I Built this Motorcycle using only AMAZON and EBAY Parts...How's it Holding Up?

This is my 1980 Honda CX500. I built this motorcycle using mainly aftermarket Amazon and eBay parts, and the most common question I got was how are all the cheap Amazon/eBay parts holding up? Well, good news, they are actually doing great. This bike has been complete for a year and 3 months now, and ridden 150 miles, with nothing broken and nothing really bad to report.
All the parts on this build:
• REAR SHOCKS: amzn.to/31nfVgE
• LITHIUM ION BATTERY: amzn.to/2DsZPIa
• GRIPS: amzn.to/2w9cUBx
• LED TAIL LIGHT: amzn.to/2VPvU3T
• (I'd recommend this instead of mine) HEADLIGHT: amzn.to/2CPajAp
• EXHAUST WRAP: amzn.to/2w9zyJZ
• RIM TAPE: amzn.to/2sz92J9
• (Similar) SEAT: amzn.to/2vuzoeb
• CLUBMAN HANDLEBARS: amzn.to/2ga7baC
• RUBBER TRIM: amzn.to/2T2QUTB
• BRAKE LINE: amzn.to/2FJ5hbE
• LEVERS & BRAKE MASTER: amzn.to/2DXj39o
• SPEEDOMETER: amzn.to/2w9zKsw
• LED FLASHER RELAY: amzn.to/2Wv0vo3
• EMGO MUFFLERS: amzn.to/2UsZMSs
• STATOR: goo.gl/EiVWsN
• AIR FILTERS: amzn.to/2Syymt4
• REAR TIRE: amzn.to/2XJ125W
• FRONT TIRE: amzn.to/2GFIzkN
Enjoy!
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[@IchibanMoto]

i'll ask my air filter sponsor to send you a set of CX500 54mm stage IV performance pods . an Ichiban Moto channel viewer nominated you for the win

[@TheInja]

Aaaaahhh yeaaaaaa

[@IchibanMoto]

@@TheInja what is the best method to contact you?

[@TheInja]

@@IchibanMoto email me at [e-mail] 👌🏽

[@seedlessgrapes2605]

U are a good guy

[@bigjay6743]

NICE!!!

[@Movieman1965]

Cost is very good. What remains to be seen is how it performs after 1,000 miles? 3,000 miles? 5,000 miles? Etc. Anyway, it looks cool and I hope it lasts and nothing vital fails when you are out riding! Have a great day! Be safe out there.

[@curtmacneill8703]

Auto generated subtitles think the engine idle is applause, but it does sound good enough for it 👏🏼👏🏼

[@Harmxn]

I was applauding

[@thebabscast5154]

Lmao

[@Dunehoo]

I don’t know man. It may look different in person, but I think the fade on the seat kinda works.

[@HowlingWolfLeather]

It looks like more fun to me knowing things could break and need working on at any time. Quite an inspirational idea actually, especially if you want to build a bike on a major budget. Thank you

[@mudhead31]

Clever, great ideas for cheap replacements, even if “temporary” if someone’s waiting with various excuses to get their stock replacement but still needs to ride. Excellent!

[@winstonpoplin]

You can get cheap used parts for pretty much every single part on every bike, on ebay. Why would you ever need to use anything else but ebay?

[@sparky81181]

ive literally watched like 30 videos strait, then this video popped up, dude that bike is stunning. it may not be some people's flavor but now i wanna build my first bike very similar. super cool!

[@rahan573]

It's actually nice for a bike with bodged parts and because it's something you've dreamed of that has became a reality in such a flawless way, it makes it even better. Turn your dreams into reality people, it will happen one day.

