In 1978, Wheels magazine in Australia bestowed the coveted title of Bike of the Year upon the CX500. Although the CX’s Guzzi-like longitudinal v-twin engine did not set new standards for fuel efficiency, its reputation for rugged dependability remained unparalleled. In the UK and Australia, bike couriers often opt for the trusty Honda CX500 as their primary mode of transportation, with some riders reportedly racking up over 200,000 miles without major issues.
To cap it all off, a 2017 CX500 achieved three land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, an impressive feat considering its age: 38 years since rolling off the production line. By the time the CX500’s run came to a close, Honda had sold an astonishing 300,000 units, making it one of the most successful motorcycles in history.
The Honda CX500, notorious for its unflattering moniker “plastic maggot,” earned this reputation due to its perceived bulkiness and lackluster performance, as well as its prominent, injection-molded bodywork. Although early fashions presented some initial production issues that were subsequently addressed by manufacturers, it’s worth noting that the dual-shock rear suspension didn’t quite live up to expectations. In 1983, at the outset of its production run, Honda significantly revamped the CX500’s design. The Honda CX500E Sport, also known as the Eurosport, boasted a modern digital ignition system, upgraded “air” fork suspension, newly designed wheels, improved dual-disc front brakes, a single rear disc brake, and a sophisticated computer-controlled chain tensioner. The revamped mannequin featured a refined rear end, replacing the outdated twin shocks with a more effective and streamlined pro-link mono-shock system.
Kaspeed Moto, a renowned German workshop, has meticulously transformed this CX500E Sport into a stunning, high-performance machine. Operating under the expert guidance of Karsten Dressel and his twin sons, Jimmy and Mick, Kaspeed excels at servicing fundamental models of Japanese and European motorcycles. Prior to this project, Kaspeed had showcased their expertise by building a CX500 twin-shock cafe racer and a sleek GL500 scrambler; this time, they aimed to create a sporty CX with a contemporary aesthetic.
Following the disassembly of their donor, Kaspeed embarked on renovating the bike’s rear assembly. All subframes have been minimized and removed from around the central posts to achieve the desired appearance. A custom-made subframe and tail hoop instead sit. The brand-new hoop rests on compact, triangular supports, its entire structure carefully engineered to keep components snug. The newly designed hoop lifts the tail and kicks up again, creating a gap between the tail and rear wheel. With its distinctive design, this custom-built CX500 uniquely combines functionality and aesthetics, featuring an insect-inspired look that sets it apart from others in its class. To complete the body’s renovation, Kaspeed meticulously finished off the remaining chassis components and applied a sleek, modern satin black coating.
Kaspeed’s bodywork exhibits a departure from the norm by distributing materials that bear little resemblance to traditional plastics.
Given the design’s nostalgic flair, the decision was made to preserve the CX’s original fuel tank, its classic appearance aligning seamlessly with the project’s retro-futuristic vision. Despite its sleek appearance, the black leather seat stands out as a bespoke design that harmoniously merges with the vehicle’s tank, seamlessly curving around its rear end. The dated bikini fairing of the CX500 has been replaced with a modern LED headlamp nestled in precision CNC-machined brackets. A tiny, 3D-printed wind deflector cleverly shields a Koso digital speedometer from the elements above. The lightweight aluminum entrance and rear fenders have been designed with a focus on maintaining the rear’s sleek finish, relocating the license plate to a hugger-style bracket positioned discreetly over the rear wheel.
Scanning the rest of this Honda, you’ll discover an abundance of styling and accent updates. The majority of the exterior trim is now rendered in sleek satin black, harmoniously aligning with the vehicle’s bodywork; however, judiciously placed polished accents skillfully direct attention to key features that benefit from Kaspeed’s expertise.
The beefy handlebars, comprising LSL objects, accommodate a single aftermarket bar-end mirror, Kellermann bar-end indicators, an aftermarket fluid reservoir, and a comprehensive overhaul of new cables, swap blocks, grips, and levers. The footpegs feature sleek, modern designs at the rear, while the rear-end lighting shines bright thanks to LED power, and every fastener has been meticulously replaced with fresh, brand-new components.
Throughout the comprehensive rebuild of this CX500, Kaspeed has not overlooked efficiency. Following a comprehensive rebuild and servicing, the motor’s longitudinal v-twin configuration was enhanced by the installation of DNA pod filters, while the carbs underwent meticulous bead-blasting, rebuilding, and re-jetting to deliver increased fuel flow to the cylinders. On the tumultuous conclusion of the combustion cycle, a bespoke Professional Race exhaust system from Arrow Exhausts is situated, boasting precisely tuned headers and compact, discreet mufflers designed to optimize performance. To enhance handling and stability during cornering, the rear suspension has been significantly upgraded with a high-performance YSS monoshock, while the forks have been meticulously rebuilt and fine-tuned to refine the bike’s overall posture. Kaspeed wraps the CX500’s matching 18-inch wheels in high-grip Metzeler Roadtec 01 tyres for exceptional traction and control.
The final touches have been applied to Kaspeed’s transformative endeavour, with a newly finished gas tank and fairing now proudly bearing a custom hue. With a gleaming metallic silver base coat as the foundation, the artists have cleverly integrated Kaspeed Moto lettering and velocity stripes in “Willow Green”, a vibrant hue reminiscent of the iconic VW Beetle. The springs of the YSS shock absorber can be strategically employed to help resolve tie-related issues collectively, with Kaspeed badging prominently displayed on the engine. The culmination of countless hours of effort has transformed a 40-year-old bike into a stunning, showroom-fresh machine that effortlessly exudes an air of revitalized excellence. The former CX, whose reputation had been irreparably marred by a derogatory sobriquet, is unlikely to suffer from such an affront again.
Images by Jimmy Dressel
