14th Mar 2009, 08:11
I purchased a CX650ED '83 model for about $1500Au. I got a spare engine and a heap of other bits. The bike needed a bit of TLC, sticking brakes, coolant leak, air leak. Tank leaked like a sieve, have partially cured that with and have another tank on the way.
Finally got it road registered December '08, have been using it as a daily rider ever since. I ride on a 60km round trip. When I can I get out in to the wilds. I do a lot of short range touring and the bike never complains.
She keeps on going, and manages to turn a lot of heads. I get a lot of people coming up to me to either reminisce or ask questions.
It is in standard trim, with the exception of after market pipes that were already fitted.
It will be due for a cam chain soon and slippers.
I took it over Mt Glorious and Nebo just outside of Brisbane in Qld for those that know the area. Very twisty and not at all suited to this type of bike, corners are tight and switch back. However half way around I got the hang of it. She did well. More suited to long sweepers and long winding roads.
Overall as this is my first road bike, I am enthusiastically enamoured with the bike. Even when I move up to a BMW I won't be selling the CX.
18th Mar 2009, 00:30
I picked up a 83 CX650E in Vancouver, Canada and imported it into Washington State, USA with little drama with customs.
The bike has 70,000 kms on it and run great aside from needing a mechanical seal and a new cam chain. It's a rat bike sadly, with rattlecan black paint over the factory white, decals and all. I'd like to restore it to its original colour and condition, but might just fix the mechanical issues and live with the rat bike black look.
20th Mar 2009, 13:26
The bike is prone to the same failures as all CX series engines.
Cam chains crap out about 40,000 miles, stators crap out about 40,000 miles, and it's usually a good idea to put in a new mechanical seal at the same time. CX'ers call this the triple bypass.
Once this is done, however, the engine is still very forgiving and bulletproof.
I don't know what it is about this specific model, but the CX650E has starter clutch issues that other CX & GL 650 class bikes don't have.
Parts for this bike are either very limited, or very expensive. Plastics are getting harder to come by, but the side covers are compatible between CX500E, CX500T, CX650E and CX650T.
Its long wheelbase and doughnut sized tires aren't conducive to hairpin and switchback turns, but put the right tires on, and the bike is far more capable than most people give it credit for.
A really good rider can drag a knee.
What is really surprising about this bike is that it can nearly keep up with a CX500 turbo. At 574 lbs, and 82 horsepower, the CX500T can get about 12.5 in the quarter mile. 463 lbs, and 64 horse, this bike gets about 13.5.
In fact, the 650E tears the turbo a new one off the line. It's about half way up the quarter before the 500T catches up and 3/4 before it passes.
(I've owned or ridden every CX model variant except for the 500E and 650T).
This bike is the pinnacle of aspirated CX technology. Advanced for its day; TRAC anti-dive system, triple disc brakes, monoshock rear, great ergonomics.
I was happy to get my hands on one, and now that they are 25 years old, it's easier to import them into the U.S.
4th Apr 2009, 18:26
I'm still looking for a good, low mileage, well-maintained '83-'84 CX650E. If anyone out there can point me to one I'd me grateful.
Cheers.
Keith.
Kwells72@rogers.com.
13th Apr 2009, 15:48
Going back to the original post of "How many were produced between 83-84?"; I wrote to Honda Canada years ago and was told that they sold just short of 600 units in Canada for the two model years. None to the US. Having said that, the world wide production figures for the CX650E would be much higher.
5th May 2009, 20:46
Hi, well I like to add my two cents.
I've always wanted a CX500 turbo, but I have come across a Ca X 650 1983 in mint condition. It has been stored in my gramma's house, and believe me when I say this; the old lady drove it for years, now she is giving it to me. I haven't ridden the bike yet, but I did ride a CX500 turbo.
My question is can I put a turbo in this 650, or I won't need it. Please let me know. Thanks.
Rob in BC.
11th Jul 2009, 13:00
I bought an '83 CX650E in '04, without knowing anything about the CX series of bikes. I did no previous research, and had no idea what I was getting when I bought the machine, however - like most other CX owners, I liked the sound and I loved that torque. I rode many miles through the hills, valleys and mountains of the Okanagan Valley, and this is where the power of the CX650E just shines. There is nothing like cracking that throttle on a long, steep, uphill climb in top gear and having that thing pull hard as it accelerated past everything else on the road.
If you're thinking of buying one - be warned, they are top heavy and can seem like a real handful, but with that said - if you know your way around motorcycles, the CX650E is a blast to ride. The torque is addicting, the sound is fantastic, and these things can corner like they're on rails. I've dragged the footpegs a few times even making left hand turns at the stoplights.
Gotta love the CX650E.
14th Aug 2009, 10:25
Hello All:
I am still looking for another CX650 with or without a turbo.
I should never have sold my old one years ago. If anyone is thinking of selling theirs or knows of a good one out there, please let me know.
Thanks.
Keith
kwells72@rogers.com
15th Aug 2009, 00:48
I've had a white '83 CX650E since it was new. I love it. It's 26 now, been down to California 4 times, but mostly used in the summer around town. Just over 54,000 km on it. Got collector plates (B.C.) for it last year as it is still in "new" condition. Might be the last bike I own.
18th Jan 2009, 20:52
I bought an '84 CX650E in late '08 in an 'end of season, need it gone' type of situation. I took a big chance, as it didn't run and the rear brake was seized solid. Ownership was clear though, and I managed to get the bike for $400.
Got the bike to my long-time mechanic and I got lucky. Everything checked out and it runs like a top. It's in storage for the winter, so I've yet to put a kilometer on it, but can't wait until spring.
Oh yeah, it had 10,000 km on it :)