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Doncaster
School of Motoring
Motorcycle Training
Racecourse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England.
Honda CB500cc Motor Bike
Satisfying Superbike
Performance
Here's a superbike you can ride in the city, too. Light and low and sleek.
Smooth and tractable and responsive.
But with its 57 bhp punch, the Honda 500 twin really comes into its own
out on the open road. It will run along with the bigger superbikes or the
fastest traffic all day long without a murmur. And as soon as you stop it's
ready to do it all over again, day after day, year after year.
With this unusually satisfying sports machine, Honda has brought the superbike
age to the 500cc class.
The 500 twin has all the Honda superbike features, like the front disc brake,
5-speed close ratio gearbox, 2 synchronized carburetors, electric starter
and much more.
Riding it is undiluted pleasure. The plush dual seat is contoured at the
front to fit the rider and the bike is built low so the smaller rider can
plant his feet firmly on the ground. With a light weight of just over 180
kg, any sports lover will find it easy to handle, particularly the rider
who has found the bigger bikes a bit of a handful.
A low center of gravity assures great low speed stability, and the engine
is quite tractable at low engine speeds for running around town in traffic.
Four mufflers, with each pair interconnected, cut the exhaust note down
to a whisper, too. It's Honda's quietest roadster.
Minimal flywheel action spells instant throttle response, in the city or
on the highway. An especially rugged double cradle pipe frame, with a sturdy
square-section backbone, provides high speed stability for hours-long riding
without fatigue. Telescopic front fork and swinging arm suspension damped
by 3-stage adjustable shocks in the rear offers sure roadholding and precise
cornering.
Really quick acceleration, fast cruising solo or two-up, a faster top speed
than you'll ever need, two cylinders for a vibrationless ride, excellent
handling and the best of convenience and safety features. Plus Honda 4-stroke
reliability. It all adds up to something really superlative.
The Honda 500 twin is the most satisfying superbike around, offering everything
the demanding motorcycle enthusiast desires. One road tester summed it up
rather neatly: "It is fast, nimble handling, comfortable and extremely quiet."
Terrific Engineering Superiority
The fabulous 500 twin is studded from stem to stern with evidence of Honda's
unmatched design technology.
The source of the scorching performance is the alloy 2-cylinder engine producing
57 bhp at a rapid 9,000 rpm, with a strong band of torque peaking at 7,500
rpm.
This 4-stroke engine is filled with Honda's engineering marvels, such as
offset valves, hemispherical combustion chambers, flat top slipper pistons
and four linked piston valve carburetors.
This not only adds up to instant power to spare whenever you dial it in,
but vibrationless running, clean burning and greatly reduced emissions so
you don't add to air pollution.
The oversquare bore-stroke ratio and wet sump lubrication keep the engine
weight low down for easier handling. Power is boosted by an overhead camshaft
which permits a lighter valve train and higher engine speeds.
In addition to the separate speedometer and tachometer, Honda has added
a warning lamp panel to tell you at a glance the state of the turn signals,
oil pressure, gearbox neutral and headlamp high beam.
Controls are smooth, positive and easy to use. The throttle grip controls
two cables, one to open the two linked carbs simultaneously and one to close
them. The hydraulic front disc brake gives progressive and sensitive lever
feedback. Fitted next to the throttle grip is a red engine kill switch with
two off positions, ready for a quick swipe either way by the right thumb
if you ever need it.
Honda design excellence isn't confined to such major items as the engine
and running gear. With Honda, you get minute attention to all kinds of convenience
and safe riding features.
Hooks to hold two helmets are fitted under the lockable seat. You can leave
your helmet locked to the machine without worrying about it. The seat lock
protects your tools, too.
The gas tank cap is fitted off center for easier fueling. It is a convenient
quick-release type, and includes a double-safety feature to prevent accidental
opening.
Bright 12 volt electrics all around which set the standard for the industry
add to riding safety. Turn signals front and rear let others know what you
are going to do, large tail/stop lamp is easy to see from rear or sides
and the 40/50 watt headlamp throws a bright beam far down the highway for
safe high speed riding after dark.
All Hondas have automotive size lamps, easy-to-see turn signals, side reflectors,
ball end control levers, powerful brakes and many other safe riding features.
Honda C.B.500 Specification |
|
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 57 bhp/9,000 rpm |
| Engine | 498 cc OHC Two cylinder; transverse in-line 4-stroke; aluminum alloy, air cooled |
| Bore x Stroke | 56 x 50.6 mm (2.20 x 1.99 in) |
| Compression | 9 : 1 |
| Carburetors | Two 22 mm piston valve |
| Starting | Electric push button or kick |
| Battery | Yuasa 12N12A-4A-1 |
| Transmission | 5-speed close ratio |
| Frame | Double cradle tubular steel, square-section backbone |
| Dimensions | 2,105 x 825 x 1,115 mm L x W x H (83 x 32 x 44 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,405 mm (55.5 in) |
| Road Clearance | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 litres. |
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