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 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1207cc of OHV V-twin Shovelhead power, delivering 62hp at 5200rpm. Tipping the scales at 258.0kg (569 lbs) with a top speed of 160km/h (99 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 | 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 1207 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 62 hp |
| Torque | 40.0 Nm | 92.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 160 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 185.0 kg | 258.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 200.0 kg | 278.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm | 1530 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 15.0 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 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide targets relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort. On paper, the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide's 62hp 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 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort.
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 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide
Harley-Davidson released the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide in 1978 with a 1207cc OHV V-twin Shovelhead powerplant making 62hp — a definitive cruiser.
Full 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE Super Glide Profile →