Honda CB500 twins were a family of medium-sized standard motorcycles produced by Honda from 1993 until 2003. Because of their low cost, reliability, and good handling they were popular with commuters, and Motorcycle couriers.[1] They were also raced in the United Kingdom in the Honda CB500 Cup (changed its name in 2009 to the Thundersport 500 when Suzuki GS500 and Kawasaki ER-5 were included).[1]

Honda CB500 twin (1993 through 2003)
caption = CB500R - Sebring Evolution exhaust
ManufacturerHonda
SuccessorCBF500
ClassMotorcycle
EngineType : 2-cylinder four-stroke in - line engine , DOHC
499cc
Bore / stroke73 x 59.5 mm
Compression ratio10.5 : 1
Top speed193 km/h
Power42.5 kW (57 hp) at 9500 rpm
Torque47 Nm at 8000 rpm
Ignition typecontactless digital
Transmission6-speed
Gear ratios:
Sprocket / Sprocket: 15/40 teeth
Primary: 1,947
Secondary: 2,666
1st gear: 3,461
2nd gear: 2,235
3rd gear: 1,750
4th gear: 1,478
5th gear: 1,280
6th gear: 1,130
BrakesFront: single disc brake Ø 296 mm with double piston caliper from Nissin (PC 26 + PC 32 (1996)
Or
Brembo (PC 32, from model year 1997)
Rear: drum brake Ø 160 mm (PC 26 + PC 32 (1996)
Or
Single disc brake Ø 240 mm (PC 32, from model year 1997)
TiresFront: 110/80-17 57H
Rear: 130/80-17 65H
Wheelbase1430 mm
DimensionsL: 2170 mm
W: 720 mm
H: 1050 mm
Seat height77.5
Weight170 kg (dry)
Fuel capacity(with reserve) = 18 L
(reserve tank) = 2.5 L
Fuel consumption5.8 L/100 km or 17.2 km/L
Range315 km
Footnotes / references
Haynes Honda CB500 Service and Repair Manual by Phil Mather

The half-faired Honda CB500S was introduced in 1998. Production of the first CB500 twin range ceased in 2003 as the engines could not meet Euro 2 emission regulations.[1]

According to Honda engineers, the 499 cc parallel twin DOHC engine was designed to last for 300,000 km (190,000 miles). One motorcycle was tested by Moto Revue from 1993 through 1996. Dismantled at 50,000 km (31,000 miles), the engine was in perfect condition. At 100,000 km (62,000 miles) only the cam 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.[2]

Model history edit

1994: CB500R naked version launched. Rear drum brake. Nissin front disk brake. Made in Japan.[1]

1995: No change

1996: CB500T. No significant changes. Some CB500Ts made in Italy.

1996, November: CB500V. Brakes changed to Brembo. Rear drum brake changed to disk. Silver wheels. CB500 cup race series introduced. Special silver model with cup logo introduced. Production moved to Italy.

1998: CB500W naked version. CB500SW 'sport' half-faired version with new headlight introduced. New instruments and handlebar layout.

1998, December: CB500X, CB500SX. No technical changes.

2000 through 2003: CB500Y, CB500SY. No technical changes.

Specification (CB500Y 2003) edit

Engine type 8v parallel twin,[1] 180-degree crankshaft
Engine cooling Liquid
Number of cylinders 2
Valves per cylinder 4
Valve actuation Double overhead cam
Cam drive Chain
Capacity 499 cc (30.5 cu in)[1]
Bore x stroke 73 mm × 59.5 mm (2.87 in × 2.34 in)
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max rpm 10500
Power 57 hp (43 kW)[1]
Torque 35 lb⋅ft (47 N⋅m)[1]
Fueling 2 of 34mm flat-slide Keihin VPs carburetors
Ignition Digital transistorised
Clutch Wet multi-plate
Gearbox 6 speed synchromesh
Final drive Chain
Fuel capacity 18L[1]
Frame Steel tubular cradle[1]
Suspension Front: conventional forks, preload. Rear: swinging arm, twin shock absorbers[1]
Tyres Front: 110/80-17" 57H. Rear: 130/80-17 65H[1]
Brakes Brembo Front: 296 mm single disk. Rear: 240 mm single disk[1]
Dimensions Length: 2,090 mm (82 in) Width:720 mm (28 in) Height:1,050 mm (41 in)
Wheelbase 1,430 mm (56 in)
Rake_trail 27°20', 113 mm (4.4 in)
seat_height 775 mm (30.5 in)
Weight (dry) 173 kg (381 lb)[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "HONDA CB500 (1994-2003) Review". Motorcycle News.
  2. ^ "Moto Revue article" (in French). Moto Revue.