1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1980 - 81 | - |
| Colours | - | Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black |
| Make Model | Honda CX 500 | - |
| Warranty | - | 12 Month Limited Warranty |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | - | 145 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | - | 5.7 inches |
| Seat Height | - | 785 mm / 30.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | - | 1369 mm / 53.9 in. |
| Height | - | 1054 mm / 41.5 in. |
| Length | - | 1989 mm / 78.3 in. |
| Width | - | 800 mm / 31.5 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 205 kg / 452 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.4 US gal | 14.00 litres / 3.70 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 165.0 kg / 363.8 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h / 112 mph | 147.0 km/h / 91.3 mph |
| Max Power | 50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | 38.0 Nm (3.9 kgf-m or 28.0 ft.lbs) @ 8000 Revolutions" |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec / 93 mph | - |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 2.8 x 2.0 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 70.0 x 51.8 mm |
| Engine Type | - | Twin, four-stroke |
| Fuel Control | - | Overhead Cams (OHC) |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 24.35 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 399.0 cc |
| Displacement | 497 cc / 30.3 cu-in | - |
| Engine Detail | 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 | - |
| Bore x Stroke | 78 x 52 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Consumption | 43 mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 2x 34mm Keihin carbs. | - |
| Ignition | CDI | - |
| Starter | Electric | - |
| Valve System | - | 2 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, 5-speed | - |
| Final Drive | Shaft | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | - | 5-speed |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Suspension - Front | 33mm Showa telehydraulic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Suspension - Rear | Swinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbers | Uni-Trak® swingarm |
| Rake | - | 24.5° |
| Trail | - | 94 mm / 3.7 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 132 mm / 5.1 in | 119 mm / 4.7 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 84 mm / 3.3 in | 130 mm / 5.1 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 275mm discs | Single disc |
| Brakes - Rear | 160mm Drum | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 3.25-19 | 110/70-17M |
| Tyres - Rear | 3.75-18 | - |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 1981 Honda CX 500 and the 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
1981 Honda CX 500 - Advantages
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 132 mm vs 119 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS - Advantages
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 130 mm vs 84 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1981 Honda CX 500 and 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS?
The 1981 Honda CX 500 uses 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, while the 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 Honda CX 500 has the edge in higher front wheel travel, while the 2019 Kawasaki Z 400 ABS stands out for higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.