New member and owner, from Louisiana

[Devonian]

Great information - Thanks!

What are the connectors for the accessory power (spade, bullet or some form of 2-pin connector?) I'd like to make up a cable I can take with me and just plug in. On-line search just results in stuff for the CB500-X.

[JoeInTUS]

I have a triple female bullet connector coming from the 5 amp accessory fuse (black wire) that powers my oil temp gauge and usb port. I think I changed a single female bullet to the triple. Cannot remember at this point. This is under the right fairing pocket.

PXL_20240512_221308712_Original-compressed.jpeg

The shop manual wiring diagram shows what should there.
Black is switched power.
Red is alway-on power
Brown/white is gauge lighting positive
Green is ground.

IMG_0313-compressed.jpeg

The four pin connector looks like this. The wiring to the left is my oil temp gauge.

PXL_20201001_225100308 Copy.jpeg

[Devonian]

Perfect!

Looks like there's plenty of options. I know I have some two and three-pin connectors in that style. Can always order some four-pin, but it seems as if a simple harness with a few bullet connectors on it will do the trick. Because of the US lights-always-on "feature", the gauge lighting power is basically like another source of switched power too.

[daves79x]

Joe indicated that it's fiddly to change the headlight, and it is. You need a small Phillips, a 10 or 12mm wrench, a 17 or 19mm, can't remember which, and relatively small hands helps. Don't lose the tiny Phillips screw. Turn the adjuster knob so the screw is straight up and it will not fall out when you loosen it.

Dave

[Devonian]

Fiddly I can deal with, so long as it's not too time consuming. Goal is to reduce demand on the charging system via some things I can do quickly and easily, prior to departing with the bike for home.

[daves79x]

I wouldn't worry about the lighting until I got home. These things have run millions of trouble-free miles with the stock stuff.

Dave

[NobleHops]

This is a tutorial I did a few years back on the headlight conversion.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 769&type=3

[Wheels24]

Welcome! Sounds like a good find and should be a great trip home. I've had 2 1981 CBXs...the first one had the optional altimeter which was certainly a first for me on any motorcycle...and was interesting in an odd way. They were both great bikes. I'm now having fun with a red 1980...the CBX year/color I always wanted. My first exposure to CBXs was when a friend had a 1979 when I met him in 1982. I was on an '81 CB900F at the time (which I wish I still had) and envied his 2 extra cylinders. His CBX sounded incredible and was simply eye candy...I was hooked.

I can't add much to what's already been recommended for your travels. Basic tools, spare fuses, a tire plug kit, a small air compressor, some LOCKTITE, and a cell phone is about all I ever carry on long trips...beyond what's already been mentioned. The only issues on my last long trip were a bolt that vibrated loose and a flat rear tire.

You'll find many CBX wizards like Dave on here...they have absolutely invaluable experience and solutions. Don't waste time beating your head against the wall with CBX challenges...the answers are on this forum.

Safe travels, and enjoy your CBX!

[Devonian]

Many thanks for the welcome and advice. Since posing some questions on here, I've managed to track down more information on my own (mostly in this forum) and am slowly learning more about my "soon-to-be" new bike. Still, very much appreciate the experienced heads walking me through basic stuff. Hopefully I'll be able to pay it forward one day.

I don't really anticipate the new bike giving problems on its inaugural run with me. ...but it could, and I will be a long way from home, on an unknown bike that may not have been put through its paces to such an extent for many years. I'm not a "worry-wart" nor OCD. I'm also pretty good at making roadside repairs, but that won't help me if I'm not at least moderately prepared. I've never had to resort to the "cell-phone and credit card" solution yet, although I've been with other people who did, and I'll take that route if necessary.

I've already been looking into brake upgrades and a few other things - but all that can wait. Initially I just want to get myself and the bike home, with an enjoyable ride, hopefully avoiding any drama or disasters along the way.

A little closer to the time, I'll share some route ideas, and I'll no doubt post a few photos of the bike and the ride home, once that is underway - either here or in the appropriate sub-forum.

[Larry Zimmer]

One thing I might mention: the CBX does not like heat! By heat, I mean overheating. If you get stuck in traffic somehow, find a way out rather quickly and take a long detour that will keep you moving. Engine internals don't like to sit and idle for 15 minute type slots. Otherwise, just check the oil every 500 or so if you are flogging along. One other recommended thing to carry any time is a Li jump starter. CBX can be a bitch to push start by yourself. Have fun.

[Jeff Bennetts]

Once you get your route mapped out I’m sure the members here will be interested in your progress! Looking forward to your journey home with your new CBX, keep us posted.

[Devonian]

The shortest route is about 1100 miles, straight down the Mississippi Valley, on I-55. Boring!

I will probably do my best to avoid interstates and cut West a bit to bring me down through Missouri and Arkansas, into the Ozarks. That will add about 200 miles I expect.

I have a pretty good idea about the Southern 2/3 or so. I'm thinking of incorporating Hwy 19 down through Missouri, then cutting across to catch Hwy 7 in Arkansas. Not sure what's good in the more Northern parts though.

First ideas (Sorry about photo of screen. I'm having some issues posting from my PC):

17159860988324322691657763363116.jpg

[daves79x]

When you click on the picture, it's oriented correctly.

Dave

[Jeff Bennetts]

A couple other things come to mind. If the brake lines are OEM or rubber the inner lining can break down and cause a one way flow of pressure and cause the brakes to not release after you apply them, it can cause a drag or complete lock up of the caliper. Maybe after a shakedown ride put the bike on the center stand and check that the rear wheel rotates freely.

Pretty much any OEM rubber is suspect to cracks and just aging out, make sure the carb insulators are not cracked or leaking air, I don’t think you want to be fighting a lean condition all the way home, CBX’s don’t like to be overheated. Maybe bring a small digital temperature gun to check the temp of the exhaust headers during stops, one of those small jumper boxes couldn’t hurt to have along in case you have any charging issues.

Good luck with your trip!

[Devonian]

Thanks again for the suggestions of things I need to worry about I have considered the possibility of brake issues. The current owner said he last changed the fluid a couple of years ago and offered to do so again. I will keep an eye on the brakes for the first few miles and can ride without one or other, for at least a short while, if I absolutely had to.

The carbs were overhauled a few years ago. I would hope that the rubbers were replaced then, as seems to be fairly standard. I'm all about excuses to buy tools so having a new IR thermometer isn't a bad idea. Are people actually identifying isues like this though, or is it just a good theory?