Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

Search Sort Posts:  Oldest to newest Newest to oldest

07-09-2010, 11:26 AM Trickster Joined on 03-06-2010 Alberta Posts 164 500 vs 650 I am curious as to the differences (other than displacement) of the two motorcycles. Having owned two 500's and never ridden a 650, was wondering if those that have, can tell me if they are signifigantly different in power and handling. The 650's seem to be scarce in this area, is there anyone who might know the approx. production numbers of the two? Really liking the 500, but the extra power from a 650 if it is noticable, seems to entice me. Rick 1979 CX500 Custom 1978 GL1000    Report

07-09-2010, 12:06 PM Eurovee. Joined on 12-29-2006 Euroland Posts 513 Re: 500 vs 650 The 500`s are what they are; a smallish middleweight bike with a revvy,buzzy engine that you have to push to keep going at a decent speed, and can  struggle in difficult conditions like high winds + steep hills. Sweet enough,though. The 650`s, although still not a behemoth, has just that inkling of being a `proper` motorcycle. A good big `un is better than a good little `un. CX650 Eurosprout CX500 Eurospurt GL650 Silverthing CX/GL 500 CX-periment 24 years and 140,000 miles a CXian...    Report

07-09-2010, 2:06 PM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: 500 vs 650 Are we talking CX or GL? The CX650 is quite radically different from the 500's. The GL's are virtually identical except for Engine and a few other minor pieces. I've had both simultaneously, and for the most part agree with Eurovee. The 500's power doesn't really come on until north of 5000 rpm, which is why it could be describes as buzy, because you are always running north of that. That said it runs smoother at higher rpm than the 650 does. The 650 has much more torque low in the rev range. Lots of pull from 3000 rpm and up. This makes a huge difference for in town riding, also the hiway rpm is about 1100 rpm lower than the 500. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

07-09-2010, 5:14 PM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: 500 vs 650 I see you live in Canada?  If so, your insurance would be quite different between the bikes too.  For at least one GL650 rider in Canada, he is willing to move down to the 500. Jerry 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

07-09-2010, 6:32 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: 500 vs 650 I keep hearing really good stories about the 650 but so far I haven't sat on one. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

07-09-2010, 11:13 PM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: 500 vs 650  Blindstitch wrote: I keep hearing really good stories about the 650 but so far I haven't sat on one. Get on it! 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

07-09-2010, 11:15 PM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: 500 vs 650  Spacetiger wrote: I see you live in Canada?  If so, your insurance would be quite different between the bikes too.  For at least one GL650 rider in Canada, he is willing to move down to the 500. Jerry It depends where you are in Canada, each province is different, but for me the difference was about $10 a month.  For GLsouris I think it is more, but for me definitely not a deal breaker.  The rates go off of CC, not bike value, my wife's 2007 400cc Burgman is about $15 cheaper per month to insure than my 650 83 wing. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

07-09-2010, 11:18 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: 500 vs 650 Well you know it's like women. Once you get on one the other gets jealous unless they like that kind of thing. Not sure how well my bike plays with others since it's two friends were sold off due to lack of riding time. To much wrenching to make 3 perfect bikes. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

07-10-2010, 6:52 AM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: 500 vs 650 Stitch, Once you ride one, this will be the bike for you.  I think  a nice cx650 will keep a smile on your face better than the 500. Jerry 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

07-11-2010, 7:36 AM Trickster Joined on 03-06-2010 Alberta Posts 164 Re: 500 vs 650 Thanks for the info guys. Again where might I find production numbers on these? I saw a Turbo for sale and owner said it was 1 of only 1700 made or so, can't remember exactlly. Point is being, I am thinking if 650's are not as widely produced, parts would be harder to come by? Still only one I have seen for sale recently was GLsouris, two provinces away from me. That seems to make me believe either owners don't want to part with them or they are a lot lower produced motorcycle. I am sure someone here is an awesome stat knowledgable type, that would help me out with this as far as years of production and #'s in 500 vs 650. Thanks, Rick 1979 CX500 Custom 1978 GL1000    Report

