VT 500 C

1985 Honda VT 500 C Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Honda's classic motorcycle lineup, the 1985 Honda VT 500 C features a 491 cc (30 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 42 Nm (31 lb-ft) at 7,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 101.8 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 VT 500 C measures 201 kg (443 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.25 HP/kg (4.02 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 770 mm (30.3 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,490 mm (58.7 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 11.5-liter (3 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 177 km/h (110 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Honda archive, this model family spans 5 indexed model years from 1983 to 1987, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.