[@mattduncan5500]

i love the idea of cheap parts with a build like this, kinda gives you the freedom to play and see whats what . before dropping bank. then once you land at where you land, you can then decide to put money into some more durable parts if needed

[@colinmartin9797]

If you want a cheap pro tip for CX500 exhausts - the bone stock mufflers from the sportster 883/1200 sound AWESOME on the CX500 and literally just bolt onto the pipe. not too loud, nice twin grumble. Also, if anyone has a comstar wheel with a loose rivet - you DO NOT have to throw it away like everybody says. Turns out there just NO research done by people on how to fix them. I did some checking, and an aircraft machine shop can do the rivets, but it's way too expensive. I did some testing with my current CB400T that had several loose rivets on the rear wheel. I drilled out the rivets and reamed them to accept an M8 bolt (way, WAY stronger than an aluminum rivet) and then put the nuts on with loctite 649 (you'd need a torch to get it loose) and then just used a punch to bugger the threads right above the nut, and they've held iron strong for three years and counting.

[@mikewoike9429]

I gotta say kid it's clean simple looks great, nice job I hope mine comes out as well as yours

[@buckymaccuish8550]

I have built three bikes in the last two years using only aftermarket parts from Amazon. All held up very well, and all bikes are still on the road with no broken parts.

[@spookswithkip3888]

would building one cost less than just buying one?

[@buckymaccuish8550]

@@spookswithkip3888 sometimes yes. I have bought a bike for 1000 bucks, spent 500 in parts and paint, and sold it for 3500.

[@BerserkerNick]

I really want to make a bobber out of a cx500, one of the coolest motors honda ever made

[@TheInja]

Agreed

[@jordanlittle5391]

i cant even find one lol

[@andrewkellicutt3222]

Always do your research before you buy I also bought the ebay air ride but knew I would have to buy and fab some things for fitment but I also don't mind doing the extra work it's a learning experience for me

[@motopatisserie2398]

I did it one as well , but brought it back almost stock for my son , 1981. Great job.

[@CZ350tuner]

In the UK the popular nickname for these was "The Plastic Maggot". Before that, in the 1970's when it appeared, it was originally nicknamed "The Wildebeest" due to its unfortunate resemblance to its real life bovine counterpart. Back in 1981, Honda promised to keep official spares support available for the CX400 / CX500 / CX650 range until 2020. This means that you may have acquired your CX at an inopportune moment.

[@vinkofawzi]

It's common for people who are not in custom bike community to think about price only. They don't really know about quality. They'd be surprised. Cheap stuff that you buy from amazon and ebay often times better than the mainstream factory build. There's whole kind of different brands online. Just gotta keep your focus on quality. Not price.

[@daniellim5137]

I was wondering why I was seeing you in my feed lately and wasn’t sure who you were. But after this video popped up, it clicked. I remember I used to watch this video on replay when I used to be obsessed with cafe racers, now I’m obsessed with electric skateboards, and you are making vids on those as well lol. No wonder I’ve been seeing the inja so often. Smooth and stealthy bro lol

[@TheInja]

hahaha

[@SmokeyBeard]

Nice work.This is something i have wanted to do for a while now,100% ebay and amazon bike for as cheap as possible

[@infinitewatts]

That's basically how I've kept my bike running for 3 years. Amazon and eBay. Chinese japanese lol.

[@TheInja]

Haha the parts aren't all that bad, just lots of haters. 💁🏽‍♀️

[@Youtubeforcedmetochangemyname]

Same with my yamaha Sega 2

[@TheWolfsnack]

@@TheInja ...true until recently.....I have bought a few Harley parts over the past couple years out of China and found that they will fit, but only after a lot of grinding and Dremeling of the parts.....and there there is also poor steel quality, I bought a kicker shaft out of China few years ago and on the fourth or fifth kick (fresh rebuilt motor) the thing snapped right off, completely crystallized inside. Quality control is non existent and the more recent problem is that this crap is showing up being sold as NOS by eBay retailers in the US as actual stock parts.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@TheInja You could also try to Johnny Cash one together from parts across many different model years. :-P

[@infinitewatts]

@not tryna argue but ikr lol as long as you don't play no joke in my coke we good 😌

[@TheWolfsnack]

Over a three year period starting in 2011 I built a 1970 Harley Sportster.....complete, handlebars to engine internals...all from eBay parts....even pre painted sheet metal. As far as I know it is still running fine, I sold it as part of the mostly built from eBay pan/shovel/evo I built after it.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Honda is one of the best engine builders in the world. From lawnmower to motorcycle to family car to race car, their engines are among the best.

