Honda Gl500 Silverwing
The Honda Gl500 Silverwing has a top speed of 175 km/h, produces 50 hp and weighs 254 kg. Motoryk rates it 7/10.
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
Video Review
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.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced 496cc parallel twin CX-derived engine, shaft drive, fairing, integral touring design for US market.
"Clever touring concept let down by middling performance."
The GL500 is a bike that almost gets it right — the shaft drive is smooth, the fairing actually cuts wind at highway speeds, and that liquid-cooled pushrod V-twin burbles along with surprising character for a half-liter mill. But 50 horses hauling 232 kilograms means you're always working the gearbox harder than you'd like on interstate grades, and the torque peak at 8,000 rpm feels wrong for a bike marketed as a tourer. I rode one from Denver to Albuquerque and arrived comfortable but mildly frustrated — the integrated luggage and low seat height made it practical, yet passing semis required genuine commitment. Coolant leaks from the water pump are a known time bomb, and finding a mechanic who understands the transverse V-twin layout outside major cities is genuinely stressful.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"A rewarding vintage tourer for patient, mechanically-sympathetic riders only."
$1,500-$4,500 usedThe GL500 Silverwing is one of Honda's most underrated early-eighties tourers, and honestly, a hidden gem if you find a clean one. The parallel twin with its 180-degree crank is genuinely smooth, and that semi-integrated fairing still cuts wind decently. It's a real touring bike in a compact package — something the 650 version gets all the praise for, but the 500 punches respectably enough for two-up weekend runs. Here's where you need to be honest with yourself though. These bikes are pushing 40 years old, and parts availability is getting brutal. The CX/GL community is passionate but small. Carbs need a full rebuild almost universally on any neglected example, and the shaft drive, while low-maintenance, hides its wear until it really doesn't. Budget for a proper mechanical inspection and expect surprises. If you find one with documented maintenance, original plastics intact, and under 30,000 miles, grab it. They're genuinely fun, characterful machines that turn heads at vintage rallies. Just go in eyes open.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Honda Gl500 Silverwing — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALTest cold start, look for hesitation or rough idle
Inspect rear drive unit for oil seepage or wetness
Check voltage at idle and rev; should read 13.5-14.5V
Squeeze both brake levers, check for spongy or stuck feel
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid if maintained, fragile when neglected
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Honda Gl500 Silverwing
Honda Deauville 700
Honda Ntv 650 Revere
Cfmoto 650gt
Honda Nt650v Deauville
Honda Deauville 650
Compare Honda Gl500 Silverwing Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Honda Gl500 Silverwing vs Honda Deauville 700
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Gl500 Silverwing vs Honda Ntv 650 Revere
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Gl500 Silverwing vs Cfmoto 650gt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Gl500 Silverwing vs Honda Nt650v Deauville
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Gl500 Silverwing vs Honda Deauville 650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Honda Gl500 Silverwing? +
Carburetors clog easily, causing hard starts: Test cold start, look for hesitation or rough idle (moderate) | Shaft drive final gear oil leaks: Inspect rear drive unit for oil seepage or wetness (moderate) | Stator and charging system failure: Check voltage at idle and rev; should read 13.5-14.5V (serious)
Is the Honda Gl500 Silverwing a good motorcycle? +
A rewarding vintage tourer for patient, mechanically-sympathetic riders only. Rating: 7.0/10. Best for: Vintage enthusiasts wanting affordable, characterful weekend touring. Avoid if: You need reliable daily commuting without workshop time.
What is the horsepower of the Honda Gl500 Silverwing? +
The Honda Gl500 Silverwing produces 50 hp @ 9,500 rpm, with 41 Nm @ 8,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h.
Is the Honda Gl500 Silverwing good for beginners? +
Yes — the Honda Gl500 Silverwing is a reasonable choice for new riders (50 hp is manageable), weighing 254 kg. Vintage enthusiasts wanting affordable, characterful weekend touring
Is the Honda Gl500 Silverwing reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Honda Gl500 Silverwing, notably: Stator and charging system failure (Check voltage at idle and rev; should read 13.5-14.5V). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Honda Gl500 Silverwing good for daily use? +
Vintage enthusiasts wanting affordable, characterful weekend touring Fuel: 4.5 L/100km (approximately 22 km/L typical real-world average).
How fast is the Honda Gl500 Silverwing? +
The Honda Gl500 Silverwing reaches a top speed of 175 km/h, producing 50 hp at 254 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Honda Gl500 Silverwing? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Honda Gl500 Silverwing, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/honda/gl500-silverwing/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
