This project centers on a 1980 Honda CX-500 that has been fully rebuilt into a cafe racer. The builder focused on balancing style with function, making careful choices to keep the bike’s vintage look while improving performance and reliability. Every part of the motorcycle was either restored, upgraded, or custom-made to fit the overall design.
From the front suspension to the rear frame, the bike shows detailed craftsmanship and planning. Upgrades to the braking system, suspension, and engine were paired with custom paintwork and fabrication. The result is a finished build that highlights both mechanical improvements and attention to small details, all while keeping the bike ready to ride and enjoy.
Key Takeaways
- The motorcycle was rebuilt with a focus on both performance and appearance
- Custom parts and upgrades were added across the suspension, brakes, and engine
- Careful restoration ensures the bike is reliable, functional, and ready to ride
Overview of the 1980 Honda CX-500 Cafe Racer Build
The builder focused heavily on the front end, choosing forks from a 1983 Honda GL650 Silver Wing. These offered wider fork tubes, a factory fork brace, and compatibility with a dual-disc brake setup. The front wheel and rotors came from a Gold Wing, with resurfaced and drilled discs by Trudisc. CB900F dual-piston calipers replaced the stock single-piston units, paired with custom stainless brake lines and a new master cylinder.
To achieve the right stance, the fork tubes were shortened by about 1.75 inches by Frank’s Forks. A billet triple tree clamp from Cognito Moto replaced the original, while All Balls Racing bearings handled the steering conversion. The forks also received new springs from Racetech, along with fresh seals and oil. Custom spacers aligned the wheel, and a fabricated bracket mounted the headlight.
The fuel tank and seat cowl were refinished by Devious Designs in a charcoal metallic finish. The tank was treated, sealed with a clear resin, and slightly raised at the rear for a level look. The seat came from a European supplier and included a removable rear cowl, allowing the bike to retain passenger pegs. An extra painted cowl was prepared as a backup.
At the rear, a custom-fabricated frame section and battery box housed the electronics, with the regulator-rectifier mounted externally for cooling. Hagon shocks supported a larger-diameter rear wheel sourced from the UK. Both wheels, along with the frame and suspension parts, were powder-coated black with polished spoke edges. The rear drive was rebuilt with new fluid and bearings, and the rear brake shoes were replaced.
The engine featured Mikuni VM34 carburetors from Murray’s Carbs, which replaced the stock units for improved performance and easier tuning, especially with the aftermarket exhaust. Valve covers from a CX500 Turbo were also fitted.
Key Upgrades at a Glance:
- GL650 Silver Wing front forks with brace
- Gold Wing front wheel and rotors
- CB900F dual-piston calipers
- Custom stainless brake lines and master cylinder
- Shortened fork tubes with Racetech springs
- Cognito Moto billet triple tree
- Charcoal metallic paint by Devious Designs
- Sea Racer seat with removable cowl
- Custom rear frame and battery box
- Hagon rear shocks
- Larger rear wheel from the UK
- Powder-coated frame and wheels with polished edges
- Mikuni VM34 carburetors from Murray’s Carbs
This build reflects careful upgrades that balance performance, function, and clean design choices.
Front End Modifications
Fork Replacement and Enhancements
He replaced the stock forks with units from a 1983 Honda GL650 Silver Wing. These forks feature a built-in brace that keeps the front end rigid even without a fender. The tubes are about 4mm larger in diameter than the original CX500 forks, giving the bike a stronger stance.
Twin Disc Brake Setup
The front wheel and rotors came from a Honda Gold Wing, which provided a larger diameter setup. The rotors were resurfaced and drilled by Trudisc in Michigan. He upgraded the calipers to two-piston units from a CB900F, replacing the original single-piston design.
Brake upgrades included:
- Dual discs instead of a single disc
- Two-piston calipers
- Stainless steel brake lines (custom length)
- New master cylinder matched to the system
Custom Brake Hardware
To complete the braking system, he added custom-length stainless steel lines and a new master cylinder. These changes ensured proper performance and matched the upgraded components.
| Component | Upgrade Source | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calipers | CB900F | Two-piston stopping power |
| Rotors | Gold Wing + Trudisc | Larger size, drilled pattern |
| Lines | Custom stainless | Better durability, proper fit |
| Master Cylinder | Aftermarket | Balanced with dual discs |
Shortened Forks and Suspension Work
The GL650 forks were too tall for the look he wanted, so he had them shortened by about 1.75 inches by Frank’s Forks in Illinois. The tubes were cut, re-tapped, and paired with custom springs from Racetech. He also used All Balls Racing bearings and a billet triple tree clamp from Cognito Moto for a cleaner finish. The fork plugs came from an older Suzuki to replace the stock GL650 units with air nozzles.