[@TheInja]

Absolutely 💯💯

[@spinnanz]

these were hondas 1st v twin bike.

[@ryonadcock]

I like the look of the bike and it has a nice sound. The only thing I would add is a front and rear wheel fender so that junk does not flick all over you and the motorcycle. Also, I would not worry too much about the Amazon parts. Let's be honest as this bike is not a high performance machine. So, the parts you used are sufficient in accomplishing that task. I am amazed at how many people think you have to put super expensive parts into something that only does a basic job. The right tool for the right job, right? Great job!

[@TheInja]

That's exactly right 💯

[@mose717]

In the early 90's I had a '79 CX500D. It's the only bike I regret selling.

[@travisolson6045]

I owned a '79 CX 500C and I also regret selling mine.

[@nessphoenix4470]

Not too much, not too little, just right. I love what you've done to this bike. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@KetansaCreatesArt]

Have you desired of the Royal Enfield bullet motorcycle from India? It is the oldest global motorcycle brand which is in continuous production since 1955. You will love it more than Harley. They are used in the military and police. It can run for miles and miles without an issue. The longest single trip record it has made is 3100 miles in India. I don't know whether they will export, but you should definately check with the website. 🙂

[@TheInja]

Yeah, I've seen them! 👌🏽

[@creton600]

Thats a sweet tail light. thanks for the link, going to use it on my bike lol. Nice build!

[@andrawise8706]

"You made a great choice as far as I am concerned I have had 11 Motorcycles in my lifetime and by far I ended up being a Honda lover due to reliability and, they make the best 4 cylinder and if you know about Goldwings and 750 4 history it is a no brainer to invest your money wisely and dude you are on track,and you have some experience behind you obviously so ,just do you and to Hell with the hater's ,I have had Yamaha's and Kawis and Suki's and to me Honda reigns,when it comes the most bang for your bucks,and they kick ass". Been riding since 1977 and I am still here i my late 50's and going on 60 so,just do you and enjoy your youth I encourage you,because most young folks are into some self destructive lifestyles and, using your gifts and talents are what's up."I just subscribed to your channel because at least you are trying to learn and, motivate your future."Piece instead of pices young Brother."

[@tiexgrr]

This makes me want to get back to work on my GL500 project.

[@sunilmoktan408]

I am deseperatly looking for one of this exact design, sounds and looks, great work! Hope i just can't build one of this, awesome ...

[@EliFinixie]

I thought the color on this seat what like this, it looks good....

[@pangtsr]

150 miles “long term” review. And some stuff has faded or cracked. Hmmm

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

I noticed that discrepancy in his statement also. Cant be that good or it's been sitting outside for months unridden, in the UV light for months

[@isaiahwashington7499]

Unbelievable! job. Hats off to your patience and determination sir. The bike sounds really! good.

[@matthewgray9896]

150 miles is nothing. No wonder nothing has broken yet.

[@lectorj]

Ya. That's going to work twice for me.

[@unclenety5834]

i could ride for 150 miles and not even notice until ive gotten home lol.

[@ViralVeediuh]

Gonna say 150 entire miles!

[@popinmo]

its just to prove that i didnt brake in 2 weeks i think

[@corbandallas8644]

Who cares if it breaks, you built a bike for cheap. All these a$$ holes don’t even have bikes to compare it too. Sweet build, thanks for taking the time to film and edit it! Stay up!

