12th Sep 2006, 18:43
I also bought a white CX new (my first street bike) in 1984.
In 90,000km, the stator failed (a Honda tradition), I had to replace the cam-chain tensioner, and the head gaskets. Seems like a lot, but that bike was a rock, and never left me stranded.
Sold it in 1998 to a friend who put another 15000km on it, and made it full circle when it was gifted to my father (who still has it).
Was great to ride that bike in the USA, where nobody knew what it was. Ahhh, the days when Canada got the European models...
21st Sep 2006, 17:01
I bought my black 1983 CX650E on August 12, 2004. It had only 12000 km and it looked like new. Now it has around 30000 km and it still looks like new with no issues whatsoever. I love it.
Air assisted forks, pro-link suspension, disc brakes front and back, anti-dive unit, hydraulic valves and water-cooling. Very smooth engine with lots of torque. Perfect on highway and long trips. More than fast enough.
Did I mention I LOVE IT!
30th Dec 2006, 09:22
I purchased my new black CX650E Honda in fall of 1984.
The low speed handling is nothing to write home about and it chews through batteries, but other than that, I cannot fault the bike. It is extremely comfortable to ride and has never let me down. I love it and cannot pry my wife off the back of it.
I use it mainly on weekends for short tours around Southern Ontario. I have considered looking for a CX650T or possibly a BMW (boxer style), but would probably have a tough time selling my old CX.
15th Mar 2007, 21:24
For the guy with the cx650 who wrote he loved his bike because of the hydraulic valves : there no hydraulic valve on any cx500 or 650. In the years '78 to 84, the only bike in the Honda line up who get hydraulic valves was the vt (750 not sure, but for sure the 1100) the nighthawks "s" 750 and 650 (650: the twin cam version)
3rd May 2007, 20:42
I had a white CX650E I purchased from the original owner in 1988. Rode it for years, but ended up parting with it. Regretted that decision and finally found another one several years ago. I had to do a ground up restore, so I did some chrome and paint mods at the same time. The decals and lettering are now painted on with 5 coats of clear over it. I chromed the aluminum pieces that get corroded under the lacquer coating. The project can be seen at www.vaxxine.com/tomspage and go to the CX.
I ride a HD Standard for two up touring, but it's fun to take the CX out for a coffee and turn a few heads now and then. It chokes my Harley buddies up when a V Twin half their size can stay beside them in a stop light contest.
12th Jul 2007, 02:32
My CX650E was bought only two months ago (May 2007). It was built in 1987, and should serve as an extra bike next to my wife's BMW and my MV Agusta. To be honest, I fell in love with the CX the moment I laid eyes on it. It has got character, and so far it hasn't failed me. The rubbers holding the saddle have deteriorated and it isn't spic and span anymore, no wonder after 20 years of service. This bike is pure fun, and it is actually competing for my favor with my trusted MV Agusta (F4 750s). That says it all!
21st Jul 2007, 21:17
Last year my son wanted a bike, so we looked around and found a 1984 CX650E. As soon as I saw it, I had to have it. It was in pretty good condition. This year he bought a new crotch rocket, so the CX is now mine. The only problem I have is I'm short, so I have to wear shoes with some height.
I have a 1980 Maxim I bought new, that is in a million parts. Now with the CX, I don't know if the Maxim will ever get finished. I never thought I would like this kind of bike, but I think it's great.
19th Aug 2007, 17:23
For the fellow that says his bike was built in 1987, the CX650e was only made in 1983 and 1984, and only in Canada. Strange that the US didn't get it.
I've had my 1983 model for a few years, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a great commuter bike. The abundance of torque gives it excellent, around town drive-ability.
The handling does take a bit of getting used to, but once familiar with the way it handles, one is able to toss it around with aplomb.
I love the sound of the motor at full throttle - it really growls. This bike is also deceptively quick. I have left more than 1 Harley in the dust.
This coming year the bike will be eligible for collector plates. The bike has 67,000 kilometres on the odometer, and the only thing that has needed replacement are the fork seals.
George Clarke - Vancouver, Canada.
21st Nov 2007, 18:23
I bought my CX650E new in 1983. I rode it consistently up till 2004 when the rear calliper seized, and I haven't got round to repairing it. I used to go camping in the New England States for about 5 days every year, and that bike was perfect for the job. The only drawback was the lack of a decent fairing during inclement weather.
Even the 1982 Aspencade I used to tour on for a couple of years didn't provide the kind of fun I had on the CX. I now have a Suzuki GSX1100G, but I will never sell the CX. It is/was a much under rated motorcycle.
27th Dec 2007, 19:45
I bought my CX650E in rather tatty condition 4 years ago, and have slowly been improving the worn bits, but they are only decorative so don't prevent me from actually getting out on the open road.
The bike runs very well, has never given me any trouble whatsoever, and just keeps trundling along no matter how far the ride, (which in Australia can be very long!)
I agree that it is a bit of a dog around town at slow speed, but who wants to ride around town anyway.
Being only 5ft2 I have had it lowered an inch and still have to wear big boots, but can't seem to find anything to beat this bike.
26th May 2006, 20:48
I also bought a CX650E (the white version) in May of 1983, my first new bike. I left for Western Canada on a vacation with a friend 3 weeks after I picked it up.
I live in Ontario. I had the bike until 1994 when my wife suggested that since it is just sitting in the garage unlicensed, I should sell it. A fellow teacher in her school was looking for one. It was gone in a flash as it was in excellent shape. As luck would have it, I was asking him one day last year (August 2005) how it was running and he said fine, but it was for sale again. I bought it back for half the money he paid me 10 years prior. It is home again.
The bike is in great shape, runs like a top, and I must admit it is good to have it back, especially since I bought it new when I was only 18 years old. You know the bike looks fairly modern even today 23 years later. All it needed for safety was new seals in the calipers and a set of rubber, as the tires were weather checked. Like the other bike mentioned here, mine has had zero issues other than the normal maintenance items. A fun to ride bike, and it still turns heads.
With any luck, it won't leave home without me on it again.
Cheers!