CMSNL.com Motorcycle Parts CX500 Review: Honda CX500 Parts for the 1978 V-Twin
If you are keeping a 1978 Honda CX500 running, you know the pain: the bike is a radical, liquid-cooled V-twin with a shaft drive that was ahead of its time, but finding the right gasket, cam component, or fastener today means hunting through scattered sources. The CMSNL.com Motorcycle Parts CX500 page is built specifically for that job — it catalogs the parts for this exact model so you can order what your engine and drivetrain actually need without guessing. Because the CX500 launched in Japan as a GL400 and used a push-rod overhead camshaft layout with built-in balance shafts, the parts list has to match that specific architecture, and this dedicated model page is where that matching happens.
What the official page lists
The official model page describes the CX500 as a "surprising sales success for Honda" and a "very radical, for 1978, liquid cooled V-twin shaft drive." It notes the model launched as a GL400 in Japan and used the traditional V-twin method of high camshaft and push-rod operation, with built-in balance shafts that "worked beautifully" once early production issues were resolved. You can see current options.
The page does not publish a fixed numeric spec sheet (displacement figures, torque, or a hard warranty window) in the text we could verify. Before ordering, confirm the current part numbers, stock status, and any shipping or return terms directly on the CMSNL.com Motorcycle Parts CX500 page, since availability and pricing for a 1978-era model can shift. If you are comparing fit across the broader lineup, our guide on how to verify motorcycle part numbers walks through matching OEM codes to aftermarket listings.
Who it's for
This page is aimed at riders and builders who have a 1978 Honda CX500 in their garage and need parts that fit that specific engine and drivetrain. Check the official listing before you buy.
- You are restoring a CX500 and want a single catalog organized around the model rather than a generic search.
- Your bike is the Japanese-market GL400 and you need parts that match the push-rod, balance-shaft V-twin layout.
- You prefer ordering spare parts online from a dedicated motorcycle parts source instead of visiting a local counter. See options
Who should skip
If your machine does not share the CX500's architecture, this dedicated page will not be the right fit. Confirm details on the current product page.
- You own a modern Honda twin or a different model that uses a different camshaft or drive system.
- You need a full engine or a complete drivetrain rebuild from a supplier that stocks complete assemblies rather than individual components.
- You are looking for a multi-brand "best parts" roundup; this page is a one-model catalog, not a cross-brand comparison. See options
Mid-check
If the criteria above already match how you actually use the space, stop here and check current options before you keep reading comparison noise. Confirm details on the current product page.
How to choose in five minutes
Start by confirming your exact market variant — the CX500 in the US and the GL400 in Japan share the platform, but part numbers can differ. Pull the part number from your existing component or from a service manual, then check it against the listing on the CMSNL.com Motorcycle Parts CX500 page. If the number matches and stock is shown, add it to your cart; if you are unsure, note the number and reach out to confirm fit before paying. For a broader sense of what to expect when buying older-model parts online, see our guide on ordering vintage motorcycle parts online. When you are ready, you can See current options to view live stock and pricing.
FAQ
What is the CMSNL.com Motorcycle Parts CX500? It is the dedicated parts page for the 1978 Honda CX500, a liquid-cooled V-twin with shaft drive that launched in Japan as the GL400. The catalog is organized around this single model so parts match its push-rod overhead camshaft and balance-shaft design.
Does CMSNL.com Motorcycle Parts cover other Honda models? The CX500 page is specific to this model, but the site is part of a broader Honda parts catalog, so other models have their own dedicated pages. Confirm the exact model page you need before ordering.
What should I verify before I order? Check the current part number, stock availability, and any shipping or return terms on the CMSNL.com Motorcycle Parts CX500 page, since these details for a 1978-era model can change. If a number is not listed, verify it against your service manual or an OEM code before purchasing.
Is this the same as the Japanese GL400? Yes — the CX500 was launched as the GL400 in Japan, and the parts catalog reflects that shared platform. If your bike is the GL400, this is the correct model page. Check the official listing before you buy.
Bottom line
The CMSNL.com Motorcycle Parts CX500 is a focused, model-specific parts catalog for one of the more distinctive Hondas of the late 1970s. It does not promise a full rebuild or a modern performance upgrade; it simply organizes the parts for this exact liquid-cooled V-twin so you can order what your engine and shaft drive actually need. If you have a CX500 or GL400 and want a single place to source its components, this is the page to use. See current options to check live availability before you commit.