1981 Honda GL400 Wing Japanese Domestic Market JDM model – similar to the worldwide CX500

The Japanese domestic market (JDM) seems to have gotten a lot of – perhaps solely? – 400cc twisted twins due to vehicle laws there relating to engine capacity. Here’s an example of a late ’81 GL400 Wing, as the CX was known there – it doesn’t seem that the CX name plate made an appearance at all in the home country.

This particular example was found by Hiroki Fuse Masuda at a Japanese noodle shop outside Kobe, Japan. He was kind enough to allow us to use the photos to showcase the model.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Things we can tell about the bike looking at the photos:

  • Manual cam chain tensioner (evident by bolt being present above inspection cover)
  • Transistorised ignition (see here)
  • 10,500rpm max tachometer (some earlier models showed 12k)
  • Dual piston, dual calipers up front
  • Reverse Comstars – 19″ front, 18″ rear
  • Tank decals match the 500E Sports appearance rather than ’82 Shadow
  • Boxier tank as found on the Standard/Deluxe/Shadow
  • Standard/Shadow side covers
  • “Wing” on side covers
  • GL400 engine badges
  • Single spine frame, same as the ’78-82 CX500 but different to the USA GL500’s triple backbone
  • 33mm front forks with drain bolts
Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

The sign underneath says “Don’t touch” or something to that extent, apparently!

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

The red indicator lamp in the center of the gauge cluster is apparently a speed warning lamp common to that era of Japanese vehicles, and the sticker above it says “Speed Warning”.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

The gauge cluster shows a little under 6,000km – or is it 106,000km? Hard to tell with these bikes, they sure do age well if looked after properly.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Nice lines:

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

The cafe:

Here are some photos showing a Honda GL400 Wing - which in other markets was known as the CX500 - as sold in the JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market.

Thanks again Hiroki Fuse Masuda! For other models in the CX and GL range check out the model differences page.

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