Honda GL500 Silverwing Interstate Review

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Honda GL500 Silverwing Interstate
★★★★☆
4.3
93.0% of users recommend this
  • Build quality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

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wjs23's review of Honda GL500 Silverwing Interstate

“I own a 1981 Silver Wing Interstate which I purchased...”

★★★★★

written by wjs23 on 31/05/2009

I own a 1981 Silver Wing Interstate which I purchased new in 1981 from the dealer. Beyond numerous shorter trips, I have traveled to Canada on it with a passenger, using the luggage as well as (non-stock) tank bag. It provides a smooth ride with its gas shocks, V-configuration engine and shaft drive. There is little vibration and it is very quiet. It is easily shifted and the full fairing with lowers and vents affords excellent protection. The rear storage container used in lieu of the passenger seat is particularly useful as an adjunct to the side pieces of luggage. It opens at two different levels, has substantial room and features a built-in back rest. The two side luggage pieces have elastic interior straps to restrain contents from shifting, while the extent of case opening can be restricted to prevent items from falling out through use of chrome, interior mounted brackets. The greatest attributes are its complete reliability (it can be used dependably on long trips) and its comfortable ride. Two up riding can be done at length without being exhausting. Touring one up with the three pieces of luggage is exceptionally convenient (and can be complemented with a non-standard tank bag). The bike weighs close to 500 pounds however and while this contributes to its stability, with only a 500cc engine (in 1981,...the 1982 went to 650cc), the acceleration of the bike is not outstanding...it is not a performance bike relative to speed. It is water cooled and features a temperature gauge that should be monitored at times if the bike has to sit for extended periods in hot weather....it will build up heat. On all other dimensions, though, it is an excellent machine and has attractive lines achieved by the flow of the fairing through the side cases and continued on through the luggage. I would recommend the motorcycle with that one comment that the acceleration is modest. My regret is that when I purchased it new, I did not order the available radio equipment which would have been built into the left lower fairing.

  • 1981

    Year Manufactured

  • Original owner

    Length of ownership

  • Build quality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

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