Why don’t the Big Four (or any other manufacturer out there, for that matter) build boosted bikes anymore? The turbo bikes of the 80s made a terrific splash – and some very impressive horsepower – before dying an early death. 30+ years on, technology must have caught up enough to give it another go, right? So why not? Until then, we must be content to bask in the glory of what was, such as this 1983 Honda CX650 Turbo.
1983 Honda CX650 Turbo for sale on eBay
From the seller:
One of only around 1800 built, it is not known how many are still around and indeed how many are in this condition. This bike has some CX500 turbo parts, the rear axle and swingarm that give it higher gearing and therefore reduced revs on the freeway which makes for a more relaxing cruise. It has a fibreglass fairing and CX500T mirrors which look more sturdy than the original CX650T mirrors.Please inspect the photographs of the actual bike I am selling, it is in truly excellent condition to be expected after only so few miles after restoration. Everything functions as it should, the brakes, electrics, suspension, everything is 100%. Bike starts and runs flawlessly and can be ridden anywhere.
Factory Turbo bikes can be wonderful and unique riding machines. They can also be a headache and a nightmare when it comes to repairs and spare parts. Fortunately, these CX650T models are practically bulletproof. There is a known issue with weak stators (around the 20k mark), but otherwise they are just fun to ride. This particular bike has the title of “restored” but the seller does note some non-standard changes. Click here to see all the pictures and details. Do your homework if interested. And don’t forget to tell ’em you found it on RSBFS!
MI
I used to commute to work on a CX500 turbo. Great boost in power when the turbo kicks in. Ride a cx500 first then try the turbo. Wow.
What I hate about the turbos are the brakes. I have rode more than one cx500t. Always the same story, 4 finger braking required. You have to make that mental adjustment when you climb on if you began riding after about 1990.
Always heard the CX650T is a substantial improvement. I hope to get some seat time some day for comparison. They look great. Always wonder about the actual difference between the 500 and 650. Especially the brakes (I don’t see any difference visually).
I worked at a Honda dealer from 1981 through 1983 when both the CX500T and the CX650T were new. The CX500T came out with great fanfare, but IMHO was a terrible bike. The base CX was underpowered for the weight to begin with. The CX500T further reduced compression ratio to accommodate the added boost of the turbo. That made a bike that off boost (rough under 4500rpm) was a real slug. Then boost would hit and it was like a two-stroke kick. Just hope you weren’t leaned over in a corner. Or the bike was stand up and head off the road in the hands of less skilled riders. Several of the bikes we sold came back low sided.
Honda was paying attention and did several things in 1983. They upped the cc, raised the static compression ratio and lower the boost pressure. All three combined to make a VASTLY better bike. They added TRAC anti-dive on the brakes that further helped control, though didn’t do a lot for sheer braking power.
But unfortunately the Harley-led tariff caught up in the 1984 model year and that contributed to killing a bunch of the performance stuff Honda had launched in 1983 (CB1100F, VF750F…technically it didn’t killed the VF750F, but Honda offered the tariff-beating VF700F and the VF750F carried about a 20% price premium for a perceived 50cc bump ). The poor results of the CX500T and a general pull back on performance models in response to the tariff helped doom the CX650T. It was a great bike and would/should do well today. Given the increasing values I’d be surprised if anyone used one for commuting these days.