Forced induction in motorcycles is a bit of a polarizing topic. But in the early ‘80s, the Big Four in Japan set the mold for turbocharging on two wheels. More recently, Kawasaki went all out with the H2-H2R engine that utilizes a two-speed centrifugal supercharger.
However, we won’t be talking about a modern-day superbike in this story. The Honda CX500 Turbo – also known as the CX500T and CX500TC – enters the spotlight with only 14,000 miles (22,531 kilometers) on the odometer despite its venerable age.
Chassis number JH2PC0301CM00434 is offered on Bring a Trailer in great condition, currently sitting at $3,000 with six days left to bid on it. 1982 is the first year of production for the turbocharged motorcycle, and the CX500T also happens to be the Japanese company’s first application of programmed fuel injection in a production bike.
Superseded by the CX650TD for the 1983 model year, the original is highly desirable thanks to the simplicity of its internals as well as the timeless design. A 497-cc pushrod engine with a V-twin configuration is what propels this two-wheeled fellow, and boost is provided by an IHI turbocharger located up front to improve cooling.
Serviced in January 2020 with an oil change and a coolant flush, the time capsule in the photo gallery and following videos is joined by the factory tool pouch, the original owner’s handbook, as well as “a set of workshop manuals.” Despite the spider cracks in the fairings and a few scuff marks, there’s no denying the bike is in great condition.
The fuel tank has also been “refurbished and fitted with a new petcock by CX500 Turbo specialist Gregg Goss” according to the listing on Bring a Trailer. A second gas cap – featuring a cloisonne keyguard – is also included in the sale. The question is, how much is the CX500 Turbo worth these days in close-to-perfect condition?
Well, they fetch a pretty penny – or cent – thanks to the rarity of the CX500 Turbo. Only 5,343 were made for 1982, and 2,525 of them were sold in the United States. All things considered, ten grand wouldn’t be a surprising price for JH2PC0301CM00434.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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