Making A RUNNING Motorcycle Engine Coffee Table!!

Making A RUNNING Motorcycle Engine Coffee Table!! The Honda GL500 engine display is done and it doesn't get any cooler than this! What started out as a new in the crate GL500 engine from 1981 is now reimagined as a unique display that pays tribute to the original crate by using parts of it as a new base built around a metal frame with wheels. I then gave it a glass top to add some functionality as space is at a premium where this engine is going. With the display complete I decided that I had to take it to the next level and make the engine run in full standalone form!
To do this I made some simple wiring harnesses and used a factory throttle housing and kill/start switch for control. A battery, solenoid, and Honda ignition switch were mounted inside the box with coils and spark units being mounted up top. A handmade stainless fuel tank was then fabricated to complete the standalone setup.
Previous episodes on this engine:
EP1: • CX500 ENGINE NEW IN TH...
EP2: • Opening A NEW IN THE C...
The engines destination:
• The Moto Haus - An AMA...
My friend Nathans KZbin Channel:
/ crazydrummerdude
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#brickhousebuilds #mancave #cx500

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I hope you all enjoyed this video! For a bit of a backstory I bought this engine new in the crate and made a video of it showing the engine inside via a borescope. I had planned to sell it and not open it. It went up for sale, sold, and then the new owner commissioned me to make it into a cool display which is why I unboxed it and made what you see here. Some will be upset and I get it but I do feel very confident in how I paid tribute to what it is while keeping it unique. Many will suggest it should have gone in a bike which would only make it just another regular engine with no special value or story. This piece is unique and will make many people smile and be a fantastic conversation starter at its forever home. I do ask you keep the hate to yourselves as I gave everyone the opportunity to buy this thing so it was fair game as to its future.

[@Badenhawk]

Well said. Fully agree. Not that you need my validation lol.

[@weebercorey]

Fastest coffee table ever. This project is so wonderful! Super impressed!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed! It's one my most favorite projects ever!

[@auscurrymaster]

The best sleeper coffee table I've ever seen 😂. Absolutely awesome and, haters begone - this is a perfectly fine use of a NOS CX500 motor.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Fastest coffee table in the tri-counties! 😉

[@grahamhill6616]

BJ you are a visionary and an artist. I see this as a utilitarian piece of art. Hook up the drive shaft to a rotisserie BBQ, or a pressure washer, garden mower, kids soap box......

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well we have left that option available. Honestly couldn't think of JUUUUUST the perfect attachment at the moment. Someday perhaps!

[@donreinholz8121]

Great job BJ. That is a great conversation piece. You are an inspiration to all inventors, DIYers, hobbyists, etc.

[@thesighbored]

Very cool build, just one step more and you can probably ride this coffee table on the streets! 😆 On another note though, Maybe you can make hinges on the sides so that you can access the wheels to put them in a lock position so that the table won't move once you decide a spot to set it on, and you easily unlock the wheels if you need to move it to a different spot.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya! I had so much fun with this one! Not really a need for locking wheels though

[@rolandestrada7007]

BJ, your motor table is unreal! Its a great display of the genius design of the CX. Yes a detail video would be educational and entertaining of your ideas that you share with all of us. Thank you.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed! This was one of the most fun projects I have done!

[@nigelcox7477]

Agree with everyone who is blown away by this ultra-cool machine. So glad you were able to give it life - I’d love to hear it go through the gears too! Excellent job BJ.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Nigel

[@MotoMango]

This has got to be the coolest thing ever!! Way to go BJ! Dreaming of something like this for my future shop and/or man cave.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Dream it and build it! Knowing where this thing is going meant I really had to make it special

[@neilallsopp3332]

Just watched this cx500 coffee table Wow!! I want it in my house.shame to hide that beautiful frame but the wood is genius...And then you got it running..Dude way beyond COOL..

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well thank ya Neil! Glad you enjoyed it

[@neilallsopp3332]

@@BrickHouseBuilds I asked my wife if I could do a similar project and put it in the living room...No!!! Some people have no appreciation of Art.im sending your Link to my biker mate's, hopefully there'll subscribe.

[@trondneergaard8395]

This is awesome! Glad that you turned it into a running motor, some piece to impress people with. I'm sure that the owner will be happy to show it off. I liked your design of the crate and use of the old wood. One of a kind display piece for sure!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya Trond!

[@dukiemoto8676]

Absolutely amazing, kinetic art at its finest👏

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya!

[@elizabethpedro3103]

Absolutely amazing

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Many thanks! 🙏

[@DavidPerez-nk4gc]

Damn…just damn!!! Great build!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Many thanks David!

[@pishedasafart]

Very nice, enjoyable watch, greetings from Scotland!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks John! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marcodebeer759]

Personally think those cx/gl 500 engines are awesome engines wel tuned starts first time every time !greetings from a white South African ,Marco

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I really like them!

