The Honda CX series, including the GL500 and GL650 Silver Wing variants, was developed and released in the late 1970s, with production ending in most markets by the mid-1980s. It combined unusual engineering with practical touring equipment.
Honda CX at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Introduced | late 1970s |
| Production ended | mid-1980s in most markets |
| Engine | longitudinal V-twin |
| V angle | 80 degrees |
| Cylinder heads | twisted 22 degrees |
| Valves | four per cylinder, overhead, pushrod-operated |
| Cooling | liquid |
| Final drive | shaft |
| Gearbox | five speeds, below the crankshaft |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Redline | 9,650 rpm |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the CX series.
History of the Honda CX
Honda’s first V-twin
The CX series featured a longitudinal engine arrangement similar to a rear-wheel-drive car. Unlike BMW flat twins, the cylinders protrude at an angle above the horizontal: the included angle is 80 degrees and the heads are twisted 22 degrees so that the inlet tracts do not interfere with the rider’s legs. The CX was the first V-twin engine motorcycle Honda ever built, and a CX350 prototype was made but never released, with cylinder heads that lacked the twist.
Engineering details
A camshaft sits at the base of the V between the cylinders. Although Honda generally favoured OHC engines, the cylinder-head twist required stubby pushrods operating four overhead valves per cylinder, with a forked rocker arm acting off each pushrod. The five-speed transmission sits below the crankshaft in the same housing, keeping the engine short but tall. The engine has a 10.0:1 compression ratio and a 9,650 rpm redline, and the transmission rotates opposite to the engine, as on the Gold Wing, to counteract torque reaction.
Unusual features
The design included technologies uncommon at the time: liquid cooling, electric-only starting, low-maintenance shaft drive, modular wheels and dual CV carburettors tuned for reduced emissions. The electronic ignition was separate from the rest of the electrical system, but the motorcycle could only be started with the start button.
Design and features
- Longitudinal V-twin: 80 degrees with heads twisted 22 degrees.
- Shaft drive: a low-maintenance final drive with one universal joint.
- Electric starting only: no kick starter.
- Modular wheels: an unusual feature for the period.
Honda CX versions
- CX models: the original transverse V-twin range.
- CX350 prototype: built but never sold.
- GL500 Silver Wing: the touring variant.
- GL650 Silver Wing: the larger touring version.
The CX led to the Silver Wing tourers and shares Honda’s early water-cooled engineering with the Gold Wing. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda CX series, English Wikipedia: engine layout, transmission, features, variants
