuilt Honda CX650E - just a small prob though - it doesn’t start! Not too worried though the prob is simple enough as is the cure which could take a week or so.

Biggest prob is paperwork being held up at DVLA - with Covid who knows when they’ll get back to normal?

Jim

Had the CX500. Known to the general biking population as The Maggot. Their only redeeming feature being the shaft drive. 1st bike I took abroad.

The 650's were the best CX's good bikes, just had a log book back from change of owner
took 3 weeks.

You’re lucky Ralph, I’ve had two applications to Register my 2 mobility scoots now with DVLA for almost two years, I’ve written so many times that I’ve a large portfolio on the matter, I’ve now given up with them!

MF - Maggot indeed, I know, I’ve read the story too!

Jim

2 years is ridicules, might be worth a nudge via your MP,
but I suppose you've tried that.

That's a lovely bike Jim. Envious!

Oh yes! Retro time indeed and what a choice to make. What a lovely bike to behold sat in your own garage now, Jim.
I have very fond memories of my own '83 CX500, reverse comstar wheels model in black, bought in '87. Wish now, I'd kept her rather than sell in '92.
Will you let us know what the problem is with it not starting and the remedy? Perhaps a few photos too? No pressure though!

Aye aye Cptn,
The problem lies in the starter motor which was designed by Honda for the CX 500; The CX650 shares the same starter motor but because of the 650’s higher compression ratio a greater load is placed on the starter often causing the loose fitting brush holder plate to vibrate about its fitting causing a very high resistance and arcking, the resistance causes the motor to slow down which in turn, causes internal spring loaded pawls to fail to extend and drive the engine’s flywheel!

The fairly simple solution involves mounting a more solid conductor between the brush holder plate and the starter’s outer body shell. This small mod often doubles the starter motors power instantly and is a common fix for non-starting CX650’s.

So now the proverbial ‘Cat’s Out of The Bag! Happy CX-Ing.......

Jim

Data wrote: ↑Tue Jan 19, 2021 6:27 am That's a lovely bike Jim. Envious!

Hi Ian, the CX has been in my mind since it was new but at the time was unaffordable, I count myself extremely lucky to have found this example on e-Bay. I just had to have it!

Jim

Mate had one dispatching 30 odd years back... i had a CB350SG... another dispatchers fav.
His was red with a giant white rickman fairing n giant white top box... didnt know which way it was pointing!
I used to call it the 'HondaDoLittle... as in a 'Push-Me-Pull-You'... That thing had done the miles to the moon.