[@canadianrydz7057]

Cool project man, and i hate to be dismissive when someone has put so much into anything - but 150 miles. Like put 8000miles on it and lets see what’s lasting.

[@TheInja]

Aight bro

[@HunterForrest]

@@TheInja yeah sorry, i might pull 150 mi over a weekend. all that stuff is brand new!

[@Sam1000RR]

It’s obviously going to last. It’s not that complicated to maintain it.

[@LillyJem]

@@Sam1000RR entire subreddits dedicated to cheap Chinese bike parts failing would disagree.

[@OcotilloTom]

Had a CX 500 in the late 70's No complaints.

[@custombikedesigns343]

I have seen people take shoe polish and color seats. Leave it set for about a day and then wipe it clean with baby wipes . It wont come off after on your clothing and should recolor it : )

[@dukeatista7100]

Love that bike! I’m doing the same kinda build with cheap parts but building a Supermoto out of a 1980 XS650

[@TheInja]

Nice! Good luck!

[@99milesaway41]

Dude, that's a great motorcycle 🤘🤘

[@googlemail4241]

150 mi come on man that's like a day of riding

[@THELEGEND-gk8oi]

That was my first bike. I got if from helping my dad paint a house. Once the owner showed us his garage i was hooked on how beautiful a nice collection looks. He became a indian enthusiasts and sold me the cx500 custom for 1000 dollars i loved that bike and drove it daily for 2 years then the stater went out on me so i traded it for a 07 cbr 600rr huge difference in power but i know i will forever love honda

[@TheInja]

For sure 👌🏽

[@Timespartan111]

Feibrings Red vinyl die for the seat saddle. When it dries, lightly sand it, that well prevent the transfer of color to your clothes.

[@hello-do7pc]

Before replacing that seat you should stitch the black leather red I think it will look nicer plus it will save money as opposed to buying a new seat

[@tracytillett]

Or just dye the orange red again

[@anthonyscott16]

Good for you Dustin. You look really happy with it, so I'm happy for you.

[@TheInja]

How did you know my name is Dustin Lickerfield?

[@srhasan1]

I recognized all the streets you were riding lol. Blackstone Ave and the Friant road. Sick build cant wait to do my own soon!

[@maverickslastoddworld6476]

Lmfao i just realized he was driving near the Selland Arena.. That's pretty cool 😎

[@MikeJovani]

Respray the seat with duplicolor vinyl and coat it with resolene.

[@Trish9290]

Sick bike 😍 wish I could do something like that!

[@adam8688]

Nice work. It's the Harbour Freight of motorcycles. And I loves me some HF.

[@TheInja]

Lol

[@blocky10]

150miles in a year and 3 months 🤣🤣 Not sure if you can call it a test of the bike and parts but it is a looker 😎 You either have weather as bad as here in the UK or you just end up sitting staring at its gorgeousnessessess. I've now gotta find your build vids. New subscriber here👌

[@TheInja]

Haha yeah man, this last year had a lot of opportunities pop up that kept me from riding much. When I go out of the house, most of the time it's for something important that I have to wear dress clothes for, so I have to take a car for it.

[@kevinjones4284]

sweet ride. Im thinking about taking on a project like this. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@Theoneandonlytonyluu]

Nice looking bike dude. I really like how you mods this bike. It looks perfect. I have watched this video for over 50 time just to look at this beauty

[@supafrancis]

My brother did the same thing with a Honda Shadow 600 from the 80's except he went all the way by cutting and welding the rear frame. Took him an entire winter and was so psyched to finally ride it in the spring.. too bad these small displacement twin engine bikes are dogs. He sold it last fall and did the same to an intruder 1200 this winter. he at least now has a little hope of keeping up with me on my 05 GSXR 1000. When I saw that yours had about 150miles on it, I said "Sounds about right" to myself

[@foxjones3204]

I'm only just getting into bikes after driving a shitty car for years and I don't really know what I'm looking at but if I had a bike, I'd want it to look like yours!

