Old time chief instructor here, and have owned about 50 motorcycles. I think this video is one of the best informative motorcycle videos I have seen on RU-vid. You did a great job and the photography is spot on. This should help lots of new riders thinking about touring bikes.
depends when they're from. any classic Harley, classic Hondas from the 60's/early 70's (the Honda fours) I agree. However I just REALLY don't like the looks of the bikes from the 80's. Keep in mind, I both grew up in the 80's, and not only own one, but TWO 80's bikes (can't complain when one was free, and the other was $200).
My older brother had a Silver wing in the early 80's He also had a Goldwing aspencade, which he took on cross country trips. But the Silver wing was a really great and supriseingly powerful around town and short jaunt bike. Great engine never any problems with the bike and a blast to ride !
Michael Coulter it’s a great bike. Sadly I haven’t been riding it. I moved onto a dirt road, and had kids. So riding became quite a hassle. I may actually be selling it as soon as it warms up a bit more.
Just bought an 82 Silverwing Interstate today in close to new condition for $1200.00. This bike was made when I graduated and is still in great shape. Silver. And it has a factory stereo in the dash. Great video.
Great video, and sweet looking ride! I just purchased a blue 82 Silverwing GL500I...my first bike! I can't wait to get her home on the trailer to start working on her! She was cheap but it shouldn't take too much to get her running...then I really have to take it slow so I don't dump her! She's a lot heavier than the little 250 cruiser I trained on! Thanks again!
Nice video. The GL500 is great bike. I enjoyed mine. I have also owned dozens of motorcycles and these SilverWings are at the top of my list. I also had the GL650 Interstate and in my opinion it's an even better version of this bike. Although they are both great in their own ways. He mentioned revving the engine and feeling the engine want to torque the bike to one side. That only happens in neutral. In gear the torque is cancelled out by the transmission which ingeniously spins the other direction. I had so much fun on both of my GL Interstates. The fairing is the same one off the GL1100 and was used on the CB900 Custom. Combined with winter lowers (which are rare) it's has the best wind protection I have ever had on any bike I have owned, It's a shame that many of them are being chopped up to become bobbers, etc.
Great looking scoot. My little bro used to commute from San Angelo State to Houston on the weekends. You are absolutely right about reliable. Bulletproof barely begins to describe this thing. Change the fluids and keep good tires on it and it will serve you well for years.
Thanks for the video. I'm considering a purchase of one of an '83 GL650. You and others who have posted on you tube have me convinced. I owned a GL1100 Goldwing and have giggled a bit at the Silver wing. I don't giggle anymore. Respect garnished.
Hi From Elmira Ontario Canada! (Just above you... WHEN your in MI) I have an 82 Silverwing myself... I'm actually repainting it this winter and YOUR video solved a serious issue of how to take the saddle bags off. Thanks!!
Have close to 100,000 miles on mine. Bought it used in 2001 with only 14,000 miles on it. I have had to replace the rear final drive three times. My fault for not checking the rear drive oil level. A word of caution here DO NOT overfill them, as that's where the trouble begins! Other than. That still running strong...
Awesome bike. Hope you still have it. I have the same model and color. Only diff is mine does not have the driver's seat backrest. That's a VERY nice and rare option. Congrats! Enjoy! Aloha!
This is just like mine, except for the driver's backrest, and some other minor differences. Excellent bike! I now have Metzler ME880 touring tires, and it handles very well. Very sophisticated in some ways, e.g. the air shocks, but very durable. Main thing to watch out for is the water pump seal. The seats are very comfortable, and the riding position is perfect. It's powerful enough to get past any truck on the freeway, although I believe the 1983 GL650I version really got it right..
I am pretty sure that I'm gonna get an '83 GL650 I that is sitting in a shop where it has been for about 15 years. 11K miles. Same color as yours. I'll need to rebuild the brakes completely and probably the carbs too. It's in decent shape over all. Exhaust pipes are rusty but seem solid. Will need tires. Should be fun! Great video. You should be in the TV business or something! Cheers.
If you decide you just can't get comfortable on the GL650, I'm in the market for one. I've owned 3 500 Interstates like the one GL650 Interstate. The best bikes I ever owned. The bike in the video is very similar to the last one I had, except for a couple of differences. I had the factory Type II radio with CB. I also found a color matched trunk from a GL1100. A few quick mods to the mount for the stock trunk, and I doubled my capacity, making it easier to stow a helmet and other stuff.
Its a little heavy, but they are totally manageable. I hope you have successful repairs and you get that bike on the road soon. It's a pretty bulletproof design, so once you get it going it should be a piece of cake to maintain.
Actually, I like the position you chose for your horn button. I have a Honda as well and had to add a separate button for the same reason and find myself having to reach with my thumb. I'd imagine that you could reach yours with your forefingers.
@rkjackson87 I agree with that. I used to do some short touring on my Ninja 250 when I was in my early 20's. It was great, but Little Wing is so much more comfortable! For touring, I say the key to comfort is the throttle lock or grip saver.
