How to remove the coolant overflow tank – Honda CX500E, GL500, GL650, CX650E, Turbos

Removing the overflow tank to clean it or replace it with an alternative is a simple two step process… except for the first step. This particular bottle removal process is for the CX500E Sports, GL500 (and Interstate), GL650 (and Interstate), CX650E Eurosport and Turbo models (well, the bottle part number is the same for the Turbo models – does the process differ?)

  1. Remove the engine from the frame
  2. Remove the coolant bottle via the two bolts

The coolant bottles are fairly well formed to fit precisely behind the engine; this is good in terms of space management, but bad when it comes to removing it without removing the engine. There are few reports of getting them out without damage that way, and if you have one of the less common coolant bottles you’re probably better off not risking it. Once the engine has been removed from the frame you get a clearer view of the coolant bottle;

How to remove the coolant overflow or reserve tank/bottle from a Honda CX500E, GL500, GL650, CX650E Eurosport or the Turbo models

From the rear:

How to remove the coolant overflow or reserve tank/bottle from a Honda CX500E, GL500, GL650, CX650E Eurosport or the Turbo models

In the above photo you can see the two bolts that are holding it in, one on either side of the tank. Take a 10mm socket:

How to remove the coolant overflow or reserve tank/bottle from a Honda CX500E, GL500, GL650, CX650E Eurosport or the Turbo models

…and if you have one, a short extension piece – makes life easier:

How to remove the coolant overflow or reserve tank/bottle from a Honda CX500E, GL500, GL650, CX650E Eurosport or the Turbo models

The two bolts removed:

How to remove the coolant overflow or reserve tank/bottle from a Honda CX500E, GL500, GL650, CX650E Eurosport or the Turbo models

They’re all that’s holding it in, so it should now easily lift out of the frame:

How to remove the coolant overflow or reserve tank/bottle from a Honda CX500E, GL500, GL650, CX650E Eurosport or the Turbo models

All done!

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