1982 Honda Silverwing 500: Specs & More

by Alex Braham 40 views

The 1982 Honda Silverwing 500 is a classic motorcycle that blends sleek design with reliable performance. Understanding the specifications of this iconic bike can greatly enhance your appreciation and maintenance efforts. This article dives deep into the various aspects of the 1982 Honda Silverwing 500, providing you with a comprehensive overview. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or a new owner, this guide will help you get to know your Silverwing inside and out. Let's explore what makes this motorcycle a standout model from its era.

Engine Specifications

The heart of the 1982 Honda Silverwing 500 lies in its robust engine. Knowing the engine specifications is crucial for maintenance and understanding its performance capabilities. Let's break down the details:

  • Engine Type: The Silverwing 500 features a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, transverse V-twin engine. This configuration provides a good balance of power and smoothness, making it suitable for both city commuting and longer rides. The liquid cooling system helps maintain a consistent operating temperature, enhancing the engine's longevity and reliability.

  • Displacement: The engine has a displacement of 491cc. This displacement offers a sweet spot between manageable power and decent torque, making the bike accessible to a wide range of riders. The 491cc displacement ensures that the bike has enough power for highway cruising while remaining nimble enough for urban traffic.

  • Bore and Stroke: The bore and stroke dimensions are 75mm x 55.6mm. These measurements are essential for understanding the engine's characteristics. The bore refers to the diameter of the cylinder, while the stroke is the distance the piston travels. These values influence the engine's torque and horsepower characteristics.

  • Compression Ratio: The compression ratio is 9.2:1. This ratio is a measure of how much the air-fuel mixture is compressed in the cylinder. A higher compression ratio generally leads to more power but also requires higher octane fuel. The 9.2:1 ratio provides a good balance for performance and fuel efficiency.

  • Fuel System: The bike utilizes dual carburetors. Carburetors are responsible for mixing air and fuel in the correct proportions to ensure efficient combustion. Dual carburetors allow for more precise fuel delivery, improving throttle response and overall engine performance. Maintaining and tuning the carburetors is essential for optimal performance.

  • Ignition System: The ignition system is a transistorized breakerless ignition (TBI). This system provides a reliable and consistent spark, ensuring efficient combustion. TBI systems are more durable and require less maintenance compared to traditional breaker point systems. This contributes to the overall reliability of the Silverwing 500.

  • Starting System: The Silverwing 500 comes with an electric starter. This makes starting the bike easy and convenient, especially in cold weather. Electric starters have become a standard feature on modern motorcycles, providing a hassle-free starting experience.

Drivetrain Specifications

The drivetrain is what transmits the engine's power to the wheels. Here’s a detailed look at the drivetrain specifications of the 1982 Honda Silverwing 500:

  • Transmission: The bike features a 5-speed manual transmission. This allows the rider to select the optimal gear for the current speed and riding conditions. The 5-speed transmission provides a good range of gears for both acceleration and cruising.

  • Clutch: It uses a wet, multi-plate clutch. This type of clutch is immersed in oil, which helps to keep it cool and lubricated. Wet clutches are known for their smooth engagement and durability. Regular oil changes are essential to maintain the clutch's performance.

  • Final Drive: The final drive is a shaft drive. This is a distinctive feature of the Silverwing 500, offering several advantages over chain drives. Shaft drives are cleaner, require less maintenance, and provide a smooth, quiet ride. However, they can be slightly heavier than chain drives.

Chassis Specifications

The chassis provides the structural foundation for the motorcycle. Understanding its specifications helps in assessing the bike's handling and stability:

  • Frame Type: The Silverwing 500 uses a steel frame. Steel frames are known for their strength and durability. They provide a stable platform for the engine and suspension components, contributing to the bike's overall handling characteristics.

  • Front Suspension: The front suspension consists of telescopic forks. Telescopic forks provide damping and support, absorbing bumps and providing a smooth ride. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, is essential to keep the forks performing optimally.

  • Rear Suspension: The rear suspension features dual shock absorbers. These shocks provide damping and support for the rear of the bike, improving ride comfort and handling. Dual shocks are a common design for motorcycles of this era, offering a balance of performance and simplicity.

  • Front Brake: The front brake is a single disc brake. Disc brakes offer superior stopping power compared to drum brakes. A single disc brake provides adequate stopping power for the Silverwing 500, enhancing safety and control.

