CX500 by Kustom Research

1978 CX500 by Kustom Research - Buffalo (NY)

Cristin, Thomas Parrish‘s girlfriend, decided that she was no longer satisfied with being a passenger on a motorcycle, she wanted to be a pilot. “Being the amazing boyfriend that I am – Thomas says - I decided I would build her something to get her up and running, and maybe even look cool too”. The bike under discussion was listed as a café racer project. But, according to Thomas, owner of Kustom Research in Buffalo, it certainly was a project but not yet a cafe racer… But now the project is finished...

Cristin, la fidanzata di Thomas Parrish, titolare della Kustom Research di Buffalo (NY), aveva deciso che non era più soddisfatta di essere passeggera in moto: voleva essere un pilota. "Essendo il fidanzato incredibile che sono - dice Thomas - ho deciso di costruire qualcosa da farle guidare, e magari anche qualcosa di figo". La moto in discussione era in vendita come progetto di café racer. Ma, ci racconta Thomas, era certamente un progetto, ma non ancora un cafe racer… Ma ora il progetto è completo.

Modifications. Custom Clipons (steel fabricated). Custom One Off Foot Controls with Billet Aluminum Pegs. Custom Machined Billet Mini Turn Signals. Custom Fabricated Headlight/Gauge Mount. Custom Seat. Custom Rear Cowl (Steel). Rear Undertail (ABS Plastic). Modified Stock Wiring Harness - Components Relocated Under the Seat. Shaved Upper Triple Tree - Handlebar Mounts Welded/Machined Off. Fuel Tank - Stock CX500, with Yamaha R1 Filler, Shaved Side Emblem Mounts/Recesses. Exhaust - Custom 1.5" diameter steel, high temp powdercoated, 2 into 1 with Shortened Kawasaki ZX-10R Titanium/Aluminum Muffler. Custom Fabricated Overflow Tank - (Aluminum - Behind Engine). Custom Billet Aluminum Bar End - Right side. Throttle - Stock with Modified Shut Off Switch. Turn signal Switch - Modified ZX-10R. Custom Fabricated Rear Frame Section. All welds Tig Welded- All aluminum components brushed finished. Bodywork, Frame, Engine and Grey components painted with Dupont primers, basecoats and clears. Bodywork has been wetsanded and buffed to the highest quality finish.

Aftermarket Components. Brakes - New Front Caliper, EBC Pads, Brand new rear pads and drum springs. Gauges - KOSO Digital XR-SR. Handlebar Grips – Progrip. Tires - Avon Roadrider 4.00-18, 2.25-19. Tailight - Modified Harley Turn Signal. Mirror - Modified Oberon 3". Rear Shocks – Emgo. Fork Springs - Progressive Suspension. New EBC Clutch Discs With heavy duty EBC springs. Carburetors rebuilt with Randakk's Rebuild Kits, Brass Overflow Tubes replaced in float bowls. Gas Tank has been cleaned internally and sealed with POR-15 Gas Tank Sealer. All engine seals and gaskets replaced including internal mechanical seal. Wheel Bearings Replaced, Black Anodized Billet Gas Filler Cap. Mini Battery (Located Under the Rear Cowl). Other components. Kawasaki ZX-10R Radial Master Cylinder. Clutch Lever - Kawasaki ZX-10R. Headlight - Modified Harley with New Halogen Bulb.