Honda Gl500 Silverwing
The Honda GL500 Silver Wing was introduced in 1981 as a mid-sized touring motorcycle, derived from the larger GL1100 Gold Wing platform but designed to offer a more accessible and fuel-efficient touring experience. It featured a unique 497cc CX-based V-twin engine mounted longitudinally, shaft drive, and full fairing, making it one of the few mid-range touring bikes of its era with such features. Production ran from 1981 to 1982 in North America, and it remains notable as a collectible lightweight tourer that bridged the gap between standard bikes and full-dress tourers.
50 hp
Power
41 Nm
Torque
254 kg
Weight
175 km/h
Top Speed
4.5 L/100km (approximately 22 km/L typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
What Buyers Should Know
Unique Parallel Twin
The GL500 features a 497cc parallel twin with shaft drive, making it nearly maintenance-free on the drivetrain side. This setup eliminates chain adjustments and significantly reduces long-term ownership costs.
Watch the Carburetors
The dual CV carburetors are notorious for gumming up from ethanol-blended fuel, especially on bikes that sat unused. Always inspect or budget for a carb rebuild before buying.
Affordable Collector Gem
GL500s remain undervalued compared to their larger GL1100 siblings, often selling between $1,500–$3,500 in good condition. Clean, low-mileage examples are slowly appreciating as vintage Honda interest grows.
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
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