Honda CB500 twin

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Honda CB500


aka =
manufacturer = Honda
parent_company =
production = 1993-2003
predecessor =
successor = CBF500
class = Naked bike
engine = 499 cc parallel twin
power = 57.1 hp
torque = 46 Nm at 8000 RPM
transmission = Chain
suspension =
brakes = Brembo/Nissin
tires = 110/80-17" 57H front, 130/80-17 65H rear
rake_trail = 27°20', 113 mm
wheelbase = 1430 mm
length= 2090 mm
width= 720 mm
height= 1050 mm
seat_height = 775 mm
dry_weight = 170 kg
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity = 18 l
related =
similar = GS500 ER-5

The Honda CB500 is a naked motorbike which was produced by Honda from 1993 to 2003. It is an excellent beginners bike, with outstanding maneuverability for its size. It is very popular with riding schools and motorcycle couriers, as well with Brasil's President Escort & Protection Unit. It is highly suited as a commuter bike, especially when fitted with a windshield for extended high speed riding. It is raced in the UK in the Honda CB500 Cup. [http://groups.msn.com/CB500CLUB/history.msnw] CB500 Club]

A half-faired variant called the Honda CB500S was produced from 1998 to 2003.

Production ceased in 2003 as the engine could not meet Euro 2 emission regulations.

Engine

The 499cc parallel twin DOHC engine was designed, according to Honda engineers, to last for 300,000 km. One bike was tested by Moto Revue from 1993 to 1996. Dismantled at 50,000 km, the engine was in perfect condition. At 100,000 km only the distribution chain and the pistons were replaced, although, in the tester's opinion, it could have run with the original parts for longer with no problems. [http://xavier26.free.fr/cb500/150000/150000.php] Moto Revue article]

Model History

CB500-R (1994-1995)

First model. Naked version only, rear drum brake. Silver wheels. Nissin front brake. Available in black, red, green and blue. Made in Japan.

CB500-T (1996)

No significant changes. Some of these were made in Italy.

CB500-V (November 1996)

Front brake changes to Brembo, rear brake changes to Brembo disk brake. Gold wheels. CB500 cup race series starts. Special silver model with cup logo introduced. Production moved to Italy.

CB500-W & CB500S-W (1998)

CB500-W (naked bike) now available in red, yellow, black and silver. CB500-SW first 'sport' half-faired model with new headlight, clocks and bar layout. Came in red, yellow and black.

CB500-X & CB500S-X (December 1998)

No changes.

CB500-Y & CB500S-Y (2000-2003)

Colours change to black, red and metallic blue.

References