Honda GL 500 Silver Wing vs Honda XBR 500 N (reduced effect) (1985)

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

Spec comparison

SpecHonda GL 500 Silver WingHonda XBR 500 N (reduced effect)
Model year19831985
Price
Engine497 cc498 cc
Horsepower50 hp27 hp
Fuel capacity5.3 L5.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesDual discSingle disc
Rear brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake
Tires3.50-19 / 130/90-16 100/90-18 / 110/90-18

Honda GL 500 Silver Wing vs Honda XBR 500 N (reduced effect) — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda GL 500 Silver Wing and the Honda XBR 500 N (reduced effect) usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda GL 500 Silver Wing brings 50 hp, while the Honda XBR 500 N (reduced effect) 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: