I bought my first CBX550 in 1989, a low km one for CDN$ 600.
The bike was pulling on one side when breaking so I suspected a
bent frame. After investigation, I tough it would be cheaper to
get a complete bike for parts than getting this one repaired.
I found one with a knocking engine that had been raced, plus a four into
one Wolf Racing exhaust, a brand new Metzeler front tire and lots of
nice parts all this for CDN $250. I made one with the best
of both and sold the rest for the same price I paid!
I wanted something special so I painted it glacier white, 15 coats of
lacquer with clear coat, all buffed by hand to a mirror finish. Even the
wheels and breaking parts got the treatment, in this case I used
polyurethane paint in spray can for a tough finish. You can see it in
the pics without the side stickers at that time.
I sold it in the early 90's just to regret it not long after.
In 1998 I asked a friend if she would sell her CBX550, a 1983 originally bought new in 1986 for CDN$ 1600. It was stored for the last 9 years and was in good overall condition except for perforated exhaust and gas tank due to rust. I found a used tank and rebuild the original exhaust.
Since then, I changed one fork tube, the rear shock, chain and sprockets and in December, 2 new Michelin Macadam 50 100-90 in front and 120-90 at the rear. I'm planning a complete repaint for next summer probably in white again. CBX parts are now getting harder to find so I bought one again for parts last summer.
Thanks
Feb. 2004
carlmars@sympatico.ca