1982 GL-500 Interstate

I was looking at this bike on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7932679403 .

Can anyone tell me what kind of reliability to expect for this model? Are
there any component on these that have high failure rates? What is a
reasonable price to pay for this bike. I went to take a look at it and it
actually looks better than the pictures. Thanks in advance.

Mike Breslin

 

It's a CX engine. Alternators go, but the camchain was sorted by the
time the GL came along.

Just usual mileage abuse. Oh, and it's the most overweight underpowered
bike in the world, is the GL500. I mean, half a Gold Wing fairing on a
CX500, ferchrissakes.

 

If you check the directory of CX/GL500s on the net, you'll see plenty of
examples with over 100,000 miles on them. (one claim of over a million, buy
hey, its the internet) As TOG said, heavy and underpowered (I have a CX500
and the same is true), and they seem exceptionally 'overbuilt', but stone
reliable and interesting. Drawbacks? Well, with the transverse twin engine
arrangement, you end up pulling the engine for things like changing a water
pump seal. But pulling the engine is very easy. Oh, and the 'barrels' are
part of the crankcase. Makes a rebore a rather complicated process.
I have a 25 year old CX500 Custom that I keep running as a 'back-up bike'
and a loaner, but I can't explain why I chose it in any rational terms.
If you enjoy hearing people say "WTF is THAT?", then get it.
There's nothing 'wrong' with them; they're just not exceptional, I don't
think.
Brent

 

I appreciate the responses guys.

I decided to take a pass on it. His reserver is $1600, a little on the high
side for a 22 (23?) year old bike.

Thanks

Mike Breslin

 

Not out of court, though, if the bike is in excellent condition. But of
all the CX models, my positive last pick would be the GL.

 

As others have stated, those bikes were built to last. I've owned both a
CX500 and a GL500 and aside from the engine not being up to riding 70 mph
through the Texas Hill Country, I really liked them.

One item that does have a high failure rate if the bike sits for long
periods of time is the water pump seal. The seal is cheap, but you have to
drop the engine out to replace it ($$$!). If the seal is leaking, pass the
bike up unless you can get it for less that $1,000.

Carl