Insightful Review of the 1979 Honda CX500 Motorcycle
With indisputable importance in motorcycle history, the 1979 Honda CX500 stands as a testament to innovation, design excellence, and superb performance. Born from the creative minds of passionate engineers and designers committed to pushing the boundaries of the motorcycle industry, this iconic machine truly represents the essence of Honda’s ‘Power of Dreams’ ethos. This examination takes an engaging journey through the various facets of the CX500, including its striking design, impressive performance, significant historical impact, and the experiences of those privileged to call themselves owners.
Design and Build Quality
Who can resist the magnetic allure of a well-designed machine with an intriguing blend of retro aesthetics, functionality, and steadfast resilience? Certainly not vintage motorcycle enthusiasts who have a close-knit bond with the remarkable 1979 Honda CX500. This motorcycle, replete with high-quality design and build, made its mark in the world of motorbikes, verified by its popularity that has spanned decades. Let’s park into the realm of this classic Japanese twin for a spin and see why this model was and still is such a hit among motorcycle aficionados.
Firstly, your eyes never tire of admiring the Honda CX500’s unique design. At its launch, this model turned heads with its “twisted twin” liquid-cooled V-Twin engine layout, positioned longitudinally with a shaft drive. This unconventional design, lending to its low, slim profile and anti-vibration system, superseded its contemporaries and made CX500 a game-changer in the motorcycle industry. The overall design heeds a balance between a stylish naked bike and a resilient touring motorcycle. The alluring blend of retro flair – especially the silver fuel tank with knee dents and low-mounted dual exhaust – stands out as simply breathtaking.
Quality is a trait that Honda didn’t skimp on with the CX500. Built like a tank yet with smooth maneuverability, this motorcycle impressed even the most cynical critics from the get-go. The well-built Honda outstripped its rivals by using innovative water-cooling technology, which increased engine longevity and improved thermal efficiency. The backbone of CX500, its durable and spacious frame, was crafted considering the comfort and stability of the rider, offering a relaxed riding position. The long-travel suspension and the solid disc brakes allowed riders to savor the experience of comfortable long-distance riding.
Incorporating technology which was relatively advanced for its time, the electronic ignition system added an impregnable reliability factor into Honda CX500. It eliminated the problem of points adjustments, and the maintenance became more infrequent and less concerning than its peers. Overall, the motorcycle’s design, coupled with minimal maintenance requirements, attracted the touring market, where riders sought dependability, simplicity, and comfort.
Furthermore, this motorcycle’s quality build and captivating design knew no regional bounds. Whether making a mark in Europe’s discerning market or creating a niche in America’s competitive roadways, the Honda CX500 won the international crowd with its extraordinary build and design. Its distinct, iconic status persists not just among vintage bike collectors but is also welcomed warmly in the custom community. A fun fact is that the Honda CX500 serves as an ideal blank canvas for many custom builds due to its robust engine and sturdy frame, with the likes of “Cafe Racers” and “Scramblers”.
Conclusively, the surge in the popularity of the 1979 Honda CX500 is primarily the result of its innovative design and high-quality build that was ahead of its time. This motorcycle offered an unrivaled combination of vintage charm, driving pleasure, and solid construction, making it a timeless classic. Whether you are a vintage Honda fan or a fan of the classics, it’s undeniable that the Honda CX500 stands head and shoulders above its contemporaries due to its ingenious design and top-tier manufacturing. To this day, the Honda CX500 continues to rev up a storm in the motorcycling world with its undeniable appeal and dependable performance!
Performance and Handling
Taking the Hobbyist’s Deep Dive: The 1979 Honda CX500’s Performance Credentials
When it comes to two-wheeled marvels of engineering, few models from the late 70s hold a candle to the 1979 Honda CX500 – affectionately known as “the plastic maggot”. Above and beyond its unique design, rock-solid reliability, and international appeal, it’s the bike’s top-notch performance capabilities that have indelibly etched its name in the annals of motorcycle fandom.
A Boon for the Performance Conscious Rider
What truly puts the Honda CX500 in a league of its own is its formidable power to weight ratio, largely due to its innovative “twist” on the standard motorcycle engine. Not only does this framed engine provide uncompromised stability and balance, but it also offers clear, unhindered access to the transmission – a mechanic’s dream come true. Add to that the bike’s low center of gravity, which gives it unparalleled maneuverability, and it’s clear why this steel horse is the champion of long, winding roads.
The Heart of the Machine: Its Engine
No conversation about the performance credentials of the 1979 Honda CX500 can be complete without a discussion of its engine—especially its unique, hardy, and deeply reliable 500cc V-Twin power factory. In an era dominated by air-cooled engines, this model’s water-cooled engine was a game-changer. The liquid cooling technology not only kept engine temperature consistent, but it also ensured less stress on engine components, leading to better performance and significantly reduced maintenance costs.
In terms of power, Honda certainly didn’t skimp on the CX500. This iconic ride could churn out a whopping 50 horsepower—a remarkable feat for its time and a testament to the sheer might that the CX500 boasted. Complementing the bike’s horsepower is its steady torque delivery, ensuring that you have a steady stream of power across the rev range.
Crafted with Clever Features
In keeping with Honda’s reputation for imbuing their rides with state-of-the-art technology, the CX500 was ahead of its time with its electric start – a convenience that was virtually unheard of back in 1979. This feature, along with the innovative Com-Star wheels and hydraulic disk brakes on both ends, gave riders a taste of performance and comfort that few motorcycle manufacturers of the time could match.
