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 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 998cc of OHV V-twin Ironhead power, delivering 61hp at 6200rpm. Tipping the scales at 225.0kg (496 lbs) with a top speed of 180km/h (112 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 | 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 998 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 61 hp |
| Torque | 40.0 Nm | 70.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 180 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 185.0 kg | 225.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 200.0 kg | 245.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm | 1480 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 13.0 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 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer targets spirited café-racer style riding. On paper, the 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer's 61hp 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 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer for spirited café-racer style riding. Parts availability is good for the 1971 Honda CB500 Four and moderate for the 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer — 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 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer
A cafe racer from 1977, the 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer delivers 61hp from its 998cc OHV V-twin Ironhead engine.
Full 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer Profile →