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[PAPA T]

Found a 1983 Silverwing from a family friend 3,000 miles but hasn't been started in 15 yrs.

What should I look for or be wary of?   Its only $700 but I dont want to spend $5,000 to get it running.


Any advice appreciated.

Tim

[mjb765]

Just to scratch the surface...was it put away properly? Gas drained? The first thing would be drain and refill with fresh fuel. Then there is a good chance that the hoses would be dry rotted. Poosilby leaks at the carb from dry gaskets and seals. Not to mention the tires are probably dry rotted as well. And you would need to change all the fluids.  I have seen vehicles that have not run in a long time start right up after good fuel is added, but without going throught the entire thing I would be nervous about going anywhere with it.

If you really want it, it might make a nice little project...Good Luck.....

[Chains]

Carbs will need rebuilt, if it has a fuel pump that too can be bad as well as tires, electrical items that mice got to as well.  Disc brake issues and case leaks, mufflers rotted inside will burn out, the list goes on.

OR if you are lucky and it was run dry of fuel, it may run after a new battery, tires will be dry rotted and minor electrical.  Bought a 1990 GL1500 with a two person side car with 20k on it put about a K in it and sold it for 3 times what I gave for it, sometimes you luck out.  (Less than 3 years ago)

Just my take, but for the money if it looks good and is not locked up I would buy it, don't expect to make much on it, not the most desirable bike unless you plan on making it into a cafe racer then they are pretty cool.

Keep us posted.

[mjb765]

Carbs will need rebuilt, if it has a fuel pump that too can be bad as well as tires, electrical items that mice got to as well.  Disc brake issues and case leaks, mufflers rotted inside will burn out, the list goes on.

OR if you are lucky and it was run dry of fuel, it may run after a new battery, tires will be dry rotted and minor electrical.  Bought a 1990 GL1500 with a two person side car with 20k on it put about a K in it and sold it for 3 times what I gave for it, sometimes you luck out.

Just my take, but for the money if it looks good and is not locked up I would by it, don't expect to make much on it, not the most desirable bike unless you plan on making it into a cafe racer then they are pretty cool.

Keep us posted.

Totally forgot about the battery.....yep..you need one of them also

[robertg]

The carbs will be all gummed up and the brake fluid will need to be changed. Check the tank for rust also. Parts should be pretty easy to find, they made that engine from 78-82 in a 500, and 83 was a 650 from what I remember. Most Honda products from that area were well made.

It's only worth $700.00 if it is looks good. Cosmetic parts may be difficult to find and expensive.

[PAPA T]

It has been garage stored and was just parked after a ride and never ridden again. It is in great cosmetic shape not a single mar in the paint other than normal use scratches which will probably buff out. Seat is in remarkable condition and soft as butter.

Is there a difference between 500 and 500I ?   He said he will find original paperwork he cant remember which it was (He's 76)

[Gank]

I had one of those, but the stripped down version in 500... excellent bike.  Y type motor, water cooled and shaft drive.  they made a turbo that was really fast.  I understand the Silver Wing was a 650.  Great little bike, if it looks good, the other stuff is easy to fix up.. for 700 it would be sold.  Great bike for a woman.. bags and low seat... if I recall with the tour pack on it was a single seater

[Gecko]

Before I'd buy it I'd pull the plugs, squirt some magic elixor (Marvel's, or other lube) into the cylinders, come back the next day, put it top gear and see if the engine will move when you rock the bike forward and backward.  It probably will, but better to find out if the rings are rung to the walls or the bearings are seized now than later.  Interesting bike.

[SBB]

It has been garage stored and was just parked after a ride and never ridden again. It is in great cosmetic shape not a single mar in the paint other than normal use scratches which will probably buff out. Seat is in remarkable condition and soft as butter.

Is there a difference between 500 and 500I ?   He said he will find original paperwork he cant remember which it was (He's 76)

PAPA

With 700 invested add another 300 and for a grand you have a bike that will last forever.
Motorwise those bikes will last forever. They are still used everyday in third world countries.
Clean it up and ride it. It probably won't go 128 so you should be safe.

 

SBB

[cvobiker]

Drain all the oils replace with kerosene, fill the cylinders with Marvel Mystery Oil and let all that sit for 24 hours. At the same time, spray about an 1/8 can of WD40 in the carbs, get a fresh new battery, check tires, brakes, and all safety features, fix as needed. After the 24hr soaking, replace all fluids, prime the carbs and spin the starter. If she runs   check for leaks and odd noises. If all looks and sounds good take her for a real slow spring around the block to check the drive train in motion. Come back, check for more leaks and any odd noises. Address/fix anything leaking or not operating properly, hopefully you don have motor and tyranny issues.  That's a nice bike and should be fun  
Good luck and enjoy your new toy 

[Midnight Rider]

I had the 500cc "Deluxe" version of that bike back in 1980 or so...rode it daily and all over North Georgia with camping gear strapped wherever I could strap it on.  Great bike...bulletproof.  For $700, it would be a fun project, and make a great commuter bike or shorter trip solo bike.  It's been a long time, but I remember the bike being very smooth (no vibration) and handling pretty well for it's time.  Easy to maintain as well.

[reo]

I had a CX500 turbo, pretty fast bike. They told me it would red line in the last gear and guess what....it did. Same engine as your looking at and with the turbo it would run with most liter bikes in that day. Ran the crud out of that bike with little maintenence, liquid cooled shaft drive and fuel injection on mine and just drove it to work every day with no problems. Good luck with your purchase.....Roy

[dartman]

Found a 1983 Silverwing from a family friend 3,000 miles but hasn't been started in 15 yrs.

What should I look for or be wary of?   Its only $700 but I dont want to spend $5,000 to get it running.


Any advice appreciated.

Tim

Grab it, one tough little machine