The 1971 Honda CB500 Four from Japan was powered by a 498cc SOHC inline-4 producing 50hp at 9000rpm. Weighing 185.0kg (408 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1962 BSA Gold Star Clubman, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 499cc of OHV single power, delivering 42hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 143.0kg (315 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1970s bikes from the Japanese superbike revolution are increasingly sought after. Clean, original examples have seen significant value appreciation.
Specifications Comparison
| 1971 Honda CB500 Four | 1962 BSA Gold Star Clubman | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 499 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 42 hp |
| Torque | 40.0 Nm | 44.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 185.0 kg | 143.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 200.0 kg | 154.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm | 1370 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1971 Honda CB500 Four is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1962 BSA Gold Star Clubman targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1971 Honda CB500 Four's 50hp trumps the 1962 BSA Gold Star Clubman's 42hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1971 Honda CB500 Four if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1962 BSA Gold Star Clubman for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1971 Honda CB500 Four and difficult for the 1962 BSA Gold Star Clubman — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1971 Honda CB500 Four
The 1971 1971 Honda CB500 Four is a 498cc four-cylinder standard motorcycle that became one of Honda's most memorable motorcycles of the 1970s.
Full 1971 Honda CB500 Four Profile →About the 1962 BSA Gold Star Clubman
A racing machine from 1962, the 1962 BSA Gold Star Clubman delivers 42hp from its 499cc OHV single engine.
Full 1962 BSA Gold Star Clubman Profile →