1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2007 Suzuki SV 650S
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1980 - 81 | - |
| Colours | - | Blue, Red |
| Make Model | Honda CX 500 | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | - | 6.1 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | - | 155 mm |
| Seat Height | - | 800 mm / 31.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | - | 1,430 mm / 56.3 in. |
| Height | - | 1,170 mm / 46.1 in. |
| Length | - | 2,085 mm / 82.1 in. |
| Width | - | 730 mm / 28.7 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 205 kg / 452 lbs | 169 kg / 372.6 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.4 US gal | 17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h / 112 mph | - |
| Max Power | 50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | - |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec / 93 mph | - |
| Engine |
| Fuel Control | - | DOHC |
| Stroke | - | 4 |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 3.2 x 2.5 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 81.0 x 62.6 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 645.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 39.36 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | - | V2 |
| 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 | - |
| Fuel System | - | Injection |
| Bore x Stroke | 78 x 52 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Wet Sump |
| Fuel Consumption | 43 mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 2x 34mm Keihin carbs. | - |
| Ignition | CDI | Digital/Transistorized |
| Starter | Electric | - |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, 5-speed | - |
| Final Drive | Shaft | Chain |
| Gearbox | - | 6-speed |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Suspension - Front | 33mm Showa telehydraulic fork | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable preload |
| Suspension - Rear | Swinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbers | Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 132 mm / 5.1 in | - |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 84 mm / 3.3 in | - |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 275mm discs | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | 160mm Drum | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 3.25-19 | 120/60-ZR17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 3.75-18 | 160/60-ZR17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2007 Suzuki SV 650S
The 2007 Suzuki SV 650S edges out the 1981 Honda CX 500 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1981 Honda CX 500 - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 1981 Honda CX 500 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
2007 Suzuki SV 650S - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 169 kg vs 205 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2007 Suzuki SV 650S - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1981 Honda CX 500 and 2007 Suzuki SV 650S?
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 2007 Suzuki SV 650S is powered by V2.
Which is lighter, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2007 Suzuki SV 650S?
The 2007 Suzuki SV 650S is lighter at 169 kg compared to 205 kg for the 1981 Honda CX 500 - a difference of 36 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2007 Suzuki SV 650S?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 Honda CX 500 has its own strengths, while the 2007 Suzuki SV 650S stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.