A fresh take on custom cool, the CMX500 mixes old- and new-school style and is engaging and fun to ride, with an outlook geared toward firing the imagination of a younger generation of riders.
The CMX is a progressive custom bobber that fuses tradition with ground breaking ideas and perspectives while offering ample scope for owner customization.
The CMX is simple and raw but don’t let the minimalistic design fool you; it is a Honda after all and every tiny detail matters. The low, lean silhouette is crowned by an iconic fuel tank, aggressively raked front end and fat 16 inch tyres on large-diameter wheels. The stamped-steel rear fender and narrow frame body result in a stripped form expressing offbeat individuality from every angle.
The evocative round headlight sits up high in a die-cast aluminium mount, the speedometer is a compact dial with negative LCD display and blue backlight. The ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank and everything that can be is blacked out.
The CMX riding position is relaxed and neutral, with arms gently outstretched and feet dropping straight down to the mid-mounted pegs. Good ground clearance allows surprisingly sporty lean angles. To support the CMX’s low-slung look, its attractive tubular-steel frame holds the engine in three places and is designed to be as narrow as possible around the rider’s inseam. Trail is set at 110mm with 28° rake.
The 41mm fork stanchions are set wide at 230mm apart for handling rigidity, comfort and style, and the lower legs are blacked-out. Fork angle is 30°, wheelbase is 1488mm wheelbase and seat height is a low 690mm, resulting in balanced, neutral steering. Frame body has a narrow shape and includes an innovative rear loop that separates the seat from the stamped-metal rear fender. Dunlop tires (size 130/90-16 front, 150/80-16 rear) are mounted to 16 inch cast-aluminium wheels. ABS is standard.
Iconic peanut-shaped fuel tanks, aggressively raked front ends and fat tires on large-diameter wheels result in stripped forms that express offbeat individuality from every angle. Blacked-out 45mm tubular swingarm with twin conventional, side-mounted shocks that feature two-step preload adjusters. Evocative round headlight sits up high in a die-cast aluminium mount. Speedometer is a compact dial with negative LCD display and blue backlight. Ignition is housed below the left side of the fuel tank.
The CMX is powered by a 471cc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled parallel twin with strong bottom-end torque and a smooth, linear power delivery. The cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction. The CMX has a silent (SV Chain) cam chain, with the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium to reduce friction through its increased protection against dust.
The engine has reduced friction through the addition of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). An AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidization membrane. CMX crankshaft pins are phased at 180°, and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
The crankcase uses centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves. Their internal design reduces the “pumping” losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. A deep oil sump holds 3.2 litres. Six-speed gearbox is designed to offer effortless changes. Blacked-out mechanical components for a tough, minimalist look. Specially designed muffler looks good and emits a pulsating exhaust note.
The CMX is a Learner Approved Motorcycle
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories is available, including a tank pad, visor, radiator cover and more. Please Download a Brochure to see the full list.
