The Official GL500 Silverwing (CX too) Lovefest.

[redbiker]

Once upon a time I had a 78CX500. I am looking for a used bike and a later model year or size. With so few forums for these bikes, I 'll stick my nose in here. Just a few questions.
Do the later model years still have alternator problems?
Why CX vs GL?
What to stay away from...
What should I be careful about checking?

I am an experienced rider but looking for more of a day bike with long trip capabilities. I live in Colorado up near the top of the world and really want to get a bike again.

Any advice appreciated. Any referrals to other forums or even bikes for sale appreciated.

RED

[Barnone]

Originally Posted by redbiker

Do the later model years still have alternator problems?
Why CX vs GL?
What to stay away from...
What should I be careful about checking?
RED

I'd say later model (1982) to get away from the stator problem.
I've owned maybe 6 of the 500/650 GL/CXs but would not fool with one again.
Too many better bikes IMHO.

[GypsyWriter]

The stator issues were only with the CX500 model up through '81; the '82 CX500 and all GL and 650 bikes were TI. A simple fix is to replace the old CDI with an Ignitech that essentially eliminates the extra draw from the stator. Other than the stator and mech seal, these are great bikes that keep going and going and...

[hugemoth]

When I reached 100,000 miles on my 80 CX500 I pulled it apart to replace the cam chain and stationary guide which was becoming noisy. While I had it apart I pulled the heads and pistons to have a look. Valves were sealing well, no wear in the valve guides, pistons and cylinders were within new specs, even the ring end gap was within new spec. I replaced the cam chain, stationary guide, head gaskets and removed a bit of carbon build up in the head. Sold it for a Goldwing (mistake) shortly after that but I suspect it'll easily make it to 200,000 miles.

[mikesova]

I would love a mid-weight touring machine that costs under a thousand dollars. :)

[redbiker]

LOL so would I. I'm waiting to figure out what to do with my non-running bikes. I seem to be drawn to bikes that are, ummm, unusual? I"m not much of a mechanic and my disability pretty much means I don't do much work on my bikes. Sometimes practicality over rules desire.

No decisions yet.

[UncleDirt]

Awesome. I took her out for a 600 mile weekend conference in the San Juan Range, and as soon as the meetings were out, off to the bike I'd go. Forest Service road of about 60 miles, some gravel, but mostly rain rutted and dried clay roads. Poked around the Mountains, the town, and took pictures. Great weekend, great bike.









But, on the way home, she started to act like she wanted to die at stop signs. Never did, but that was due to my catching it with the throttle.

Then, outside of Pueblo running 85mph on I-25, she lost major power and was clearly running on one cylinder, if that. Got off the highway and shut her off she sounded so bad. I went to start her again when stopped, in order to start diagnosis, but there was NO power to the dash lights, nothing. Completely dead.

Pushed her over to the shade of a tree and for some reason tried the key again. All normal. WTF? Hit the starter and she fired right up and ran beautiful. So I went home, with a stop at the Pueblo Air Museum. No problems.



Next day, went to a neighboring town for something, and she started acting up again. I pulled over in a wide spot, and shut her down. I thought I'd just cycle the switch and she'd pop back to life again. No dice. No power at all, and she would not come back at all. Okay, seat off, get tools, and start to poke around. Now, I'm on the side of the road and wanting to go home, so I naturally look for the simple things, like a positive battery wire coming loose or something. I absentmindedly flip open a tiny plastic flap on a small box next to the battery, and discover a fusible link.

This link, was just a tiny strip of metal, like a butterfly band-aid, and was rated for 30 amps. And yes, there was a hairline crack in the fuse area. Ahh, the intermittent contact is explained.

So I look, and sure enough, old man Honda had put a spare in the box 30 years ago.

Boom, all fixy-fixied and all is better now.

How wonderfully simple it is to work on this bike, what little I've needed to.
Peace.

[tjoseph]

Purolator ML16807. 2.7" outter diameter; .7" inner diameter; 1.8" tall, hole straight through; two o-rings in each box (for filter housing and bolt?). If these fit your CX, and you want them, just PM me an address and they're yours. If they don't fit the CX, I'd appreciate you letting me know. Thanks.

[johns]

Originally Posted by UncleDirt

.. These pics illustrate clearly that riding a motorcycle is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on

[DaveF-]

That main fuse is a nuisance - replace it with a blade type automotive fuse and never worry about it again.

Here is a relatively recent photo of my GL.

[Laconic]

Good way to spend a conference.

[bk brkr baker]

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82 honda silver wing 500cc - $750 (st cloud)

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Date: 2012-05-06, 10:26AM EDT
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priced to go new frnt tire, and battery, keep on tender while bikes been outta comission bike does not run will turn over but not start need money for next months rent great bike when working shaft driven alittle over 20,000 miles spedo broke at 18+k miles need this money asap please call 904 502 9960

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[UncleDirt]

If I'm not mistaken, the right side cover says CX 500.

But hell, if it has a title, I'd offer $500. Could be simple, could be a major pita.

[UncleDirt]

Originally Posted by DaveF-

That main fuse is a nuisance - replace it with a blade type automotive fuse and never worry about it again.

Here is a relatively recent photo of my GL.

I need to find one of those rear box extender thingies. I like using the box, and the wife has decided she likes going for rides.

[south]

The bike that started it all--1st year 1978 CX500. Mechanical cooling fan driven off the cam, stator-powered ignition.

as purchased:



now: