CX 500

1981 Honda CX 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Honda's classic motorcycle platform, the 1981 Honda CX 500 utilizes a 497 cc (30.3 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 50 HP (36.5 kW) at 9,000 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, 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 supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, 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.