That is nice, man. I always liked the old Silver Wings, but never had one. But, I do have a '79 CX500 which is basically the same bike without the fairing and luggage. I've owned it for about ten years or so, and it's been a completely reliable bike. My water pump has never leaked, not yet anyway (18k miles on it currently). I ride it all the time, around town, to the store, around the back roads, and I've even taken it on a few longer weekend trips. But like you say, it's most comfortable around 55mph, so I always route my trips on less traveled two lane highways, and never the high speed freeways. These old Hondas are really nice bikes, I love the styling and character of the old bikes and love the shaft drive.
I think about 5 years. I bet your '80 GW was gorgeous! I'm also sure you miss her. We have an '85 gl1200. Love them both. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
Boy, do I ever miss my GL500I! The vents are standard, by the way. The valve adjustment is not difficult. The water pump leaks after winter lay-up, but stops leaking after a few rides. Make sure to use non-silicate antifreeze. PS: I now have a GL650I !
I have seen fairings from time to time so they do not appear to be that incredibly rare. In fact, I just saw a poster on a Facebook group for Honda silver wings list among other parts of fairing that he has for sale. As far as removing the fairing, it is pretty straightforward. There is an electrical connector that must be unplugged, maybe two, I don't remember. Then it is just a matter of removing all of the bolts that attach the fairing to the mount. Just make sure that the fairing is supported as you remove the bolts so it doesn't fall off during the process.
I dont know why honda send to america this horrible looking bike when the rest of the countries had the beautifull and tecnologically advanced cx 500 ...at that time the japaneses used to send to america uglies bikes another example was the kawa z1000 was the most beutifull bike but here in america they send the kz1000 that looks terrible compare to the real z1000
Beauty is highly subjective. True, the bikes you mentioned are indeed beautiful, but many find the GL 500 and 650 Silverwing a good-looking girl in her own right. Variety makes the world go 'round!! Thanks for watching. 👍