  • Rear Brake: The rear brake is a drum brake. While not as powerful as disc brakes, drum brakes are reliable and require less maintenance. The combination of a front disc brake and a rear drum brake provides a balanced braking system.

  • Tires: The tire sizes are 100/90-18 for the front and 120/90-16 for the rear. These tire sizes provide a good balance of grip and handling. Selecting the right tires is crucial for optimal performance and safety.

Dimensions and Weight

Knowing the dimensions and weight of the 1982 Honda Silverwing 500 can help you understand its handling characteristics and storage needs:

  • Overall Length: Approximately 86.4 inches (2195 mm).
  • Overall Width: Approximately 31.5 inches (800 mm).
  • Overall Height: Approximately 51.2 inches (1300 mm).
  • Wheelbase: Approximately 59.1 inches (1500 mm). The wheelbase affects the bike's stability and turning radius. A longer wheelbase generally provides more stability, while a shorter wheelbase allows for quicker turning.
  • Seat Height: Approximately 30.7 inches (780 mm). The seat height is an important factor for rider comfort and control. It determines how easily the rider can reach the ground.
  • Dry Weight: Approximately 454 lbs (206 kg). The dry weight is the weight of the bike without fluids. This is an important factor affecting the bike's handling and acceleration.
  • Fuel Capacity: Approximately 3.7 gallons (14 liters). The fuel capacity determines the bike's range between fill-ups. A larger fuel capacity is beneficial for longer rides.

Electrical Specifications

The electrical system powers various components of the motorcycle. Here are the key electrical specifications:

  • Battery: Typically a 12-volt battery. The battery provides the electrical power needed to start the bike and run its electrical components. Maintaining the battery is essential for reliable starting.

  • Charging System: The bike uses an alternator to charge the battery while the engine is running. The alternator ensures that the battery remains charged, even when using electrical accessories.

  • Headlight: The headlight provides illumination for night riding. A properly functioning headlight is essential for safety. Upgrading to an LED headlight can improve visibility.

  • Taillight and Brake Light: These lights provide visibility to other drivers. Ensuring that these lights are functioning correctly is crucial for safety.

  • Turn Signals: Turn signals indicate the rider's intentions to turn. These are essential for safe lane changes and turns.

Performance

The 1982 Honda Silverwing 500 offers a balanced performance suitable for various riding conditions:

  • Horsepower: Approximately 48 horsepower. This provides ample power for both city commuting and highway cruising. The horsepower rating reflects the engine's ability to do work.

  • Torque: Approximately 30 lb-ft of torque. Torque is a measure of the engine's pulling power. The Silverwing 500's torque output provides good acceleration and pulling power.

  • Top Speed: Approximately 100 mph (160 km/h). The top speed is the maximum speed the bike can achieve. The Silverwing 500's top speed is sufficient for most riding conditions.

  • Fuel Economy: Approximately 50-60 mpg (miles per gallon). Fuel economy is an important factor for cost of ownership. The Silverwing 500's fuel economy is quite good, making it an economical choice for commuting and touring.

Additional Features and Considerations

Beyond the core specifications, there are a few additional features and considerations that can enhance your ownership experience:

  • Instrumentation: The bike features a speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge. These instruments provide essential information to the rider.

  • Comfort: The Silverwing 500 offers a comfortable riding position, making it suitable for longer rides. The seat is well-padded, and the handlebars are positioned for a relaxed riding posture.

  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep the Silverwing 500 running smoothly. This includes oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule will help prolong the life of the bike.

  • Availability of Parts: Parts for the 1982 Honda Silverwing 500 can be found through online retailers, motorcycle salvage yards, and specialized vintage motorcycle shops. While some parts may be harder to find, a dedicated search will often yield the necessary components.

  • Community and Resources: Joining online forums and owner groups can provide valuable resources and support. These communities offer a wealth of information, tips, and advice for maintaining and restoring the Silverwing 500.

Understanding the 1982 Honda Silverwing 500 specs is essential for any owner or enthusiast. From its engine and drivetrain to its chassis and electrical system, each component plays a crucial role in the bike's overall performance and reliability. By familiarizing yourself with these specifications, you can better appreciate and maintain this iconic motorcycle. Whether you're performing routine maintenance or embarking on a restoration project, this guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you along the way. Ride safe and enjoy the journey!