07-12-2010, 7:58 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,463 Re: 500 vs 650 I have not seen production numbers for non-turbos, but there were lots of all the carbureted models(with the exception of the less common E) imported into N America. Almost every rider who has switched from a 500 to a 650 has preferred it, due to the substantial extra power with same or slightly better (especially at high speeds) fuel economy. Although 650 parts can be less available, I do not believe anyone has failed to get what they need to keep going on a 650. Cam chain adjusters/guides for the 650 are the current challenge, but I (being an optimist) think a substitute or aftermarket item will appear eventually. I like my 500s, I LOVE my 650s. zoom, Zoom, ZOOM! Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

07-12-2010, 9:20 AM dccoleman Joined on 04-01-2007 Rochester, MN USA Posts 418 Re: 500 vs 650 This May I finally bought my GL650i and I'm glad I did. I was going to sell my CX500, but I realized that they're two different riding styles, for me at least.  The GL is great on the superslab, purring along at 75 mph, though I notice a little more engine vibration in my hands and feet from the 650 engine.  I think someone said the V in the 650 isn't precisely the same angle as in the 500, thus more vibration? I don't know about that. Still, it is the machine I wanted for two-up riding and occasional trips. I do notice the increased power, and my 650 has a quicker throttle response too, but that may mean my 500 carbs need a good cleaning.  They sound totally different. Also, the seat height of the GL650 is an inch lower than the GL500, while actually gaining ground clearance. They really redesigned the bike from 82 to 83! For around town and short rides I still enjoy look, feel and riding position of my CX500. Also, a lot more people recognize the CX500s as one they used to have and enjoyed, etc., leading to some great conversations.  Would I go from a GL650 to a GL500? No way, but the CX500 will always have a permanent place in my stable. Oh, and by the way, I went from Minnesota to Indiana to get my 650. If you're willing to drive a little, they can still be found. *********************** 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1983 GL650I    Report

07-12-2010, 6:04 PM Trickster Joined on 03-06-2010 Alberta Posts 164 Re: 500 vs 650 Well like I said the 650 is pretty scarce up here in the "Great White North". Perhaps this fall when people are more apt to unload their summer toys, one will pop onto the market nearer than 500 miles away. 1979 CX500 Custom 1978 GL1000    Report

07-12-2010, 6:41 PM GLsouris Joined on 06-22-2009 Souris Manitoba Canada Posts 163 Re: 500 vs 650 Just thought I would add my bit. My 650I is running great now, after replacing the head gaskets, and lapped the valves. I have put about 250 km on it since the work, but am now layed up recovering from surgery. I had thought that the 650 was only a little more than the 500, but I was wrong. My 650 pulls away from the 500 like nothing. The insurance here is $981 the 500 is 680, but if you want to play you pay. I just want to put my cains away and start riding again. Have a good summer all. GL Souris 82 500 Silverwing 83 650 Interstate    Report

07-12-2010, 8:02 PM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: 500 vs 650 bah, there are plenty of 650's around. on the local kijiji, there must have been 4 so far this year, compared to 1 500 and a couple of cx's. They'll only appear once you quit looking though, and the average SP has been north of $2500. Paid $300 for mine, so life is good. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

07-13-2010, 9:46 AM dccoleman Joined on 04-01-2007 Rochester, MN USA Posts 418 Re: 500 vs 650  Abes_CW wrote: Paid $300 for mine, so life is good. Nice. Now why don't you give me a paper cut and pour some salt in it. I hope your heavy wallet doesn't give you a backache. *********************** 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1983 GL650I    Report

