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Posted by tgl on 2007-09-12 02:25:11 +0000

Honda CX500

<img width=350 src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Honda_cx500_1981_blue_rhs.jpg/770px-Honda_cx500_1981_blue_rhs.jpg">

I'd been noticing this V-Twin bike parked at Lechmere Canal for a few weeks now. Turns out it's owned by an ex-co-worker. A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CX_series#CX500">1978</a>. His brother rode it from CA, and left it for him to sell or use. He decided to use it.

Posted by tendiamonds on 2007-09-12 02:51:40 +0000

My buddy, Tyson, in Seattle bought one of these (actually a CX550) shortly before we both bought BMWs. I love the Moto-Guzzi-esque longitudinal V-Twin.

Posted by respectless on 2007-09-12 03:15:34 +0000

first of the japanese v-twins as far as i know. the cylinders do kinda get in your way. shaft drive. handles like a three-legged mule.

Posted by ConorClockwise on 2007-09-12 03:43:14 +0000

Love the bike. Not too into the mag wheels though.
How can it handle poorly?

Posted by tgl on 2007-09-12 03:50:22 +0000

Standard complaint about shaft drives? The engine would seem centered and even, although, the "Flying V" sends the pistons and rods outward from the bike, off the centerline. A Harley would have the V the other way... not that Harleys are known for handling, either.

Posted by respectless on 2007-09-12 05:15:53 +0000

well, i'm only going on the word of a friend of mine who owns one. probably has to do with wheelbase length, ride height and center of gravity.

Posted by tendiamonds on 2007-09-12 14:22:49 +0000

Mag wheels are the best you can get. Spokes are for style only.

Posted by tendiamonds on 2007-09-12 14:28:46 +0000

The one I rode handled fine, but I didn't ride it all that much, and I never pushed it. I imagine you're right, though, all V-twins (regardless of mounting direction) have way too much weight up high. Motorcycle cylinders should always be horizontal.

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Honda CX500