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 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 748cc of OHV V-twin power, delivering 90hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 145.0kg (320 lbs) with a top speed of 210km/h (130 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 | 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 748 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 40.0 Nm | 72.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 185.0 kg | 145.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 200.0 kg | 158.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm | 1380 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 10.0 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 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750's 90hp 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 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1971 Honda CB500 Four and very difficult for the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 — 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 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750
Born in 1970, the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 is a 748cc twin-cylinder racing machine producing 90hp from Harley-Davidson.
Full 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 Profile →