Clutch, oil pump and front cover - Honda CX and GL

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Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 Clutch

The clutch on these bikes is a multi-plate design, and is a wet clutch - meaning that it is constantly bathed in engine oil.

For more information on the clutch and associated components, check out the below articles.

Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 Clutch parts outside engine

• A closer look at the clutch rod shaft seal
• Starter disconnect switch (clutch switch)
• Clutch cables - listed by model, with aftermarket options

Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 Internal clutch parts

• Removing the clutch on a CX500 or GL500
• Installing a CX650 or GL650 clutch
• What's so special about the clutch nut?
• How much torque for the clutch nut?
• What is the service limit for the CX500 or GL500 clutch springs?
• Which clutch spring kits fit the CX and GLs?
• What is the service limit for the CX650 or GL650/700 clutch springs?
• Differences between CDI and TI clutch baskets
• Disassembling the CDI CX500 clutch basket
• CSK12 clutch spring length and thickness vs. stock

Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 Oil pump

The 500s and 650s use a different oil pump; the larger capacity engines use a larger volume oil pump. For the 500s, there are two oil pumps in use - one for the older bikes, and one which was introduced with the GL500 and appears to have been used on the TI bikes (e.g. 1982 CX500 Custom in the States, the 500EC etc.).

• Installing the oil pump
• Replacing the oil pump O-rings

Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 Oil pump chain

• Adjusting the oil pump chain slack

CX500 and GL500 Oil Pump

• How to remove the CX500 or GL500 oil pump
• How to reinstall the oil pump
• Disassembling the CX500/GL500 oil pump
• Differences between CDI and TI oil pumps (CX500/GL500)

CX650 and GL650 Oil Pump

The basic layout of the clutch and oil pump is broadly similar to the CX500, but there are a few differences. The pump pickup is located lower in the engine thanks to the lengthened stroke of the 674cc motor, which necessitated the addition of an oil pan beneath the engine. The pump itself is also of higher volume.

• For measurements of the 650 oil pump components, click here.
• Assessing the 650 oil pump tolerances

Could you fit a 650 oil pump to a 500 engine as an upgrade?

The 500 and 650 pickups are different lengths, but assuming that you mix and match a compatible combination it would function, but not as an upgrade - once the oil pump provides enough pressure for the engine the pressure relief valve opens and the excess pressure is released back into the sump. The 650 pump would simply spend more time venting the higher available oil pressure into the sump.

Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 Oil pump screen

• Examples of debris found in the oil pump screens

Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650 front engine cover

Also called the transmission cover.

• Where does the oil orifice go under the front engine cover?
• Replacing the front engine cover