Seems like CX500s are the custom donor of the moment. Yes, they’re ugly and not exactly high performance, but the Guzzi-like v-twin, rounded tank and frame shape are a good start, and it doesn’t take too much work to strip them down and turn them into a decent, daily, Brat-style ride.

This CX belongs to 57 year old David, a Landscape designer from Christchurch in New Zealand, who only got into bikes seven years ago. He started out on scooters with an Aprilia Mojito, then a Lambretta and onto a Vespa, and it was this that drew David towards brands he felt had some genuine heritage, which was to stand him in good stead when he got into proper bikes.

David’s Triumph 900 Scrambler was written off by a 4x4, so he moved to a Guzzi V11 and then a Triumph Bonneville T100 which he reluctantly sold to help fiance his restoration of a 1969 Volkswagen Kombi camper van.

As you’d imagine David was gutted to be without a bike, so his partner suggested he buy a cheaper bike and that was what led him to buy this 1979 CX500 to chop up.

David’s main inspiration was David Mucci’s build, so he planned the bike accordingly, ordered what he needed from Dime City, and got to stripping the bike down of everything that was heavy or ugly (which didn’t leave much of the original machine).

David only gave himself a month to complete the build. 100mm was chopped out of the back of the frame while the seat was extensively modified and re-upholstered. The fenders were shortened and David decided to have the exhaust modified using as many original components as possible before being wrapped. Next came new bars, grips, electrics, paint and decals. The job was done and as well as giving David the look and feel he wanted, he also shaved 10kg off the bike.

“I now have the pleasure of riding this lovely bike, she handles like a dream and I’m astounded at how she performs. We decided to organise a four day weekend away and we all headed to Lake Tekapo. She ran like a dream. The old lady really has had a new lease of life and gets out heaps. I feel great that she looks so stunning and turns so many heads.”

Dave has now got the custom bug and has just bought a mint, low mileage 1982 BMW R100, which he already has designs on. We look forward to seeing it.