Honda GL 500 Silver Wing vs Honda FT 500 (1983)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda GL 500 Silver Wingstacks up against the Honda FT 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda GL 500 Silver WingHonda FT 500
Model year19831983
Price
Engine497 cc497 cc
Horsepower50 hp27 hp
Fuel capacity5.3 L3.6 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesDual discSingle disc
Rear brakesExpanding brakeSingle disc
Tires3.50-19 / 130/90-16 3.50-18 / 4.25-18

Honda GL 500 Silver Wing vs Honda FT 500 — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda GL 500 Silver Wing and the Honda FT 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda GL 500 Silver Wing brings 50 hp, while the Honda FT 500 counters with 27 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: