1982 Honda CX500 Turbo
Miles: 28,450
Clean Title
Listing Price: $5,900 Or Best Offer
Listing Ends: July 16, 2024
Back in the 1980s, the word “turbo” was everywhere, and often applied inappropriately. Most people didn’t even seem to know what it actually meant, they just knew it was cool… Turbocharging had existed for decades, and underwent a period of intense development during World War II, where the technology was used to boost aircraft engine performance at altitude. But it was just starting to see regular use in passenger cars by the 1980s, and bike manufacturers wanted a piece of all that sweet, free horsepower that turbocharging offered. All of the major Japanese manufacturers flirted with the technology, but Honda’s CX500 Turbo was unusual in that it was based around a longitudinally-mounted, 80° v-twin with pushrods operating four valves per cylinder, along with shaft drive and five-speed gearbox, while the other companies chose more sophisticated overhead-cam inline fours. A v-twin was an unusual choice for a turbocharged bike, but the engine was famously unburstable, and the bike was packed with technology, including Honda’s TRAC anti-dive forks and Pro-Link monoshock rear, ComStar wheels supporting tubeless tires, as well as computer-controlled fuel injection. The result was a very effective sport-touring bike that had the usual turbocharged bike issues with lag and added complexity, owing to the turbocharger’s plumbing.
Comes with the following genuine Honda items:
Bike tool kit,
original key,
owners manual,
diagnostic tool kit,
service manual
and saddle bags
As is so often the case, the seller of this rare beast has elected not to include any details about the bike’s history or maintenance that has been performed. With over 28,000 miles on the odometer, this CX500 Turbo has obviously been ridden and is no garage queen, but details are always appreciated. The condition of the bike is somewhat perplexing: overall, it looks good, and the wheels and front fork look virtually brand new, but some of the bodywork is scuffed, the centerstand is rusty, the grab rail looks well used, and the seat obviously needs some work. These are very rare bikes, but seem to crop up regularly for sale. Do the graphics and styling scream “1980s” in an uncomfortably loud voice? Yes. Is the lack of details in the listing troubling? Yes. Does this bike seem like it’s ready for a cross-country, two-up ride, complete with wooshy turbo noises? Also yes.
-tad
