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 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1207cc of OHV V-twin Shovelhead power, delivering 62hp at 5200rpm. Tipping the scales at 262.0kg (578 lbs) with a top speed of 155km/h (96 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 | 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 155 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 185.0 kg | 262.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 200.0 kg | 282.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm | 1530 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 18.0 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 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob targets relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort. On paper, the 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob'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 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob 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 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob
Born in 1979, the 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob is a 1207cc twin-cylinder cruiser producing 62hp from Harley-Davidson.
Full 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob Profile →