Lighting and Gauge Setup
The headlight is mounted on a custom bracket, and the speedometer remains functional and accurate. Since the build, the odometer shows about 223 miles of riding.
Tank and Seat Customization
Paintwork and Body Refinishing
The fuel tank and rear seat cowl received a custom finish from a professional paint shop in Las Vegas. The color is a metallic charcoal gray that shows depth in sunlight. Before painting, dents and bent edges were repaired, and the cowl surfaces were smoothed to remove imperfections in the plastic.
Tank Cleaning and Internal Coating
The inside of the tank was stripped of rust, cleaned, and sealed with a clear resin coating. This resin hardens into a solid layer that resists peeling and prevents fuel system blockages. A local motorcycle shop recommended this product, and it has been used on multiple builds with reliable results.
Rear Mount Adjustment
A custom rear bracket was fabricated to slightly raise the back of the fuel tank. This adjustment levels the tank for a cleaner café racer profile. The bracket is visible when the seat is removed.
Seat and Tail Section
The seat and removable cowl came from a European supplier and fit the CX500 frame. The cowl was refinished to remove surface waves and painted to match the tank. An extra painted cowl is included in case of damage. The rear frame section was redesigned, laser cut, and welded to support the seat and electronics.
Passenger Setup
Passenger footpegs remain on the bike, which is uncommon for many café racer builds. This allows the motorcycle to carry a second rider when the rear cowl is removed. The design balances both style and function without limiting passenger use.
Frame and Rear End Enhancements
Modified Frame Work
The rear portion of the frame was redesigned and built from scratch. Using CAD software, the new structure was laser cut, bent, and welded for a clean and precise fit. This change not only improved the overall look but also created the right foundation for the seat and tail section.
Enclosed Battery and Wiring Setup
A custom battery box was fabricated to hold the battery and most of the electrical components. The ignition key was also integrated into this housing. The regulator and rectifier were mounted outside the box to allow proper cooling.
Key Features:
- Hidden wiring for a cleaner appearance
- Compact design for better space use
- Easy access under the seat
Larger Rear Rim
The rear wheel was swapped for a larger diameter version sourced overseas. This upgrade gave the bike a more balanced stance and fit the café style better. The wheel bearings were replaced, and the rear brake shoes were updated at the same time.
Protective Coating and Detailing
The frame, suspension parts, and wheels all received a professional powder coat finish. After coating, the edges of the wheel spokes were sanded back to expose bare metal, giving a two-tone effect of silver against black.
| Part | Finish | Extra Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Powder coat | Full coverage |
| Wheels | Powder coat | Spoke edges sanded for contrast |
| Suspension | Powder coat | Matched to frame |
Rear Suspension and Drive System
Hagon rear shocks were installed to improve handling and ride quality. The final drive unit was rebuilt and filled with fresh fluid. Every seal, gasket, and o-ring in this section was replaced to ensure reliability.
Upgrades included:
- New shocks for improved stability
- Rebuilt final drive with fresh lubrication
- Fully renewed seals and bearings
Engine and Power Enhancements
Mikuni Carb Setup by Murray
He installed a pair of Mikuni VM34 carburetors from Murray, designed specifically for the CX500. These replaced the stock units that proved difficult to tune with the aftermarket exhaust. The new setup delivered smoother throttle response and stronger performance. Many owners consider this one of the most effective upgrades for this model.
Key points:
- Direct replacement kit designed for the CX500
- Improved tuning compared to stock carbs
- Noticeable increase in engine response
Exhaust System and Fine-Tuning
The bike runs with an aftermarket exhaust, which required extensive tuning attempts with the original carbs. After switching to the Mikuni kit, the engine paired much better with the exhaust, eliminating the trial-and-error process with jets. The combination of free-flowing exhaust and properly matched carbs provided a balanced setup.
