Positioned in Honda's naked motorcycle lineup, the 1999 Honda CB 500 utilizes a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) liquid-cooled twin, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 57 HP (41.6 kW) at 9,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 34.7 Nm (25.6 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 114.2 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 173 kg (381 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.33 HP/kg (3.04 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, combined with a 1,435 mm (56.5 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 18-liter (4.8 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 5.5 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 327 km (203 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 193 km/h (120 mph).
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.
Specific Output
114.2 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.33 HP/kg (3.04 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
8,000–9,500 rpm
Theoretical Range
~327 km (203 mi)
Engine
Displacement499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke
Engine DetailsTwin, four-stroke
Power57.0 HP (41.6 kW)) @ 9500 RPM
Torque34.7 Nm (3.5 kgf-m or 25.6 ft.lbs) @ 8000 RPM
Valves/Cylinder4
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin 2 x 34 mm VP type
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
IgnitionDigital transistorised with electronic advance
CoolingLiquid
Max RPM10500
Transmission
Gearbox6-speed
Final DriveChain (final drive)
ClutchWet multi-plate, calbe-operated
Performance
Top Speed193.0 km/h (119.9 mph)
0-400m13.50 seconds
Fuel Consumption5.50 litres/100 km (18.2 km/l or 42.77 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases127.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradle of tubular and box-section steel construction
Rake27.0°
Trail113 mm (4.4 inches)
Front Suspension37 mm oil-damped telescopic forks
Front Travel115 mm (4.5 inches)
Rear SuspensionTwin shoks acting on a steel, box-section swingarm
Rear Travel117 mm (4.6 inches)
Wheelbase1435 mm (56.5 inches)
Ground Clearance145 mm (5.7 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre110/80-17 57H
Rear Tyre130/80-17 65H
Front BrakesSingle disc. Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper
Front Brake Ø296 mm (11.7 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc. Brembo single piston sliding caliper
Rear Brake Ø240 mm (9.4 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight173.0 kg (381.4 pounds)
Power/Weight0.3295 HP/kg
Seat Height775 mm (30.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
