Honda CX500 (1981)

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The Honda CX500 was first released in 1978 as a touring motorcycle designed for long distance riding. In 1981, the bike received some updates including improved suspension and increased horsepower. The engine is a four-stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder design with a camshaft nestled at the base of the V between the cylinders. It has OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrods, and a capacity of 497cc. The compression ratio is 10.0:1 and it has 2x 34mm Keihin carbs and CDI ignition. The maximum power output is 50 horsepower at 9,000 RPM and the maximum torque is 46 Nm at 7,000 RPM. The clutch is a wet, multi-plate design with a 5-speed transmission and shaft final drive. The front suspension features a 33mm Showa tele-hydraulic fork with 132mm of wheel travel, while the rear suspension is a swinging arm fork with adjustable shock absorbers and 84mm of wheel travel. The front brakes are dual 275mm discs with a rear 160mm drum brake. The bike has a dry weight of 205kg and a fuel capacity of 17 litres, with an average consumption of 43 mpg. Its top speed is 112 mph with a standing 1/4 mile time of 14.0 seconds at 93 mph.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Honda CX 500

Year: 1981


Engine: Four stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder, camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. ,OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrods
Capacity: 497 cc / 30.3 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 78 x 52 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Induction: 2x 34mm Keihin carbs.
Ignition: CDI
Starting: Electric
Max Power: 50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque: 46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, 5-speed
Transmission: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Shaft
Front Suspension: 33mm Showa telehydraulic fork
Front Wheel Travel: 132 mm / 5.1 in
Rear Suspension: Swinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbers

Rear Wheel Travel: 84 mm / 3.3 in
Front Brakes: 2x 275mm discs
Rear Brakes: 160mm Drum
Front Tyre: 3.25-19
Rear Tyre: 3.75-18
Dry Weight: 205 kg / 452 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 17 Litres / 4.4 US gal
Consumption Average: 43 mpg
Standing 1/4 Mile: 14.0 sec / 93 mph
Top Speed: 112 mph

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