Benefits of the change:
- Cleaner throttle adjustment
- Stronger mid-range performance
- Reduced time spent on carb jetting
Custom Valve Covers and Detailing
The engine features valve covers sourced from a CX500 Turbo model, giving it a distinct look compared to the standard covers. Along with this, the engine received careful detailing to match the overall finish of the build. These touches not only improved appearance but also highlighted the attention given to small components during the restoration.
Details include:
- Turbo-style valve covers for a unique look
- Engine surfaces cleaned and refinished
- Consistent styling with the rest of the bike
Maintenance and Restoration Highlights
Parts Upgrades and Replacements
He swapped the original front suspension with forks from a 1983 Honda GL650 Silver Wing. The fork tubes were shortened, fitted with new springs, and rebuilt with fresh seals and oil. A custom billet triple clamp was added, along with a steering head bearing conversion. The tank was rust-treated, sealed with a clear resin, and refinished in metallic charcoal gray. The rear frame was custom fabricated, and a new battery box was built to house the electronics.
Key replacements included:
- Custom billet triple tree clamp
- Rust-sealed and refinished fuel tank
- Shortened and rebuilt fork tubes
- Fresh suspension springs and seals
- Custom battery box and frame work
Braking System and Wheel Bearings
The braking system was upgraded with dual discs from a Gold Wing, resurfaced and drilled by TruDisc. Calipers from a CB900F replaced the originals, giving the bike dual-piston stopping power. Stainless steel brake lines and a new master cylinder completed the setup. Both wheels were powder coated, fitted with new bearings, and detailed with sanded spoke edges for contrast.
Brake system upgrades:
- Dual disc conversion
- Dual-piston calipers
- Stainless steel brake lines
- New master cylinder
- Powder-coated wheels with new bearings
Rear Drive Overhaul
The final drive unit was fully rebuilt and refilled with fresh fluid. Rear brake shoes were replaced, and the larger-diameter rear wheel sourced from the UK was refinished to match the rest of the build. New shocks were installed to improve ride quality, and all seals, gaskets, and o-rings throughout the drive system were renewed.
Final drive updates:
| Component | Work Done |
|---|---|
| Final drive unit | Rebuilt and resealed |
| Fluid | Replaced with fresh oil |
| Rear brake shoes | Installed new set |
| Rear wheel | Larger size, refinished |
| Shocks | Upgraded replacements |
Cold Start Demonstration
He prepared the motorcycle for a cold start to show how it runs after the full build. The bike had been sitting, so the engine was completely cold before starting.
The process went smoothly:
- The ignition key turned on without issue.
- Fuel flowed properly from the treated and sealed tank.
- The upgraded carburetors responded right away.
The engine fired up cleanly and settled into a steady idle. The sound highlighted the aftermarket exhaust and the tuning work done with the Mikuni carburetors.
This demonstration confirmed that the bike not only looks finished but also runs reliably with the upgrades in place.
Motorcycle Sale Information
This 1980 Honda CX-500 café racer build is being offered for sale after a complete custom restoration and modification process. Nearly every component has been upgraded, rebuilt, or refinished to improve both performance and appearance.
Key details include:
- Model: 1980 Honda CX-500 Café Racer
- Mileage since build: ~223 miles
- Condition: Restored with new seals, gaskets, bearings, and fluids
- Paintwork: Custom metallic charcoal gray finish by Devious Designs
- Front End: Swapped with 1983 Honda GL650 Silver Wing forks, shortened and reworked with custom springs, billet triple tree clamp, dual-disc brakes, resurfaced rotors, and upgraded CB900F calipers
- Rear Section: Custom fabricated frame and battery box, Hagen shocks, larger diameter rear wheel sourced from the UK, powder-coated wheels and frame by Snail Motorsports
- Tank & Seat: Restored and sealed fuel tank with custom bracket for level fitment, café seat and removable rear cowl, passenger pegs retained
- Engine Upgrades: Mikuni VM34 carburetors from Murray’s Carbs, aftermarket exhaust, CX500 Turbo valve covers
Notable Features:
- Custom stainless steel brake lines with upgraded master cylinder
- Powder-coated components with polished spoke edges
- Rebuilt final drive with fresh fluid
- New rear brake shoes and suspension components
- Custom fabricated headlight bracket and working speedometer
The motorcycle has been carefully maintained and thoughtfully modified to balance style, reliability, and performance. It is ready for its next owner to enjoy.
