What do you know about the CX500?

[ClassicVW_imp]

I was 'given' a CX 500 a few years ago, with the intent of turning it into a cafe bike. But after riding it around stock, realized just how much money and effort it would take to make it something I'd be happy with. They are homely and slow, but bulletproof. If you've got an imagination and spare time, and you're not thinking about it as anything other than a fun, low cost project, go for it. I sold mine on, no regrets.

I got rid of mine when it's gutless-ness nearly killed me and my nice lady passenger. I turned out into traffic, figuring I had plenty of room to get up to speed. WFO throttle and a truck with good brakes behind me saved me. But for one-up rides and tinkering, why not? It's nice to have a spare bike. When the stator fails, it's a motor out of frame job. I bought mine from a mechanical engineer who'd just done that job. I think it soured him on the bike. Brakes were also pretty weak for a relatively heavy bike. But we're so spoiled with modern bikes -- the "soft, retro" CB1100 would run circles around every Honda from the late 70's! You and your son will have fun on this thing.

I got rid of mine when it's gutless-ness nearly killed me and my nice lady passenger. I turned out into traffic, figuring I had plenty of room to get up to speed. WFO throttle and a truck with good brakes behind me saved me. But for one-up rides and tinkering, why not? It's nice to have a spare bike. When the stator fails, it's a motor out of frame job. I bought mine from a mechanical engineer who'd just done that job. I think it soured him on the bike. Brakes were also pretty weak for a relatively heavy bike. But we're so spoiled with modern bikes -- the "soft, retro" CB1100 would run circles around every Honda from the late 70's! You and your son will have fun on this thing.
I agree that all bikes of that age whether Honda CBs CXs or Other brands will need tinkering on a regular basis whether you ride it occasionally or daily. They can be a fun addition to the garage, but nothing like our modern CB1100. And 40 or so HP at the rear wheel isn't going to win any races two-up, and I guess you learned a valuable lesson in that regard when you pulled out in front of that truck!