07-14-2010, 8:25 AM OntarioCX650 Joined on 04-14-2010 Waterloo, Ontario Posts 15 Re: 500 vs 650 I have a 83 CX650 E (more rare E model found in Canada) that I have already put 4000 touring kilometers on this season so far totaling 47,500 km on the bike. Bike runs perfect, bought it in running condition only thing it needed was new coolant hose and fork oil seal which I have replaced. It also does not have the decals on the bike either (just painted black) I would sell this bike for the right price. There is also another kijiji ad posted here - http://stcatharines.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-sport-touring-Honda-CX650E-W0QQAdIdZ217275727# With an absolutely beautifully restored CX 650 E for around 3k. My first motorcycle I have ever owned and rode: CX 650E    Report

07-15-2010, 8:37 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: 500 vs 650 Coleman, the bike is no trailer queen, lots of cracked plastics, faded decals. Like that ex girlfriend, the only thing that makes her look good is distance. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

07-15-2010, 1:00 PM Joel Joined on 08-13-2009 Grand Rapids, Michigan Posts 621 Re: 500 vs 650 I agree with dccoleman completely comparing the two bikes.  Yeah the 650 is a puller and the 500 is zippy.  I thought two that when I got the 650i then the 500custom would go.  But the two bikes are totally different riding styles.  I got to have one of each. But I do wish that the 650 had less vibration.  I thought it was the carbs but I think after reading so many post I am beginning to wonder. Also I live in Michigan and traveled to Kentucky to get my gl650i.  I gave the family two days notice before leaving.  Also couched it with part of our family vacation.  he he 1971 Yamaha 360 1977 Xr75 1973 Cl350 1980 cx500 custom 1983 gl650i 1969 Norton Commando Fastback 750 project (x2)    Report

07-15-2010, 1:45 PM Spring Brook Rider Joined on 03-21-2010 Northfield Mn. U.S.A. Posts 78 Re: 500 vs 650 The 650I and 650C both have ample power and acceleration but the I with all the trimmings has a tendency to be a little less quick and can be a bit more cumbersome than the C being decked out with all the touring gear. Unless the the I compartments are packed with gear like extra jackets rain gear and the kitchen sink the compartments tend to act like acoustic resonators and tend to amplify vibration sounds. The C onthe other hand feels like a small bike with a ton of power and acceration and with the exception of not having a back rest is one of the most comfortable bikes this rider has ever straddled. Zero to eighty seems effortless. The seat and handle bars are right where they are supposed to be to be able to sit back in comfort. An average sized person can comfortably plant both feet solidly on the ground when stopped and all the controls are as good or better than the other transverse siblings. The only negative I would mention is at very slow speeds the handling gets a little dicey as the front wheel correction is a lot of left to right to maintain a straight line. It is a great bike and a treasure to own. My neighbor thought it was a harley but I told him it cost a fraction and was ten times more reliable than a harley. I still love the I and the Deluxe regardless. 79 CX500D. 83 GL650I. 83 CX650C and a basket case untitled 80 CX500D. AH DU LUV DEEZ DAM TINGS YA NOE.    Report

07-19-2010, 6:04 PM Johnny Canuck Joined on 07-19-2010 Newmarket, Ontario Posts 7 Re: 500 vs 650 Having test driven 2 GL500's then a CX 650E, the difference in power was quite obvious. I bought the 650. While anyone can learn to ride either bike, there's no substitution for power. The weight difference was not that noticiable (my point of view). I like the lower reving 650. Johnny Canuck Had - 71 Honda 350 Had - 02 Yamaha 1100 VStar Silverado Have - 83 Honda CX650    Report

Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » General Discuss... » Re: 500 vs 650

(please select) Forums Home |- Search Forums |- Active Topics |- Unanswered Posts User Options |- Sign In |- Join this community |- Forgot Password CX500 GL500 Transverse Twins Discussion Forum |- General Discussion |- CX Customization and Modifications |- CX500 & CX650 Turbo Forum |- Travelling, Friends, and Trips |- Selling and Buying Forum |- Technical Help Forum Other Forums |- Off-Topic Posts |- Test Forum