Honda CB500

Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1993-2003
Successor	CBF500
Class	Naked bike
Engine	499 cc parallel twin
Power	57.1 hp at 9500 RPM
Torque	46 Nm at 8000 RPM
Transmission	Chain
Brakes	Brembo/Nissin, Front: 296 mm single disk, Rear: 240 mm single disk
Tires	110/80-17" 57H front, 130/80-17 65H rear
Rake, Trail	27°20', 113 mm
Wheelbase	1430 mm
Dimensions	L 2090 mm W 720 mm H 1050 mm
Seat height	775 mm
Weight	170 kg (dry)
Fuel capacity	18 l

The Honda CB500 is a naked motorcycle which was produced by Honda from 1993 to 2003. It is popular with riding schools and motorcycle couriers and is suited as a commuter bike It is raced in the United Kingdom in the Honda CB500 Cup.^[1] 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 499 cc 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 (31,000 miles), the engine was in perfect condition. At 100,000 km (62,000 miles) 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.^[2]

Model History

CB500-R (1994-1995)

First model. Naked version only, rear drum brake. Nissin front brake. 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. Silver 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). CB500-SW first 'sport' half-faired model with new headlight, clocks and bar layout.

CB500-X & CB500S-X (December 1998)

No technichal changes.

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

No technical changes.

References