BMW R32 vs Honda GL 500 Silver Wing (1983)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R32stacks up against the Honda GL 500 Silver Wing. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R32 | Honda GL 500 Silver Wing |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1926 | 1983 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 9 hp | 50 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 L | 5.3 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 3-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Dual disc |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake |
| Tires | 2.99-26 / 2.99-26 | 3.50-19 / 130/90-16 |
BMW R32 vs Honda GL 500 Silver Wing — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R32 and the Honda GL 500 Silver Wing usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R32 brings 9 hp, while the Honda GL 500 Silver Wing counters with 50 hp.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: