1981 Honda CX 500 Specifications

Name: 1981 Honda CX 500
Brand: Honda

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1981 Honda CX 500 Overview

The 1981 Honda CX 500 is a naked bike motorcycle built around 497 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a 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 engine, a compression ratio of 10.0:1. 1981 Honda CX 500 delivers 50 hp @ 9000 rpm of peak power and 46 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 180 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 1981 CX 500 tips the scales at 205 kg and carries a 17-litre fuel tank. Scroll down for the complete 1981 Honda CX 500 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1981 CX 500 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 1981 Honda CX 500 makes 50 hp @ 9000 rpm with 46 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.

Considerations

Age-related wear: As with any used CX 500, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.

Owner Experiences & Common Issues

General ownership notes

The 1981 Honda CX 500 has built a reputation for solid everyday reliability when serviced to schedule. As with any motorcycle of this era, documented service history is the single biggest indicator of long-term reliability when buying used.

CX 500 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 1981 Honda CX 500, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained CX 500 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any CX 500. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

1981 Honda CX 500 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1981 Honda CX 500 have?

The 1981 Honda CX 500 uses a 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 engine with 497 cc of displacement.

What is the top speed of the 1981 Honda CX 500?

The 1981 Honda CX 500 has a factory-quoted top speed of 180 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 1981 Honda CX 500 weigh?

The 1981 Honda CX 500 weighs 205 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 1981 Honda CX 500 make?

The 1981 Honda CX 500 produces 50 hp @ 9000 rpm of power and 46 Nm @ 7000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1981 Honda CX 500?

The 1981 Honda CX 500 has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1981 Honda CX 500 have?

The 1981 Honda CX 500 uses 2x 275mm discs at the front and 160mm Drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1981 Honda CX 500 use?

The 1981 Honda CX 500 runs 3.25-19 front and 3.75-18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1981 Honda CX 500 have?

The 1981 Honda CX 500 is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.

Honda CX 500 Spec Evolution

The Honda CX 500 was produced across 3 model years (1978-1981). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1978	1979	1981
Fuel Induction	2x 34mm Keihin carburetors	2x 34mm Keihin carbs.	2x 34mm Keihin carbs.

Key Specifications

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

Torque

46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm

Top Speed

180 km/h / 112 mph

Weight

205 kg / 452 lbs

Fuel Capacity

17 Litres / 4.4 US gal

Full 1981 Honda CX 500 Specifications

Year 1980 - 81

Make Model Honda CX 500

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

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

Fuel Consumption 43 mpg

Fuel Induction 2x 34mm Keihin carbs.

Ignition CDI

Starter Electric