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 Norton Manx 30M, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 499cc of DOHC single power, delivering 54hp at 7200rpm. Tipping the scales at 136.0kg (300 lbs) with a top speed of 220km/h (137 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 Norton Manx 30M | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 499 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 54 hp |
| Torque | 40.0 Nm | 46.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 220 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 185.0 kg | 136.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 200.0 kg | 146.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 760 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 Norton Manx 30M targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1962 Norton Manx 30M's 54hp trumps the 1971 Honda CB500 Four's 50hp, 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 Norton Manx 30M for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1971 Honda CB500 Four and very difficult for the 1962 Norton Manx 30M — 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 Norton Manx 30M
A racing machine from 1962, the 1962 Norton Manx 30M delivers 54hp from its 499cc DOHC single engine.
Full 1962 Norton Manx 30M Profile →