1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2004 Yamaha FZ6
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1980 - 81 | - |
| Colours | - | Lava red, Midnight black, Silver ice |
| Make Model | Honda CX 500 | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | - | 5.7 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | - | 145 mm |
| Seat Height | - | 795 mm / 31.3 in. |
| Wheelbase | - | 1,440 mm / 56.7 in. |
| Height | - | 1,215 mm / 47.8 in. |
| Length | - | 2,095 mm / 82.5 in. |
| Width | - | 750 mm / 29.5 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 205 kg / 452 lbs | 180 kg / 396.8 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.4 US gal | - |
| 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 | 63.10 Nm (6.4 kgf-m or 46.5 ft.lbs) @ 10000 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | - | 0.5364 HP/kg |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec / 93 mph | - |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 65.5 x 44.5 mm |
| Engine Type | - | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 36.61 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 600.00 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 2.6 x 1.8 inches |
| 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 | 12.2:1 |
| Fuel Consumption | 43 mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 2x 34mm Keihin carbs. | - |
| Ignition | CDI | - |
| Starter | Electric | - |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, 5-speed | - |
| Final Drive | Shaft | - |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Suspension - Front | 33mm Showa telehydraulic fork | Telescopic fork, 43 mm |
| Suspension - Rear | Swinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbers | Swingarm (Linkless type Monocross) |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 132 mm / 5.1 in | 130 mm / 5.1 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 84 mm / 3.3 in | 130 mm / 5.1 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | - | 9.6 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | - | 11.7 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | - | 298 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | - | 245 mm |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 275mm discs | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | 160mm Drum | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 3.25-19 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 3.75-18 | 180/55-ZR17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2004 Yamaha FZ6
The 2004 Yamaha FZ6 edges out the 1981 Honda CX 500 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, dual front discs and higher rear wheel travel. 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.
2004 Yamaha FZ6 - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 180 kg vs 205 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 130 mm vs 84 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2004 Yamaha FZ6 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1981 Honda CX 500 and 2004 Yamaha FZ6?
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 2004 Yamaha FZ6 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2004 Yamaha FZ6?
The 2004 Yamaha FZ6 is lighter at 180 kg compared to 205 kg for the 1981 Honda CX 500 - a difference of 25 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2004 Yamaha FZ6?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 Honda CX 500 has its own strengths, while the 2004 Yamaha FZ6 stands out for lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.