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.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- SOHC inline-4
- Displacement
- 498 cc
- Cylinders
- 4
- Power
- 50 hp @ 9000 rpm
- Torque
- 40.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 56.0 × 50.6 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- 4x Keihin carburetors
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel double cradle
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shock
- Front Brake
- Single disc
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 5-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 175 km/h (109 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 185 kg (408 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 200 kg (441 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 800 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1405 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 14.0 L
History & Story
The 1971 1971 Honda CB500 Four was introduced by Honda as a standard motorcycle aimed at riders seeking standard motorcycle performance and style. Manufactured in Japan, it represented Honda's vision for the four-cylinder standard motorcycle market during the 1970s.
Powering the 1971 Honda CB500 Four is a 498cc SOHC inline-4 producing 50hp. This four-cylinder engine uses air-cooled cooling and draws fuel through 4x Keihin carburetors. A 5-speed gearbox sends power via chain final drive to the rear wheel.
Built around a steel double cradle frame, the 1971 Honda CB500 Four suspends its 185 kg (408 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on single disc at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1405 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1971 Honda CB500 Four achieves a claimed top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). With a fuel capacity of 14.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 800 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
Powering the 1971 Honda CB500 Four is a 498cc SOHC inline-4 producing 50hp. This four-cylinder engine uses air-cooled cooling and draws fuel through 4x Keihin carburetors. A 5-speed gearbox sends power via chain final drive to the rear wheel.
Built around a steel double cradle frame, the 1971 Honda CB500 Four suspends its 185 kg (408 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on single disc at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1405 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1971 Honda CB500 Four achieves a claimed top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). With a fuel capacity of 14.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 800 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
Known Issues
- Cam chain tensioner wear
- Carb synchronization needed regularly
- Charging system can be weak on early models
Fun Facts
- The 1971 Honda CB500 Four was produced in Honda's Japan facilities
- The 1971 Honda CB500 Four featured a steel double cradle frame typical of 1970s design philosophy
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Good
- Collector Rating
- 6/10
Resources & Parts
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