Honda CB500 twin

This article is about the Honda CB500 twin cylinder model. For the CB500 4-cylinder model, see Honda CB500. For the 1970s model, see Honda CB500T.

Honda CB500

Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1993-2003
Successor	CBF500
Class	Naked bike
Engine	499 cc parallel twin
Transmission	Chain
Brakes	Brembo/Nissin, Front: 296 mm single disk, Rear: 240 mm single disk
Tires	110/80-17" 57H front, 130/80-17 65H rear
Rake, trail	27°20', 113 mm
Wheelbase	1430 mm
Dimensions	L 2090 mm W 720 mm H 1050 mm
Seat height	775 mm
Weight	170 kg (dry)
Fuel capacity	18 l

The Honda CB500 is a naked motorcycle which was produced by Honda from 1993 to 2003. It is popular with riding schools and motorcycle couriers and is suited as a commuter bike. It is raced in the United Kingdom in the Honda CB500 Cup. A half-faired variant called the Honda CB500S was produced from 1998 to 2003. Production of the original CB500 ceased in 2003 as the engine could not meet Euro 2 emission regulations. A completely new model was introduced in 2013, with three slightly different configurations: the CBR500R, CB500F, and CB500X. This is a global motorcycle, which Honda sells world-wide in the same configurations.

Engine

The 499 cc parallel twin DOHC engine was designed, according to Honda engineers, to last for 300,000 km (190,000 miles). One bike was tested by Moto Revue from 1993 to 1996. Dismantled at 50,000 km (31,000 miles), the engine was in perfect condition. At 100,000 km (62,000 miles) only the distribution chain and the pistons were replaced, although, in the tester's opinion, it could have run with the original parts for longer with no problems.

Type	Aluminium liquid-cooled eight-valve parallel twin with balancer shaft
Capacity	499 cc
Bore x stroke	73 mm × 59.5 mm (2.9 in × 2.34 in)
Compression	10.5:1
Camshafts	Dual overhead cams, chain driven
Carbs	2 x 34mm flat-slide Keihin VPs
Ignition	Digital transistorised, electronic advance
Clutch	Wet multi-plate
Fuel	Unleaded petrol 91 octane minimum

Model History

CB500-R (1994-1995)

First model. Naked version only, rear drum brake. Nissin front brake. Made in Japan.

CB500-T (1996)

No significant changes. Some of these were made in Italy.

CB500-V (November 1996)

Front brake changes to Brembo, rear brake changes to Brembo disk brake. Silver wheels. CB500 cup race series starts. Special silver model with cup logo introduced. Production moved to Italy.

CB500-W & CB500S-W (1998)

CB500-W (naked bike). CB500-SW first 'sport' half-faired model with new headlight, clocks and bar layout.

CB500-X & CB500S-X (December 1998)

No technical changes.

CB500-Y & CB500S-Y (2000-2003)

No technical changes.

CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X (2013-)

In 2012, at the EICMA show in Milan, Honda announced the CBR500R (sport), CB500F (naked) and CB500X (adventure-style) motorcycles. The CBR500R and CB500F were released in April 2013, with the CB500X in July 2013.

All bikes have a six-speed transmission and a 471 cc (29 cu in) straight-twin engine with a bore and stroke of 67.0 mm × 66.8 mm (2.64 in × 2.63 in) producing power of 48 PS (35 kW; 47 hp) at 8,500 rpm and torque of 4.4 kg·m (43 N·m; 32 lb·ft) at 7,000 rpm. This power output was designed to come in under the European driving licence A2 requirements, but Honda has maintained the same power output for all markets. ABS braking is available as an option on all three models. The CB500X has slightly more front suspension travel and a slightly larger fuel tank. All the other differences between the models are in the riding position and bodywork.