HONDA CB500 Four (1971-1976) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda CB500 Four was a standard motorcycle part of the CB series in Honda's range, a series known for its reliable machines. The bike was introduced at the London Racing and Sporting Motorcycle Show, manufactured from 1971 to 1978 and sold in the US market until 1973.

In 1974, in the US market, the bike was replaced by the CB550 model, while in the European market was sold until 1978. The CB500 Four had the style of the CB750 machine but in a smaller and lighter package, powered by a 498cc four-cylinder SOHC engine.

In the early 1970s, several CB500 machines were introduced in the Production TT races on the Isle of Man, where Bill Smith won the 1973 500cc TT Production race that included four laps, riding a CB500 bike, with an advance of 8,2 seconds ahead of the second place where Stan Woods rode a Suzuki T500 two-stroke twin motorcycle.

The Honda CB500 Four featured a suspension system composed of a telescopic for on the front and dual spring preload adjustable shock absorbers on the rear for optimum suspension performance and handling.

In the braking department, the bike packed a single disc with a hydraulic caliper on the front wheel and a drum braking unit on the rear that provided optimum stopping power.

As for the power figures, the Honda CB500 Four had its soul brought to life by a 498cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine fitted with four Keihin carburetors that helped deliver an output power of 48 hp at 9,000 rpm and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) of torque available at 7,500 rpm.