VS
The 1978 Honda CX500 and 1969 BMW R60/2 come from different worlds of motorcycling, making their comparison all the more fascinating.
The 1978 Honda CX500 from Japan was powered by a 497cc OHV V-twin producing 50hp at 9000rpm. Weighing 205.0kg (452 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1969 BMW R60/2, hailing from Germany, by contrast offered 594cc of OHV flat-twin power, delivering 30hp at 5800rpm. Tipping the scales at 195.0kg (430 lbs) with a top speed of 140km/h (87 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.
The 1978 Honda CX500 from Japan was powered by a 497cc OHV V-twin producing 50hp at 9000rpm. Weighing 205.0kg (452 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1969 BMW R60/2, hailing from Germany, by contrast offered 594cc of OHV flat-twin power, delivering 30hp at 5800rpm. Tipping the scales at 195.0kg (430 lbs) with a top speed of 140km/h (87 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
| 1978 Honda CX500 | 1969 BMW R60/2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 497 cc | 594 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 30 hp |
| Torque | 42.0 Nm | 42.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 140 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 205.0 kg | 195.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 222.0 kg | 210.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 17.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1978 Honda CX500 is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1969 BMW R60/2 targets long-distance touring with passenger comfort. On paper, the 1978 Honda CX500's 50hp trumps the 1969 BMW R60/2's 30hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1978 Honda CX500 if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1969 BMW R60/2 for long-distance touring with passenger comfort.
About the 1978 Honda CX500
The 1978 1978 Honda CX500 packs a 497cc OHV V-twin engine with 50hp into a standard motorcycle package from Honda.
Full 1978 Honda CX500 Profile →About the 1969 BMW R60/2
Born in 1969, the 1969 BMW R60/2 is a 594cc twin-cylinder touring motorcycle producing 30hp from BMW.
Full 1969 BMW R60/2 Profile →