[@pipersall6761]

Great job! Super creative and cool! I bet that hole saw hated it going through that stainless! Lol.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya! Yeah she was squealing! 🤣

[@doniturner5077]

That is freaking awesome. Love it!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Doni!

[@maxxcherry6955]

I enjoy your channel , and I like the maticilous way you do things. If you don't mind me saying, you're BRILLIANT !

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya Maxx!

[@millarfarewell5343]

WELL DONE BJ!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya Millar!

[@garethgriffiths453]

Well done BJ, way cool, 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you much!

[@revb0]

I like the way you disappeared the fuel tank for the final shot, I would have loved to see you cut a hole in the tempered glass top for the fuel filler to poke through… awesome vid.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed! This was a very fun build

[@chadsacrey6274]

Definitely the coolest project I have seen in a long time. Super impressive work

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I appreciate it Chad!

[@DanielCurti]

In the CBX video I saw the bike in second plan, white with the heads in red and I thought was made with this engine. And I loved it. But despite the enjoyment to see how you made this "living table" I believe would be nicer to see it in a bike, something special one. But whatever I think this is a great job!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well I do a lot of cx based bikes so you will see many around. I gave everyone a chance to buy this engine but nobody wanted to step up except my friend who then commissioned me to make it an art display for his collection. I had extra fun making it run as a bonus

[@DanielCurti]

@@BrickHouseBuilds lovely job you done it!

[@strshooter7399]

Coffee please, cream, no sugar 👍😎

[@karlharrison2449]

Very very cool indeed.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya!

[@laa1121]

This is awesome!!!

[@willhorsley2105]

That is excellent !

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you much!

[@carlbielawski5034]

Fuel tank is a nice piece

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I appreciate it, I loved how it turned out

[@MrGixxer1300r]

very cool and well done. hat was a great idea to make the engine run, Awesome content

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Bevoin1970]

Brilliant! - Definitely love what you do. :-)

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you much!

[@ACECafeBikes]

FANTASTIC!!!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya sir!

[@ACECafeBikes]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Very thought out and expertly prepared piece of art!! Excellent job BJ!

[@grahamhider3754]

Very very nice. Look good in my front room in my house. But my wife would kill me. All the best from England 😂❤️👍🔧🏍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hahaha thank ya Graham!

[@peterlaurent2195]

Very nice !! It's a pleasure to see your ideas come to life. Great work as always.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you so much!

[@steveeppy5596]

This thing is rad! 🤘🤘

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Steve!

[@djantix1200]

Wow, amazing job!! Very detailed and she fires up!! Super cool man!!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you! I was happy to be able to have fun on this project!

[@gerardcullen5131]

Just catching your video on the cx brilliant I am a fan of the old cx500

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you have been enjoying them! Lots of CX content here!

[@floreswoestenburg9367]

Absolutely totally awesome, such attention to detail, very cool!!, and pls the extended version of the video!!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

One vote extended noted!

[@carlbielawski5034]

Nice job mate.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya Carl

[@clauderichard7576]

Love it thanks for sharing

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed! I had a ton of fun on this project

[@MrGolden28473]

Wow! I need to do this

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Do it! Heck of a conversation piece!

[@brunocrush677]

This is AWESOME! Congrats!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I appreciate it Bruno!

[@laa1121]

I want to see this thing in person!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

If you are in the Dallas area you may get a opportunity

[@TradingUpWithSmitty]

This is badass! ill be showing everyone this.. i cant believe you'd ever get hate comments on something awesome like this.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I appreciate it! I get hate comments on every single thing I post. Even how to stuff which is beyond me. There will be some on this saying I ruined it, or what a waste, or similar

[@TradingUpWithSmitty]

the hell with them man nice work!

[@TradingUpWithSmitty]

@@BrickHouseBuilds the hell with them man, nice work! i watched the whole video and its wicked cool. you may be the first person to do this.. the whole video was tits!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@TradingUpWithSmitty Well thank you again!

[@jefftuckercfii]

Was kinda worried when I saw the translation of the inspection tag from Japanese into English. Seemed like the engine was a basket case, but when you did the visual inspection up close including the borescope down into the cylinders and through the head to the valves, the engine was pristine inside, while outside just a little seepage from coolant tubes and the tiniest little bit of corrosion at those same points. Very creative repurposing of the crate pieces to tell the story and hide the sturdy frame at the same time. Running engineering art, definitely one of a kind!!!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Id had another person translate it and thats not what they said. Thats strange. It was an NOS engine to replace in bikes as needed so not sure why it would be in poor condition. Regardless, this was a super fun project

[@Coolhand99au]

Hahahahaha I love it !! I really enjoyed this project. I have a spare fully rebuilt CX500 motor. You've just inspired me to put it to good use

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks man! This was a fun one!

