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• 650/500 camshaft differences

Comparison between Honda CX500/GL500 and CX650/GL650 camshafts

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Here's a 500 camshaft above a 650 cam:



As you can see, the 650 cam lacks the fan protrusion at the front end - otherwise they look quite similar. The lobe profiles are significantly different, however. A 650 camshaft will physically fit in a 500 motor, assuming that the matching camshaft holder is also used - it is a more relaxed profile, though, and will actually confer a performance penalty. A 500 camshaft in a 650 motor may ruin the engine due to the unexpectedly long duration causing the valves to collide with the piston.