[@tonemother]

This is the best bike in your shed, but to fully understand it, you need the Schuberth Golf Helmet !!!

[@davidpritch718]

Sounds good. I bought a 1980 Honda CX500C new in Jan/Feb 1981 in Tucson, AZ while stationed there in the AF. Loved the bike. It was cool and different looking. I was 18 when I rode it from Tucson to Alabama...cold and rained nearly all the way, but I was 18 so it didn't matter. I was looking for your video on how you bought that Chinese electric bike when I noticed the engine in the picture for this video, no mistaking it. I like what you did with the bike and it sounds great, throaty but not too loud.

[@sumitgenzyme]

Excellent job done.. Simply superb

[@trevorjameson3213]

That's really cool, man. Last year I had a '79 CX500 that I bought for 800 bucks and it was completely stock and in really nice original shape. The only problem I had was the radiator cores had become extremely brittle and I had to search for a better one, which I did find on ebay and it fixed the problem. Other than that, the bike ran great. But the shaft drive made it handle really weird on curves. I think there's some frame and fork flex with this model too, contributing to the poor handling. I thought about building a cafe' bike like you did, and I wish I had because yours turned out really nice!

[@nicholaslabrecque]

I have the same after market levers on my Versys 650 when I snapped my stock ones and I would definitely buy these levers again!!

[@TheInja]

Actually pretty good!

[@Ritalie]

The CX500 is really just an experimental bike that was put into production. Only Honda would build such a technological marvel. Similar to their VFR800, which only exists as an experiment. Honda has always enjoyed making unnecessarily complex stuff, which is why Honda is so bad ass.

[@xelnjare3945]

Dude. I want to buy one of your creations... no custom shops around here in WV!!!!

[@alexhasselbring9831]

Nice little ride on sky harbor road

[@atnelop]

You should paint all the motor in black, would be better matching I think, awesome project, mate

[@AdriftUrchin]

Dang dude my video buffered at the perfect time when you were checking the mirrors, buffer circle went around it perfectly.

[@TheInja]

Hahaha

[@leeberry3155]

150miles and all is good ,looks good ,I just don't like the shaft ,I don't know why ,just prefer a chain ,and a quick flip of the bars and its a bobber😎Great build and one to the collection 😉

[@cre8tivegarage157]

Really thinking about grabbing a lil bike to build in my spare time

[@TheInja]

Do it!

[@MarcStollmeyer]

All jokes aside your enthusiasm is great. Now show the haters what a standard (expensive) cafe build looks like (and how similar they look at the end of the day). Also, get out and ride more!

[@silveriocaccioppoli7042]

I had cx 500 good lil bike they sound good shes nice bro

[@muckyelgigante4065]

Nice bike dude! But in germany we would say: "Wenn das der TÜV sieht" :D

[@carlomariamosco]

und hört..., but there are not only disadvantages living in the USA ...

[@That_5.0_Ranger]

Can’t wait to see what comes! Keep up the good work!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Your life in Fresno is really awesome and you’re so close to incredible Sierra Nevada destinations! Like Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon and countless destinations in between.

[@TheInja]

Yep! I love it ☕

[@mattdunbar4829]

The Inja chrome wheels would pull it together

[@mattdunbar4829]

Or just polished or silver in general

[@sebhipolito5244]

I love your handlebar.

[@SteGoughdotCom]

"I've ridden it for a year and 3 months or so"... "150 miles"...? You mean you've been out on it twice and it's sat in the garage and none of the parts have broken. Shocking.

[@TheInja]

Exactly

[@AgoristDryad]

Brownish seat still looks great on camera

[@M-Random]

Budget build is superfun....!!

[@PapiDoesIt]

That bike sounds about perfect.

