Highlights
- Only two keepers since import in 2019
- Well maintained by the current owner
- Tool kit included
The Appeal
Produced between 1978 and 1983, the CX range of models - including the CX650 seen here - were highly-regarded at their time of launch, boasting numerous high-tech features for the era including a water-cooled engine, electronic ignition/push-button start, dual CV-type carburettors and other innovative features designed to make them enjoyable to ride and easy to live with.
Produced for one year only and sold exclusively in the North American market, the CX650 Custom utilised a unique frame, more American-ised styling to make it more appealing to a market that is used to laid-back cruisers and choppers, and semi-chopped forks.
Sadly, due to being advertised to an almost identical target market as its stablemate - the 750 Shadow - Honda elected to pull it off-sale, hence the extraordinarily short production run, making it desirable for enthusiasts and collectors to this day.
History/Paperwork
- All relevant import documentation completed
- Only one former private UK keeper
- Tool kit included
Imported to the UK and registered here in 2019, this 650C has been kept in very good condition by both the previous and current keeper, with the vendor maintaining the bike to a very high standard throughout his ownership tenure, though it has seen only limited use in his ownership.
The vendor notes that the mileage is believed to be genuine, though he also notes that this is not believed to be a ‘matching numbers’ example.
It should be noted that the current MoT certificate ran out on 21 June 2022, though with a clean-sweep of advisory-free MoTs since import, there are no obvious reasons it wouldn’t pass an exam once again.
Now, with age and changing personal commitments forcing sale, this is an opportunity for one lucky enthusiast to obtain a ready-to-use, one-year-only Honda 650C that needs only an MoT exam before being fired up and enjoyed to the fullest.
The Interior
- No heavy wear-and-tear
- All systems working as they should be
- Odometer reading reported to be genuine
Whilst this vehicle has no ‘interior’ as such - on account of being a motorbike - we’re pleased to report that the leather seat looks to be in excellent condition, with no sign of any rips, tears or scuffs that we can see, and only a small mark on the offside edge of the front cushion.
Similarly, whilst there are some minor imperfections visible on the edges of the fuel tank, there are no signs of heavy damage that we can see, nor any that has been reported by the vendor.
All of the gauges, switches and displays are in full working condition with no faults being made known to us.
The Exterior
- Very good paint and bodywork
- Strong graphics
Chrome and trims all present-and-correct
On the outside, this cruiser-style 650C presents very well overall, having evidently enjoyed a laid-back life, judging from its condition and indicated mileage.
Naturally, there are some ‘signs of life’ visible to the front end, sides of the fuel tanks and other exposed areas, but nothing that would not be considered commensurate for the bike’s age.
We did note that there are a few dents and ‘dinks’ to the exhaust system, most notably on the downpipes and nearside rear of the exhaust system, but nothing too drastic. There is also a small dent/bent fin on the central radiator, though this is not reported to have any impact on the cooling system.
Elsewhere, there are also a couple of superficial scuffs to the offside mirror and some ‘patina’ to the front forks and both wheels, but this would likely clean up with either a thorough metal polishing or a refurbishment, whilst the vendor reports that the tyres both have good tread levels remaining.
The Mechanicals
- 650cc water-cooled engine
- No reported issues
- Clean MoT history
- Well-maintained by the vendor
Between the frames, the water-cooled 650cc twin-carburettor engine is reported to be in rude mechanical health, with the vendor noting that the bike performs very well indeed, with no known or obvious faults or issues with the engine, gearbox or suspension.
Visually, the engine and its ancillaries look to be in fine fettle, with only the aforementioned bent radiator fin being worthy of note as far as we can see.
Whilst the vehicle currently has no valid MoT certificate, all of its previous tests have been squeaky-clean since being imported, which suggests that the frame and various suspension components are all in great shape.
Summary
Well-maintained and with an excellent MoT history, this one-year-only Honda CX650 Custom has seemingly been kept in fine fettle and well-maintained throughout its lifetime, and appears to need nothing more than a quick MoT exam before being ridden off into the sunset by its next doting owner - one not to be missed!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