[@Thelongestyoutubehandleever]

I’m still trying to get my bike to run and BJ has a coffee table running haha 😂 great work man! Just my 2 cents but I’d drill holes on the table mount and slap in some suction cups so the glass doesn’t shift but that’s just my 2 cents!!! Either way that thing is awesome!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Haha thank ya! The glass is intended to be removed when the engine is running I just did that for the intro and cool factor

[@DueDaddMotorsports]

Dude! You do an amazing job at editing. I don’t think most understand how much time goes into making such a flowing video but you def knock it out! Ps love the startup, reminds me of flubber

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hey I very much appreciate that, you know the work involved. Flubber is cinematic gold!

[@bertbog5088]

True artist :)

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I appreciate it Bert!

[@bertbog5088]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Credit where Credit is due

[@daveco1270]

Very cool. I'd make the header pipes longer, so they come down and curve back along the engine...staying within the diameter of the wooden stand. I'm guessing with the table lid on, you reach up under it to rev the throttle.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Dave the pipes face the front to keep the exhaust aimed away from where the person would stand while controlling the throttle. I also chose to not run longer pipes as they would both put heat near the dry wood as well as visually distract from the simplicity of the engine. You remove the glass to start and rev the engine. The intro is just for cool factor.

[@firestorm755]

Fantastic job! Exactly what I was thinking. 👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya Phil!

[@Speedytrip]

Good conversation piece, just hard to have a conversation while table is running hehe

[@jonbeargenx]

Closest thing to this that I know of is a guy (well he passed) having a running V8 furnace in his living room. Exhaust going up the chimney. Unfortunately he passed in a car crash in his classic Cadillac convertible along with several others when they lost all brakes. I am sure he would have loved to see this thing. I never knew him personally, but I knew of him and I have seen the "furnace". Anyways, great work and I'll keep on going through every video you have. On my fourth day now binging! :) /Jon from Norway.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you Jon!

[@Thewatson77]

HAHA!! Hell yeah man that’s great! Looks fantastic BJ 👍🏼👍🏼

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ys sir!

[@hx24662]

Love it!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya!

[@XJRabbits]

Finally got around to watching this, did not disappoint. It’s pretty amazing you did get it started, and that 41 year old oil actually looked pretty good. Can’t wait to get a glimpse of the next display you do. They seem to be bangers! Hmm Red LED in the exhaust or spark plug area on the timing of the motors cruise and powerband. (FYI accidentally fat fingered the dislike button, but made it right by actually giving the thumbs up, it mentioned “sending creator feedback” oh, crap. So that wasn’t my intention obviously, lol.)

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hahaha I've done it too. The rocket 3 will be cool for sure!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I should have fired this up while you were here!

[@XJRabbits]

@@BrickHouseBuilds My kids wondered why we didn’t go to the OG BHB like when I got the GL650 junk. Like, oh? We’re here already… ? I had to re-explain who you were to the kids and mentioned I watch your videos on KZbin about motorcycles. They said: “I’ve never met a KZbinr in real life.” I’m like, yeah! Now you have, that’s what he does, films (lol) records the stuff he works on.

[@alanfrancis6946]

Ethanol Free Gas I hope! Just kidding! 🤣 Awesome workmanship as Always!👍🏻

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Al!

[@riderzinc]

Awesome, Would look cool to make the exhausts bend round like how they were on the bike, Will sound a bit less like a bubble machine

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I disagree. The pipes are short and placed for multiple reasons you can see in another comment. I don't want the pipes to be the focus

[@riderzinc]

@@BrickHouseBuilds It’s cool regardless just a suggestion

[@mikewells6873]

Ill do you a swop. Your GL motor for my old rat bike cx500 engine. ( It would smoke out your living room a bit ). very cool .

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Mike!

[@rhiantaylor3446]

The coils and handgrip obstruct your view of the engine through the glass and I would have put them in the base which you have to open anyway to start the engine, How will you twist the throttle with glass in place otherwise ?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

You would have to bend down and stay bent down to operate the throttle which is a terrible idea. They are up top for ease of use. The glass is dark so you cant see through it well anyway. You remove the glass to start the engine as mentioned but the intro is just for fun as it is hard to show everything it is in a few seconds.

[@stevenwarner7348]

Artist. Yep. Nothing but making art. In a museum. I'll tell ya. Wow. I hope you included your signature somewhere. Oh yea. Brick House Builds ~ of course. Artist. Yep. Oh yea. You gonna be hitting 100 Thousand Subscribers soon. No doubt about it. Just keep putting out those Old Refurbishments. Keeps the dream alive for the Fossils among us. Ya know "the dream" back then with the Honda 750 and that Kawasaki with the three exhaust pipes. Those were it. Errrr well, besides Harley Davidson. Whew! An artist. Oh yea.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks so much! This was one of my favorite projects to date!