[@mlong4403]

Kool kool kool... Love the budget builds,

[@JumpingWatermelons]

Sweet bike. Sounds cool. Looks cool. And inexpensive :-)

[@thegooddoctor6719]

Love you channel and content. One comment - That Bike is Frak'n Fugly. Really it is...... Keep up the great work I like it.

[@jboreal7982]

Good use for a CX500. Well done.

[@Daddy_bill]

Thanks man for all these detailed videos. i built a 07 honda rebel 250 into a bobber before but had to sell it for some reason. im literally going to see a cx500 tomorrow morning. hopefully i can build one like you. again, thanks for all these amazing videos.

[@thelonewolfesoldier]

I hope some of those cx500 parts made it onto the used market. Some people really love those cult classic bikes and would dislike the ruination of a nice stock item.

[@TheInja]

Not many stock parts were salvageable so 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

Wow 150 miles. That's like, a full 5 day week of commuting to and from work in a large city !

[@TheInja]

Salty comment award 🏆

[@seedlessgrapes2605]

A cool unique bike

[@hanswurst8697]

I really am a fan of amazon and eBay parts. The problem here in Germany is that you need a permission for every single part... no matter if it is good or bad quality. That makes it expensive, so instead you often buy the parts that already come with permission for the street or your specific bike model.

[@motutovlogs3055]

The bike actually looks pretty nice ngl

[@wheezingteakettle880]

I think the seat looks really cool it gives it a rustic accent

[@Nuriil]

i love you bro! keep making motorcyle Video, i use to live in Fresno, CA.. i would love to support you! once you go big, make some merch or something

[@elerileigh7926]

Honestly not a fan of how the bike looks myself, mostly what I have an issue with is the rear end, and the engine and lower frame feels weird to me, maybe it’s the absense of plastics in the front and rear, I doubt it, but eh.

[@rileyjamesmusic9333]

Love th cx , I've gotta 82 gl500 cafe I'm building.

[@fatboyfollies4188]

Great concept. I often wondered about a Frankenbike and how well it would hold up with the easiest or at least cheaper parts. I see it’s entirely doable.

[@TheInja]

absolutely.

[@mdh1048]

@@TheInja have you sold it yet?

[@GarlandFarms]

150 miles? Lord have mercy, boy, how on earth did you do it?

[@glaidz2031]

the bike looks great

[@tsifty1]

Well done bro

[@excalibur_6975]

"if you want it go get it!" *Me with little money in my account looking at motorcycle parts* well that dream won't happen.

[@alvingereral2254]

It’ll happen buddy what are you talking about

[@winstonpoplin]

Get a job then get money then get parts. Everyone has to do the exact same shit.

[@austinjay5915]

Sounds awesome

[@jrags25]

I love that bike

[@iamceino]

Good build bro.

[@fresnohighlander]

I would put a front fender, a duck tail, and a lot more miles on it! Wow, 40 years ago I test rode one in Fresno. Nice work!

[@TheInja]

Very cool!

[@fresnohighlander]

@@TheInja But, I bought a 80 CB750F (I liked the cx, I wish I bought it instead)

[@NormanF62]

Can it stand up to an expedition length journey from Ushuaia to the North Slope? That would be a real world test of durability under field conditions. Best expedition motorcycles are either a Royal Enfield Himalayan or a Honda 1500. And on a long trip, that’s a lot of gas and shop maintenance every several thousand miles.

[@kimthakkukimchi9]

You should buy Suzuki GD110, Suzuki GS 150, HONDA CD125, Kawasaki KH100, KH125, Yamaha Enticer and CBF250. They are legendary.

[@huryu216]

Duuuuude! I'm glad I came across this video. I have two bikes, a 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, and a 88 Honda CBR600f. I'm currently working on both builds, but I'm putting most of my money into the Triumph. I been thinking about good cheap parts from Revzilla, but after watching this I think I'm going to take a gander on Amazon. Any ideas on what I should look for for an 88 CBR600f, and thanks for the idea 💡!