CB 500

1996 Honda CB 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Honda's naked motorcycle platform, the 1996 Honda CB 500 pairs a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) twin, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 58 HP (42.3 kW) at 9,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 47 Nm (34.7 lb-ft) at 8,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 116.2 HP per liter and a 1,500 rpm working window between peak torque (8,000 rpm) and peak power (9,500 rpm), the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the CB 500 measures 172 kg (379 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.34 HP/kg (2.97 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 775 mm (30.5 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance.

Within MotoLibrary's Honda archive, this model family spans 10 indexed model years from 1994 to 2003, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.