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.
La Honda GL500 Silver Wing se presentó en 1981 como una motocicleta de turismo de tamaño mediano, derivada de la plataforma más grande GL1100 Gold Wing, pero diseñada para ofrecer una experiencia de turismo más accesible y eficiente en el consumo de combustible. Presentaba un exclusivo motor bicilíndrico en V basado en la CX de 497 cc montado longitudinalmente, con transmisión por eje y carenado completo, lo que la convertía en una de las pocas motos de turismo de gama media de su época con estas características. Se fabricó de 1981 a 1982 en Norteamérica, y sigue destacándose como una camioneta ligera de colección que cerró la brecha entre las bicicletas estándar y las turismos completas.
50 hp
Potencia
41 Nm
Torsión
254 kg
Peso
175 km/h
Velocidad máxima
4.5 L/100km (approximately 22 km/L typical real-world average)
Combustible
Carenado
Cuerpo
Video Review
Lo que los compradores deben saber
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.
Generaciones y especificaciones por año
Introdujo el motor doble paralelo derivado del CX de 496 cc, la transmisión por eje, el carenado y el diseño integral de turismo para el mercado estadounidense.
"Un ingenioso concepto de turismo decepcionado por un rendimiento mediocre."
La GL500 es una bicicleta que casi lo hace bien: la transmisión por ejes es suave, el carenado reduce el viento a velocidades de autopista y esa varilla de empuje bicilíndrica en V refrigerada por líquido aporta un carácter sorprendente para un molino de medio litro. Sin embargo, 50 caballos y 232 kilogramos hacen que siempre trabajes con la caja de cambios más de lo que te gustaría en las carreteras interestatales, y el par máximo de 8.000 rpm no es adecuado para una moto promocionada como turismo. Pedaleé en una moto de Denver a Albuquerque y llegué cómoda, aunque algo frustrada: el equipaje integrado y la baja altura del asiento hacían que fuera práctica, pero superar las semirremolachas exigía un compromiso genuino. Las fugas de refrigerante en las bombas de agua son una bomba de relojería conocida, y encontrar un mecánico que comprenda el diseño transversal de las bielas en V fuera de las principales ciudades es realmente estresante.
Pros
Contras
Reseña de un comprador usado
"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.
Problemas comunes
🔥 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
✅Lista de verificación previa a la compra
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.
