This build is another by Murray Feldman of Murray’s Carbs. Looks like your standard USA-spec Deluxe with a Plexistar windscreen (eBay) from a distance:
Up closer, though, you’ll notice some subtle but significant differences:
That’s a Honda CX650 Custom front end (infrequently on eBay) which has been cut down 3.5″ and threaded for the fork cap. This gives the bike a much beefier 39mm front end vs. the Deluxe’s stock 33mm forks. The front end also utilises the CX650C gauges (infrequently on eBay) and controls (eBay) and the bike is running the CX650C wiring harness (eBay) and other electrical components. A new braided stainless steel brake line (eBay) has been installed, shortened 3.5″ to match the front end. The speedo cable was also shortened by 3.5″. The fuel tank has been moved back on the frame 1.5″ to allow for the steering radius of the much larger 39mm forks, which necessitated that the seat be shortened at the front by an equal amount.
Moving down the bike we can see that that’s not all that used to belong to a CX650 Custom:
The 674cc engine from the Custom has replaced the Deluxe motor, using a jig built front engine carrier (also sold by Murray’s Carbs). It’s not just any CX650 motor, however – this one has been blueprinted, balanced and ported to get the utmost out of the V-twin. The oil filter is now a spin-on type thanks to an adapter from Murray’s Carbs and the carbs are a Mikuni VM34 kit from the same place.
The exhaust pipes are from a Harley Davidson motorcycle and the swingarm (eBay), driveshaft (eBay) and final drive unit are all from a CX650 Custom and it runs a 140-section rear tyre.
Murray has put 10,000 miles on it since the rebuild and says that it’s a rocket – it’ll lift the front end on the 2nd-3rd gear change. The seating position is quite upright and with the screen it makes for a nice long-distance ride – Murray has done some 13-hour rides on it and says it is very smooth.
That’s some sleeper bike…
For more Honda CX500 custom inspiration, check out the build list.