Honda’s CX and GL 500/650 motorcycles
“First into the future”. A forward-looking, outside-the-square motorcycle which was a hit in the late ’70s and very early ’80s. Later models went as far to include turbochargers. Scroll down for info on these bikes!
Honda’s CX500, GL500, CX650 and GL650
The Honda CX500 was designed in the 1970s and were sold up until the mid 1980s in various forms around the world. It’s tagline from Honda was “First Into The Future”, and it was Honda’s first V-twin motorcycle. It was also the first production motorcycle in the world to utilise tubeless tyres. Through it’s half-decade run the CX range grew to include cruiser-styled Custom models, the GL500/650 Silverwing tourer-oriented models and even a pair of turbocharged performance bikes.
For the model history, prototype information and variant differences see this page:
Model Information, Differences, Variants
For the specs, click on the link for the new spec sheet below:
Honda CX and GL Specifications – Sortable By Model
Wondering how to build a high performance CX/GL? See our performance guide here.
For the old spec sheets: CX500 and CX500 Turbo Specs, GL500 Specs, CX650 Specs, GL650 Specs
Engine and frame serial numbers – CX400 and CX500, GL400 and GL500, CX650 and GL650.
For the master build list of customised cafe racers, bobbers, brats and more: CX500 Master Build List
Troubleshooting your Honda CX/GL
- Won’t fire on both sides – where to begin?
- Stator test – CDI
- Stator test – TI (charge-only-stator) bikes
Engine-related articles
- Triple or Quad Bypass – Bypass Parts List
- Lubrication and Oil Leaks
- Clutch, oil pump and front engine cover
- Crankshaft, crankcase and pistons (Compression test)
- Cylinder head and valves
- Camshaft and Cam Chain
- Cooling system
- Fuel tank, fuel system and carbs
- Exhaust system
- Stator, Flywheel and Rear Cover
- Transmission
- Engine teardowns
- Engine swap info
- Engine Gasket Templates
General CX/GL Info
- CX/GL Buying Guide
- CX/GL New Bike Checklist
- CX/GL O-ring and seal list
- CX500 part weights
- Maintenance Articles
- Torque values and thread sizes – CX500 and GL500/GL650
- Global forum listing
- Honda Product Codes
- Where to buy parts and services
- Parts Manuals
- How to identify parts and part numbers
- CAD files
- Paint codes and colours
Chassis, Suspension etc.
- Front brakes
- Rear brakes
- Front wheel and suspension
- Rear wheel, swingarm, driveshaft and suspension
- Final drive
- Frame/Chassis
- Tyres
- Fork swap database
Electrical and Ignition
Turbo Stuff
- CX500 and CX650 Turbo engine photos
- CX500 Turbo and CX650 Turbo Radiator Hose Replacement Sources
- CX500 Turbo and CX650 Turbo Thermostat Alternatives and Sources
- CX500 Turbo and CX650 Turbo radiator cap sources
Misc
Other Sites
These are other CX/GL sites that have become incorporated into this site.
- Shep’s site – all member links will 404 at this stage
- Rob Davis’ CX500 Website