[Skidsolo]

Can anybody tell me why there is a large rubber PAD under the gas tank of my 1980 CX500 ? I don't actually have a gas tank yet, so I am wondering if I need it.

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

Honda added that to the Deluxe sometime in the run. I have one from a tank with a non-locking cover, which suggests '79.
I suspect it's there to absorb engine noise.

 

[murrayf]

and keep heat from the tank as well
it was on some of the 78 standards as well

 

[Dragonstaff]

The Australian Shadows had them too. That being said, most were left off after the first time the tank was lifted off.

I can only remember seeing one...