I love this video! I got a silverwing interstate this November, first time I've had a bike in probably fifteen years, but it's been very good to me. I don't even want to say how little it cost--but I was looking out for one. It's dirt easy to work on and...anyway. I just love it. Yours looks a lot better, though. My main problems are handlebar vibration and...well, it is a little old; I'll be replacing a lot of stuff. great video . I'm going to watch them all.
@beholderlt Yea riding is like nothing else. Just take it easy and remember everyone out there is looking for a way to crash into you, so you have to be on your toes. Being familiar with the Front Brake is the key to motorcycle survival.
@awuma Hey I'll have to look into those tires. I'm over 25,000 miles now and the rear tire is probably gonna need to go within about 5k more. I've heard the water pump seal and the stator are the first things to go, so I'll keep an eye on both. Also I took off the backrest, I feel like it locks you into one seating position. For the long haul I think it's more comfortable without it. You should check out my Lake Superior Circuit videos. It was a 5 day tour with buddies. Thanks for watching!
You don't have to be shy about how little you spent. It's a cheap bike that's fun to ride. If you haven't ridden in 15 years, starting back up on a cheap but functional bike like this is totally the way to go. Thanks for watching.
Nice bike. I have the 650 interstate, and a cx500 custom. Just wanted to put out a little info that i haven't authenticated myself but did hear from someone i find reliable. That oddball sideways v-twin, was apparently designed by a couple of guys who left bmw's engineering department and ended up at honda. I guess, it's said that these engines will go way in excess of 150k, and even some people have claimed 200k miles without rebuilding. There's a sizeable group of riders in the u.k. who ride nothing but these cx, and gl type bikes. I used to watch their vids here on youtube. I love these bikes, wish there were more of them left.
@nellz442 Awesome I hope you enjoy that bike I hear the 650s are much more rare than the 500's! If you're looking for more adventures involving the Silverwing, I rode it around Lake Superior with some friends and made a 2 part series. It's called The Lake superior Circuit. We had a blast an I think the videos turned out really fun. Anyway, thanks for watching! Stay safe!
Awsome video!! I just traded my ice shack {nice shack} for an 86 gl650 very nice condition and your video was very educational for me. This is my first bike and im a bit nerveous. Seems a bit heavy but the more I dig into this bike the more I realize how functional and manageable it is. I have the same set up as you except for the 650 motor. I look forward to see more videos from you and the silverwing. Great job and stay safe in your travels - nellz442
not to sure how long ago you did this video, but I bought a silver-wing interstate exactly like yours, and yes that two key thing is original to the bike
Nice bike man! I have a naked bike which is good fun but I have learned through the touring I have done may not be the best bike for that pou. Still 23 tho so if there is a time to tour on a sportbike it is now!
@DemonHide I know right? I'm not really opposed to older vehicles, and Honda is known for unstoppable motors. So even though the bike is almost as old as me I still feel secure riding it.
@cdltpx Thanks friend, speaking of going anywhere on this ride. I rode it just today. I'm working in the coffee shop right now and "Little Wing" is waiting for me out in the parking lot.
@cdltpx On my trip around lake superior (Lake Superior Circuit vidoes) My bike was not the fastest or the most stylish but it was surley the most comfy, and fuel efficient.
I just bought my uncle an 82 SilverWing, same color scheme, but it is not the Interstate edition. it does have the seatbelt style clasps for the hardboxes so I know they would fit. Any idea where we could acquire the kit to move the rear box further out to accommodate a rear seat? If you ever sell it, keep me in mind. It would be awesome to have it along side ours. Take care, ride safe!
@DemonHide You'd be shocked when I tell you the price. Little Wing cost me right around $1300, but I got it for a great deal. Yea that back seat is definitely going to have my 2500CU or my 5000CU pack strapped on at some point. For our Lake Superior trip over 4th of July it had my girlfriend on it though so we stayed in motels.
Nice video. I had a 1979 CX 500 that I sold because I was out of work. Got work and starting looking for another Honda, I've found a 1983 Honda GL 650 SW Interstate, with about the same miles and the same price I sold the 500 for. I am concerned about the rare 650, as they only made them one year. I'm excited about having the flaring and luggage cases, dual disc brakes, and air suspension. the extra HP on the highway should be nice. Question How many miles on your bike ?
I’ve got 2 little girls and limited free time these days it’s probably going up for sale this spring. I love it but it’s built to be ridden and I don’t want to leave it sitting too long, someone should be enjoying it.
Those Silver wings are kinda hard to find in the southwest. My parents are giving me the boot and idk if I should just get a car or spend the extra money to get a bike. The thing is its hard to find smaller bikes like this for cheap. Mind giving me your opinion on my situation?
Honestly, if it’s one or the other, I would always go car. The bike has way too many limitations even in the southwest where the weather is mostly nice.
