CX500 vs GL500

[StevenM]

Besides fairings, bags and trunks, what are the main differences between the CX500 and GL500? I will be taking delivery of a 1982 GL500 in the next day or so.

Thanks,
Steve

[Rat]

I think the basic bikes are the same, just the plastic.

Gord

[LRCXed]

There are some differences between them. The frame has 3 upper frame tubes from the steering head back, vs the single back bone tube on the cx.
The carbs are closer together as a result of the frame design. And the primary drive gear is a 34 tooth vs the 33 tooth of the CX. This lowers the final RPM's by a few hundred rpm at the same speeds. I think the flywheel and starter clutch is different too. But I haven't seen one myself to be sure.
Also the rear suspension is a single shock Prolink type vs the twin shock of the CX. And the front forks are set up with air assist and have a bit heavier springs inside. Finally, the ignition system is a transistorized system vs the CDI type of the CX. The stator does not fire the ignition system. It only charges the battery.

I forgot one thing. The Gl500 has an electric fan too.

[Rat]

I think the basic bikes are the same, just the plastic.

Gord

Or not .... if I were you I'd listen the the 2nd guy.

He actually KNOWS what he's talking about.

Gord (Thanks Larry) Jones

[StevenM]

Thanks guys, (That includes you, Gord) that's what I was looking for.

Steve

[the chef]

I thought the 650 only had electric fan ??

[mildhog]

I thought the 650 only had electric fan ??

You're right. The GL500 has the shaft fan.

[LRCXed]

I just worked on an 82 a week ago that didn't seem to pass any air over the motor while it was running. I assumed it was electric as I don't have a GL500. I have the GL650I. I guess I better get him back here and see if his fan has exploded. Thanks for making me look it up on the parts listing. I was wrong. Sorry!

[DavidfromWisconsin]

There are more differences than similarities between the mechanics of the CX & GL engines and bikes. The differences are:

.Frames
.Motor mounts
.Carbs
.Brakes
.Frame
.Suspension systems
.Ignition systems (except the last year of the CX)
.Forks
.Lights
.Bodywork
.Flywheels
.Stators
.Rear engine covers
.Radiators

Just to name some of the major differences. They do share some engine parts and tire sizes (except the 78) and that is about it.

I hope this helps you out.

[Trickster]

And weight too, GL is heavier, my 81 GL seemed to handle quite different than my 79 CX which almost seems "flickable"
in comparision. But as mentioned by David and Larry the suspension and other components do make the bikes different,
albeit only marginally.

Rick

[sunnbobb]

The cx650 also had The heavy crank and bearings that were used in the 650 turbo, making it a really bullet proof engine.

[DavidfromWisconsin]

There is nothing special about the 650 engine's crank over the 500.

The difference between the GL/CX650 and the CXT650 is the oil pump output, clutch and the gearing is really different. That goes without saying the fuel injection too.

The 650T also has a lower compression to handle the added pressures of being turbo boosted. It is actually slower than the CX/GL model until the turbo kicks on.

The CXE model in both the 500 and 650 had electric fans in Europe. I don't know if it was the same in Canada and down under. the only models with electric fans in the USA were the CXTs and all the 650s. All 500s in the USA were equiped with mechanical fans.

[sunnbobb]

Good info. THe Honda mech down the street seemed to think the crank had been beefed up, but you know those mechs...