MotoSpecs

1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1981 Honda CX 500 1981 Honda CX 500

Naked bike

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
Power
50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
180 km/h / 112 mph
Weight
205 kg / 452 lbs
2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
95 hp / 69.3 kW @ 11500 rpm (83.8hp @ 11.000rpm)
Top Speed
226 km/h
Weight
205 kg / 452 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year1980 - 812003
Make ModelHonda CX 500Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer
Dimensions
Seat Height-790 mm / 31.1 in
Wheelbase-1415 mm / 55.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 452 lbs189 kg / 416.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.4 US gal18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Wet Weight-205 kg / 452 lbs
Performance
Top Speed180 km/h / 112 mph226 km/h
Braking (60 km/h - 0)-13.1 m / 38.3 m
Max Power50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm95 hp / 69.3 kW @ 11500 rpm (83.8hp @ 11.000rpm)
Max Power - Rear Tyre-83.8 hp / 62.4 kW @ 11.000rpm
Max Torque46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm61.2 Nm / 45.8 lb-ft @ 9500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile14.0 sec / 93 mph11.4 sec /191.6 km/h
Engine
Displacement497 cc / 30.3 cu-in599 cc / 36.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder, camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. ,OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrodsFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke78 x 52 mm62 x 49.6 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:112.0:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Mineral, 10W/40
Fuel Consumption43 mpg-
Fuel Induction2x 34mm Keihin carbs.4x 38mm Mikuni BDSR carburetors
IgnitionCDI TCI (transistor controlled Ignition)
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-NGK, CR9E
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate, 5-speedWet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final DriveShaftChain
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Steel, Double cradle frame
Suspension - Front33mm Showa telehydraulic fork41mm adjustable. forks preload adjustable
Suspension - RearSwinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbersMonoshock: adjustable preload
Wheel Travel - Front132 mm / 5.1 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear84 mm / 3.3 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 275mm discs2x 298mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear160mm DrumSingle 245mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front3.25-19110/70-17
Tyres - Rear3.75-18160/60-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer

The 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer edges out the 1981 Honda CX 500 thanks to its more peak power, liquid cooling and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1981 Honda CX 500 - Advantages

  • More front wheel travel: 132 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 95 hp vs 50 hp - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 599 cc vs 497 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1981 Honda CX 500 and 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer?
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 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which has more power, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer?
The 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer produces more peak power at 95 hp, compared to 50 hp for the 1981 Honda CX 500.
Which should I buy, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 Honda CX 500 has the edge in higher front wheel travel, while the 2003 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer stands out for more peak power and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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