Question for CBX owners

Twinstar Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 94 Location: uk

Hi
Will the early 'naked' bodywork fit on the later pro link bike? Apparently later bikes are much 'better' to ride but I prefer the early look. Just ridden a CBX for the first time; what an engine!
Thanks

Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 9:22 pm

jonathan wrote:

Hi
Will the early 'naked' bodywork fit on the later pro link bike? Apparently later bikes are much 'better' to ride but I prefer the early look. Just ridden a CBX for the first time; what an engine!
Thanks

I don't think so,, the 81 / 82 pro link is a different animal than the 79-80.. The 1981 / 82 fuel tank, seat and side covers and frame are very different than the Z / A models.

More knowledgeable X'ers will likely chime in and conclusively clarify.. Good thoughts though, I always preferred the dual shock 79/80 X

Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 10:36 pm

Like cbxdog said no, nothing mounts the same but naked 81/82's are becoming more popular because of their availability and prices.

You can get CB750/900/1100 body work to fit on a 79/80 CBX though.

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:08 am

Hopefully, Phil will be along today.
Pretty sure he has a friend who has done the swap.
Jonathan you could always just go with a naked Prolink.

Twinstar Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 94 Location: uk

Many thanks for the replies. It seems not then. I must admit I guessed it was going to be a straight swap. If I remember correctly the pro link was a way of carrying the 6 on with an update to keep it interesting. Budgets being what they were I assumed that they had kept the basic frame the same to save money. If Phil knows better I'd be interested even if there is some work to alter the frame. I'm afraid I just don't like the pro link body at all, sorry to fans!
Thanks again
Jonathan

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:53 pm

jonathan, I don't think anyone is telling you it can't be done, it just isn't a popular swap but I'm sure it's possible with a little time and money invested.

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 6:17 pm

The early tank will go on fairly easy. The sidecovers and the seat will require some work, not too bad, though. The rear "subframe" of the later Prolink models is quite different.
Another issue will be the wiring harness if you eliminate the fairing. The connections that sit in a box behind the headlight need a new space. The early CBXes have a lot of the connections in the headlight.
The whole conversion is not that difficult, considering the modifications people do to their bikes.

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 6:50 pm

Jonathan it's like any other build, it's probably a good idea to take a step back and do the build on paper first. Figure in the coast of the late model CBX, the cost of the early model body work (not cheap for nice stuff) the early model seat, and most likely the cost of a replacement late model shock because if the late model CBX doner is still running the OEM shock it's most likely toast, then add in the cost of the modding.

It adds up quick!

Twinstar Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 94 Location: uk

Good points, well made. Basically do-able but possibly expensive?
Let me ask a follow on question then...... Is the pro link/later ride so much better that it is worth doing? Especially bearing in mind that the end result is probably not going to be worth as much as either original model.
Thanks
Jonathan

Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 11:30 am

jonathan wrote:

Let me ask a follow on question then...... Is the pro link/later ride so much better that it is worth doing? Jonathan

In my opinion: Different but not that much better. Bear in mind that the basic concept of the bike changed. It morphed from a "Superbike" to a "Sport Tourer".
Yes, the fork is beefier and has air assist (something that is controversial regarding the advantage) and the rear suspension is much improved. But the unsprung masses are bigger and the steering is a little heavier.

Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 12:27 pm

Here's a photo of my latest ground-up build of a late model CBX with a early model paint scheme (with liberties).
I'm in the process of doing another one, send me your color choice with a deposit check and it'll be your's in the Spring.

BTW, I'd be remiss if I didn't invite you to come over to CBXWorld[dot]com
to join in on all the fun there.

J.R.
CBX-tras LLC

Twinstar Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 94 Location: uk

If you can do it with the early bodywork I might just do that!
Nice job on the one in the picture by the way
Cheers Jonathan

Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 5:15 am

If per chance you do decide to do it....pick up a twin shock frame and use it as a guide for what to do.....
I have seen some nice phantom Pro-Links out there and they are cool.....

Jebby