[@nunofosilva]

Longer video, please!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Extended vote noted!

[@brunov4996]

Bonjour mec , exelent j adore ++++

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you!

[@carlosegonzalez6989]

I don’t think my wife going to like this table lol. I love it

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hahaha its for the man cave anyway!

[@DocJonesGarage]

Most definitely awesome, my only question is what motor are you using for the one you make for yourself? 😜

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Oh thats a great question! I'm going to think on it and report back!

[@turhanus1213]

Mükemmel 👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you!

[@nevillesmith9795]

Awesome design and I must say it looks very cool. Just a word of advice if I may....Please use clear double sided tape keep the glass safe. You have spent so much time fixing the engine and welding all those corners. Somebody might just have an unfortunate episode bumping against the glass

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I may change the felt to a grippy stick on piece so the glass doesn't slide

[@nevillesmith9795]

@@BrickHouseBuilds that sounds like a great idea. Just recently discovered your channel and I am hooked already

[@PatrickPrest]

magnifique

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you!

[@kencreten7308]

It would be cool if it could generate electricity in a pinch or something. Heh Very cool.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

We have thought about making some sort of attachment for it but so far no ideas have seemed like the absolute must

[@kencreten7308]

@@BrickHouseBuilds That's great - attachments. Like, maybe vacuum hoses. "Honey, I was vacuuming... and.... We need to talk about your parakeet." Or... a huge beer fridge compressor driver. I might have to ... make a table like that.

[@codybisnett3288]

How often does someone have to change the oil on their coffee table?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hahaha this may be the only one. It runs on espresso

[@philjean9403]

Should have wrapped it around and made some real mufflers but I would have never done that any way it deserves to be in a bike good job but that's where Honda come from that engine has so many first's on it it's amazing I love that thing

[@isaacmedina-thebodyenginee4929]

what happens to the Choke when murry's carbs are installed?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

The vm34 carbs have their own chock circuit. You just have to manage 2 chokes instead of a linked one

[@robertadams4415]

Fantastic coffee table what mileage does it get lol

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

About 6 smiles per rev

[@thejasonrk]

there did you get the part of the exhaust that goes into the port?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Those are collars Ive had produced in the past. I plan to do more but you can find them on choice city moto

[@thejasonrk]

@@BrickHouseBuilds thanks just started a CX build, I want to make a youtube channel also but it’s a ton of work, don’t know how you juggle it all.

[@SurpriseMechanics]

Hopefully this is an outdoor table. Otherwise, people going to be passing out while drinking their coffee.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Has something like that happened in the history of ever? How long do you think this is going to run for? I didn't pass out running it in my small garage for many minutes. Come on..

[@SurpriseMechanics]

@@BrickHouseBuilds I can’t remember anyone building a “motorcycle engine coffee table” so I can’t say if this has happened in the history of ever. I was mostly joking when I said that but if it is an engine running indoors, it’s not hard to imagine it choking out a room. Lol

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Its just a comment that many say as they want to just take something away or say something negative about this unique build. Instead of sharing positivity some people just want to sit at the keyboard and point out anything negative that they can. It gets old. The owner of this display is a very intelligent guy and it can be used safely in the spot it will reside. The place it is going is linked in the description. Huge building with garage doors. Watch it

[@SurpriseMechanics]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Uh.. not trying to be negative. I would imagine, from a practical standpoint, there is some advisory necessary if you're going to run an engine indoors. If many are saying this than it's probably a legit concern. If you're concerned about receiving negative feedback on your projects, KZbin may not be for you. I still think it's a cool project though.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

In what universe is this running engine table practical? Your original comment suggests you think people will literally be drinking coffee while sitting at this table while its running while in a small room?? Sure, don't start this up in a closet with the exhaust routed to your face but otherwise the intended use for this is completely safe. Your chance of death by simply riding a motorcycle to the grocery store is exactly statistically 4000 trillionty% higher than this somehow causing you to asphyxiate in the 3 minutes it may be running in a gigantic building. Im not expecting 100% positive feedback I just get really tired of those who only wish to try to point out something that could be negative that isn't even a possibility in a normal universe.

[@murraymadness4674]

hmm, make it run on hydrogen so the exhaust will be an in-room humidifier? :)

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I like this idea!

[@donaldbarrett2267]

Hey, if you have a running engine, why not make it useful. How about hooking it up up a blender? or make it into an emergency generator?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

It currently manufactures smiles from all those who get to see it. It entertaines and inspires as well so I feel it is useful.

[@fayinadeprato5467]

❗ Promo`SM.