At the heart of the 1979 Honda CX 500 allround motorcycle, Honda features a 497 cc (30.3 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 50 HP (36.5 kW) at 9,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 46 Nm (33.9 lb-ft) at 7,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 100.6 HP per liter and a 2,000 rpm working window between peak torque (7,000 rpm) and peak power (9,000 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 CX 500 measures 221 kg (487 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.23 HP/kg (4.42 kg per horsepower). The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 5.88 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 289 km (180 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 176 km/h (109 mph).
Within MotoLibrary's Honda archive, this model family spans 5 indexed model years from 1978 to 1982, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
100.6 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.23 HP/kg (4.42 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
7,000–9,000 rpm
Theoretical Range
~289 km (180 mi)
Engine
Displacement497.0 ccm (30.33 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Power50.0 HP (36.5 kW)) @ 9000 RPM
Torque46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 33.9 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM
Compression10.0:1
Bore x Stroke78.0 x 52.0 mm (3.1 x 2.0 inches)
Valves/Cylinder4
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin, 34mm
Fuel ControlOverhead Valves (OHV)
IgnitionCDI
CoolingLiquid
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
ClutchWet, multi-plate
Performance
Top Speed176.0 km/h (109.4 mph)
0-400m14.00 seconds
Fuel Consumption5.88 litres/100 km (17.0 km/l or 40.00 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases136.4 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Front SuspensionShowa telehydraulic fork, 33 mm
Front Travel132 mm (5.2 inches)
Rear SuspensionSwinging arm with adjustable shock absorbers
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.
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.
