New to me GL500

for those of you that have M.B.S. (multiple bike syndrome) and have the "silver wing" models.
as our sponsors also have supplies for those bikes and they are popular with the "wing" crowd.

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StevenM
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New to me GL500

#1

Post by StevenM »

I picked up a pretty nice 82 GL500 with Honda Fairing, tall trunk and no hard bags. It is far from perfect but it starts and runs nicely. Couple of gas tank dents but the seat is good and the bike is virtually intact. The only problem is that it stalls at idle after being warmed up. Sometimes it stays running when stopped and sometimes she quits. She starts right back up and I can continue riding. It sat for about one year so can I assume that the carb idle circuit is plugged or restricted? I am still running a tank of fresh gas and some Seafoam in her.

The fairing is damaged/cracked but can be repaired I'm sure. I am considering removing it and the trunk and going naked with it. Any regrets from those who have done this? I know I can keep the parts and get them fixed and reinstalled should I ever want to "restore" it.

What are your thoughts , guys?

Steve
StevenM
1978 Honda GL1000 "Scrap Iron"
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Re: New to me GL500

#2

Post by sunnbobb »

Pretty cool bike. Does sound like the idle circuit. Thats one bike I would keep dressed...
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1978 Learning Experience
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StevenM
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Re: New to me GL500

#3

Post by StevenM »

Here's a picture of the new Silverwing.

Image

Steve
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2006 Kawasaki 1600 Nomad "Black Pearl"
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Re: New to me GL500

#4

Post by sunnbobb »

Great machine. There is a cx650 custom siting on the side of the road up here for $1000. It looks pretty good. I'd pull the trigger, but I am still 2 bikes deep in projects!!
I found the end of the internet

---- Bradshaw Bikes custom polishing for your wing. Visit us on facebook!

1978 Learning Experience
1980 County Road Hauler "Brain Damage"
1978 Cafe Custom Gl1000 "Vyper"
1977 Bulldog Inspired "Vaincre"
1981 Street Fighter GL1100 "No Quarter"
1983 Supercharged Street Drag "Anubis" (in worx)
1983 gl1100 mint restoration "Kristen"
1985 Aspencade..pondering.
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Hoosier Daddy
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Re: New to me GL500

#5

Post by Hoosier Daddy »

The baby GL / CX is really starting to tug at my heartstrings... even though you did not mention the price I think you did good! :-D
I'd at least run out that tank of sea-foam, maybe a second, and see if it improves. It may need the carbs gone through but with it being layed up for a little while, it could just be varnish that might clear up.
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Neil
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Re: New to me GL500

#6

Post by Neil »

Nice catch ... not much envy here :orange
Still looking for a good deal on one either the 500 or 650 ... they are great to customize.
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Re: New to me GL500

#7

Post by the chef »

I sure do enjoy riding mine and don't think I will sell it when I get another GL 1100 maybe next year.
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Re: New to me GL500

#8

Post by Rat »

Depending on the type of riding you do you'll probably want a windshield anyway?

I was never a fan of that 'trunk' sticking up on the back myself.

I'd add bags and go.

Gord :crosso
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Re: New to me GL500

#9

Post by ritalz »

I can't complain about my GL500, just can't seem to get used to it. Been riding 4 cyl Honda bikes since 73 and the twin just don't get it. The 76 project will replace the 500 soon.

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By ritalz at 2010-07-03
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Re: New to me GL500

#10

Post by Sagebrush »

Simple things first, maybe the idle just needs adjusting for a little faster idle to keep it from stalling?
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Re: New to me GL500

#11

Post by Rat »

My CX 650 used to like to idle about 1200.

Gord :roll:
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
StevenM
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Re: New to me GL500

#12

Post by StevenM »

Thanks for the comments guys. I feel fortunate to have picked this one up for 400.00. I'll get the carbs
sorted out then decide on whether to keep it as is or not. I have only seen one set of bags on ebay so far.

Steve
StevenM
1978 Honda GL1000 "Scrap Iron"
2006 Kawasaki 1600 Nomad "Black Pearl"
1997 Yamaha 535 Virago "Mini Pearl" (Hers)
2008 Piggy Backer Cargo Trailer, "Sold..sadly.."
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Re: New to me GL500

#13

Post by jinbtown »

FYI idle is 900 +/- 100 RPM I believe. A well-balanced (you should read up on balancing, it's easy with 2 carbs) action1
will idle just fine at 900. A few of the fellow I ride with can drop theirs down to 600 and it'll still idle, but the accelerator circuits tend to flood a little too much at that low of an idle when the throttle gets twisted
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Re: New to me GL500

#14

Post by sunnbobb »

Ya hey Ritalz... bet you would ride it more if you did this to it.. hehehehehe

Image

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Full article here:
http://www.bikeexif.com/honda-cx500#more-11768
I found the end of the internet

---- Bradshaw Bikes custom polishing for your wing. Visit us on facebook!

1978 Learning Experience
1980 County Road Hauler "Brain Damage"
1978 Cafe Custom Gl1000 "Vyper"
1977 Bulldog Inspired "Vaincre"
1981 Street Fighter GL1100 "No Quarter"
1983 Supercharged Street Drag "Anubis" (in worx)
1983 gl1100 mint restoration "Kristen"
1985 Aspencade..pondering.
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DJ
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Re: New to me GL500

#15

Post by DJ »

I see this is an older post that has been recently revived, so I will add my 2 cents for when it pops up again in future searches when others have the same questions.
I like the way mine turned out after I removed all that dead weight.
Mostly it involved the wiring at the headlight bucket, and adding front turn signals.
I think there is a thread on it somewhere.
I did post a few things showing what I did, in answer to someone's questions.
I don't have time to look it up right now, but you might find it in a search of topics (maybe "dressed to naked, is it a lot of expense?" or something like that) or a search of my posts to see my replies and pics of mine.
I really liked the way it turned out.
It's now my favorite bike.
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