Topic: A beginner's thoughts on the CB500K0 vs. GL650 Silverwing

[drj434343]

Thought it might be fun to post a few thoughts on the CB500K0 vs. GL650 (1983). 

I'm new to bikes, and have put about 500 miles on my CB500K0 since purchased in August.  Before that, I trained on a 200cc Yamaha, and had never ridden any other bikes.

This weekend I picked up a 1983 GL650 Silverwing for a friend and drove it 120 miles home.

I was immediately struck with the riding differences.  It's hard to believe I could have been so spoiled in a mere 500 miles, but when I got on the 650, I couldn't believe how rough and lumpy 2 cylinders felt in comparison to the butter of an SOHC four.  The incessant vibration at speed noticeably increased fatigue on the ride back home.  When I'd sit idling at a stoplight, I'd look down at the rattling and shaking gauges, bars, and tank and wonder how anyone could stand such an unrefined bike.

At speed, the 650 was noticeably top heavy, and felt much less sure footed into curves.  The suspension, while softer, felt floaty and imprecise.  It really felt like much more of a balancing act to keep the bike upright and moving in the direction I wanted.  The extra weight of the 650 probably made it worse.

I ended the day amazed at how sure footed and stable the CB500 was in comparison.

[Schnell]

Oh, I don't know. Complaining about the vibration of a twin is like complaining about the wind blowing in your face. It's just part of the experience. Glad that you found a bike that you like though!

[mono]

you also have to consider that the GL may need a bit of maintenance, but i'm sure its a much different ride.   i'm super happy with my agile little 550. 

[drj434343]

The only observation I had that can be confirmed by others more experienced is the top heavy nature of the bike.  Period reviews of the CX series indicate that's a common theme.

You're right though, everything else could be due to some maintenance issues.  The bike is getting a full tune up this week, so I'll know at the end of the week if ridability changes drastically.

[singedebile]

My friend had a CX500 Custom and I really enjoyed ridding it... radically different ridding style then my bike, but I really came to enjoy that chug chug of the motor, laid back seating, and torque.... I wont be selling my bike any time soon, but my friends CX500 was definitely a motorcycle.. and still included much of what I love about ridding.

[fmctm1sw]

The first thing I noticed about my CX500 was the vibration at idle.  Kind of goes with the turf though with the twins I guess but I do like the way it sounds.  I should have it on the road here soon.  The CX/GL bikes have a following too at the CX/GL forums...

[drj434343]

I was briefly a member on the CX500 forum, as I considered those bikes as well.  Very cool engine setup, with some modern touches like shaft drive and water cooling.

Also, it definitely had much more torque than the 500 four, especially right off the line.  Made it a little easier to zip around town.

[LesterPiglet]

CX500's were the bike of choice for dispatch riders in the UK. Irish police also used CX customs for a while...poor buggers.

[cb650]

Also if its a "silverwing" it should be a dresser with all the extra BS.