Recently I had the chance to buy CX650 valve covers off of Marco Becker here in the Netherlands. These are quite rare and have a signature 80’s look. These are also interchangeable with other CX models if you have the required bolts etc.
What is needed to swap from 500 covers to 650?
– Good or new gaskets/seals
– Rectangular spark plug cover
– 650 Cover bolts (NEED these because they have a different lenght. Using the 500 bolts on a 650 cover will result in trouble!)
– Optional but reccomended: Brass rod mod for in the spark plug cap.
The plan is to restore the Valve covers and bring out the shine with metal polishing methods. Follow this thread to see the results and the steps taken to get there.
As seen the state is not too good and also not too bad.
I will be stripping the paint with paint stripper, and start the sanding process. The sanding will be done in steps ranging from 200grit to 2000 grit.
There is a notable design difference in these covers, I really like the style but caferacer guys also like them.
I will not be doing the black stripe in the covers just full polish nothing fancy. The covers came with the right lenght bolts to fit. I also have a new set of seals laying around for when this one is finished.
UPDATE 8 June 2026: The sanding process has been done up to 1000 grit, all the paint and pitting has been removed.
Removing the pitting is key to achieving a solid shine, the next step will be to go over it with 1000->1500->2000 Grit followed by the polishing step.
UPDATE 12 June 2026: The part has been sanded up to 2000 grit and polished with rough and fine compounds.
The result is amazing a very deep and clean shine in the covers. next step will be to finalize the polishing with Mothers Mag&Alu polish or Belgom.
UPDATE 14 June 2026: The part has been finished, as you can see there is a deep and crispy shine in the covers now.
Mounted the new covers with new seals and gaskets, used 303 Aerospace protectant to unlock additional shine. See the video below to really get a good impression of these restored covers: