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 1974 Norton John Player Norton, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 828cc of OHV twin power, delivering 70hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 175.0kg (386 lbs) with a top speed of 215km/h (134 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 | 1974 Norton John Player Norton | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 828 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 70 hp |
| Torque | 40.0 Nm | 65.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 215 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 185.0 kg | 175.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 200.0 kg | 188.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm | 1420 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -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 1974 Norton John Player Norton targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1974 Norton John Player Norton's 70hp 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 1974 Norton John Player Norton for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1971 Honda CB500 Four and very difficult for the 1974 Norton John Player Norton — 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 1974 Norton John Player Norton
The 1974 1974 Norton John Player Norton is a 828cc twin-cylinder racing machine that became one of Norton's most memorable motorcycles of the 1970s.
Full 1974 Norton John Player Norton Profile →