Wilsons Sandbox

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Craig Kahler wrote:

> > Yes, that's what I found. They just don't make what I'm looking for any more. > I may have to give up on my under 10 year old limit and go back in time. I'm considering a 1982 GL500 Silverwing. > I just returned from looking at one a guy has stored in his barn. > Before I make an offer, Does anyone on the list have experience with this bike? > Will a bike this old with 17,000 miles on it be a lot less dependable than a 17,000 mile 2002 bike? > Craig

Craig, Here's some of what I've read about CX500s: They can go 100k+ miles given proper maintenance. Their main problem area is the stator which is usually toast every 30k miles due to its location between the engine and transmission. Replacement of the stator requires engine removal from the frame. This bike would be a good candidate for a hand-wound extra HD stator if you're handy with that sort of thing. I wouldn't want to get it wrong though. Out comes the engine again. First year(s) had camchain tensioner problems, corrected later. 500cc means it needs to rev high to cruise on the interstate. Popular with UK dispatch riders in the day. Popular in Europe in general. They tend to know how to pick practical economical bikes. imo the CX650 is the one to get if you go that route. I decided to pass. If you like that sort of thing you might like a real Guzzi. Another good v-twin shaft drive is the Suzuki VX800. Old bikes mean parts availability will become an increasing issue. I resurrected my '91 with 41k miles on it and it just went past 70k. The '70 Ambassador is awaiting the proper workspace and budget to do it right. There are large support groups for both Guzzi and VX800 online. +1 on the metric cruisers. Good bang for the buck if you find them comfortable. Vulcan 750/800, Intruder/Boulevard, Shadow, all strong and durable. If I'm not mistaken the 90s Vulcans had hydraulic valve lifters. Low maintenance is a plus. On an old bike it means that's one more thing that wasn't neglected. Shaft drive is nice on this type bike. Buying any used bike is a crap shoot. Unless you can do a compression test and/or leak down test you have little idea of the state of the motor. Even if it seems to run great. If it doesn't run it's even more of a gamble. Didn't stop me from buying the dead VX800 and resurrecting it. The lure of a shaft drive big twin. Or big to me anyway. 800cc are scoffed at these days. I lucked out, had it fired up the first weekend I tried. http://vx800.net/ There used to be a great site in the Nederlands on the CX500 but I could not find it. Found these though, and multiple forums of which I know nothing. http://www.hondacx500.nl/ http://www.hondacx500.nl/UK.php http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Category:Honda_CX_series New "adventure" oriented bikes? I'm in SoCal so can't get everything other folks can. Hard to beat DL650 for the money. Versys is good. F800ST or GS. The new 800cc Tiger looks awesome if you want another cylinder. They look like insects to me, though. I've got at least one ugly bike in my A14 What's that German word for ugly-beautiful? h sslich-sch n? probably wrong You can find all sorts of bike clips on youtube, hear different exhausts reviews etc. down with the flu in SoCal. It's riding weather too... Ian (old guy with old bikes:)