Riding on Reputation
Few bikes can continuously attract enthusiasts nearly half a century after their debut, yet the 1979 Honda CX500 still manages to do that. This stellar reputation and sustained appeal can be attributed to the bike’s impressive performance, ease-of-use, and innate charm. Far from its “plastic maggot” tag, this model remains a beloved classic—embraced and revered by hobbyist riders, pro racers, and custom bike builders worldwide. No wonder, then, that the Honda CX500 holds its place firmly in the hall of motorbike fame, continuing to inspire rider admiration, nostalgia, and discovery.
Historical Significance
The 1979 Honda CX500 – A Comparative Analysis
One cannot help but marvel at the sheer expertise of the pioneering engineers behind the creation of the Honda CX500. As a motorcycling enthusiast, it’s enthralling to delve into the self-same engineering magic that made this particular piece of machinery a shining chapter in motorcycle history.
But how might you ask, did this particular machine contribute substantially to the evolution of motorcycles? To grasp this appropriately, we need to dwell a little deeper into the characteristics that set it apart.
Right off the bat, indisputable is the role the CX500 played in shaping the motorcycle market for years to come. Known for its impeccable power-to-weight ratio, this motorcycle created an industry standard for performance. The bike packed an impressive punch for its time with a 50 horsepower output, pushing the boundaries of what 500cc engines were thought capable of. Uncompromising in its torque delivery, the CX500 proved that a bike need not be giant in displacement to deliver tremendous, raw power.
Further extending its realm of influence, every serious motorcycle enthusiast would attest to the CX500’s instrumental role in introducing water-cooling technology to the masses. Though not the first of its kind, its successful combination of water-cooling with a V-Twin configuration shown the world the future- a future where motorcycles could produce more power, more reliably; a future that was accessible to all courtesy of the Honda CX500.
In a universe of motorcycles running on torque alone, an electric start was nothing more than an outrageous fantasy. Shattering all notions, the CX500 poetically blended the charms of older models with the ease of newer technology. It not only offered the first-ever electric start option to the world but did so without compromising on the initial spark that kick-starters provided, effectively setting the bar for future motorcycle design.
Perhaps the crowning jewel in the CX500’s crown, however, was its provision of hydraulic disc brakes to the fore. Hailed as a mechanical revelation in its time, it symbolized a solid commitment to safety without negotiating on the thrill of speed. This development paved the way for a renewed focus on the integration of safety within the dynamic world of motorbikes.
In the tableau of vintage, classic motorcycles, the 1979 Honda CX500 stands as a testament to innovation, a testament to performance, and a testament to the love every rider cherishes for the open road. Not only has it attracted a myriad of enthusiasts, hobbyists, and riders, but it also continues to cast a long shadow on contemporary motorcycle design, a true testament to its enduring appeal and reputation.
Now, decades down the line, the 1979 Honda CX500’s significant contributions to the realm of motorcycles still echo in every motorcycle meet, every customization shop, and every rider’s dream. These trailblazing inclusions, high-octane performance, and safety considerations are standard expectations – a new level of normalcy the 1979 Honda CX500 directly influenced. The echoes of its innovation still reverberate in the motorcycle community, its legacy a pulse that keeps the industry beating.
Ownership Experience
Taking ownership of a 1979 Honda CX500 is a foray into the illustrious world of vintage motorcycling that goes beyond the sheer pleasure of navigating the open road. It requires understanding the nuances associated with riding such a classic machine, tethering the joy of ownership to the attentive maintenance of its unique attributes.
For starters, the ride quality of the Honda CX500 is unmatched due to its compliant suspension arrangement. With telescopic forks up front and twin shocks at the rear, an owner can expect considerable comfort, even over uneven surfaces. This bike’s incredible handling not only owes credit to its well-balanced 495cc engine but also to this sublime suspension setup that offers peaceful rides on the freeway as well as those thrilling road-bending adventures.
Don’t forget about the Honda CX500’s stellar fuel efficiency. Despite having a powerful engine that churns out around 50 horsepower, it doesn’t compromise on economy. Thanks to its intelligent carburetor design and efficient fuel management, the bike is capable of achieving fuel consumption rates as impressive as 45 miles per gallon—imparting a practicality that is seldom found in vintage motorcycles.
Future owners can take solace in the comprehensive network of enthusiasts and professional services ready to assist with the upkeep of this motorcycle. This abundant support along with readily available spare parts makes maintaining a Honda CX500 far from a nightmare, easing one of the major concerns anyone might have when venturing into the world of classic motorcycles.
Moreover, the 1979 Honda CX500 remains an excellent muse for customization projects, partially due to its mod-friendly design and widespread popularity. From cafe racers to bobbers, the scope for personalizing the CX500 is vast and only limited by the owner’s creativity. This bike provides an exceptional platform for enthusiasts looking to either restore a classic or exercise their custom building ambitions.
Embracing the 1979 Honda CX500 isn’t merely about possessing a vintage treasure. It’s an adventure that extends to understanding the acclaimed engineering prowess, cherishing the bike’s rich history and heritage, becoming a part of a vast global community, and ultimately, creating beautiful biking memories. The CX500 presents an embodiment of mechanical art, a timeless piece of history that is ready to accompany and inspire fascinating tales on the road!
As the exploration of the 1979 Honda CX500 culminates, the motorcycle’s enduring charm and its captivating allure become clear. Whether esteemed for its unique transverse V-twin engine, admired for its tenacious performance and handling, or venerated for its groundbreaking significance in motorcycle history, the CX500 undeniably deserves its legendary status. The accounts of ownership mirror this sentiment, painting a picture of a bike that goes beyond mere transportation. The 1979 Honda CX500 acts as an emblem of accomplishment, a piece of two-wheeled artistry, and a beloved companion on life’s many roads.
