Honda CB500T

This article is about the 1975 motorcycle. For the 1993 motorcycle of the same name, see Honda CB500 twin. For other uses, see Honda CB500 (disambiguation).

The Honda CB500T is a standard motorcycle built by Honda and sold in 1975 and 1976. It bears a close resemblance to the model from which it was derived — the later 5-speed version of the CB450 which was discontinued in 1974.

Honda CB500T

1975 CB500T
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1975–1976
Predecessor	CB450
Engine	498 cc (30.4 cu in) DOHC parallel twin
Bore / stroke	70.0 mm × 64.8 mm (2.76 in × 2.55 in)
Compression ratio	8.5:1
Top speed	163 km/h (101 mph)[1]
Power	25 kW (34 bhp) at 8,500 rpm (claimed)[1]
Torque	30 N⋅m (22 lb⋅ft) at 7,000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed
Frame type	Semi-double cradle
Suspension	Front: telescopic fork, travel 121 mm Rear: swinging arm, travel 79 mm
Brakes	Front: single disc Rear: drum
Tires	Front: 3.25s/19-4PR rib pattern Rear 3.75S/18-4PR block pattern
Wheelbase	1,410 mm (56 in)[2]
Dimensions	L: 2,140 mm (84 in)[2] W: 835 mm (32.9 in)[2] H: 1,135 mm (44.7 in) (less mirrors)
Seat height	810 mm (32 in)[2]
Weight	193 kg (425 lb)[1] (dry)
Fuel capacity	16 L (3.5 imp gal; 4.2 US gal)[2]

Details

The engine is an air-cooled 498 cc (30.4 cu in) double overhead cam (DOHC) vertical parallel twin with 180° crankshaft angle, and torsion bar valve springs. The air/fuel mixture is delivered by two 32 mm Keihin Constant Velocity (CV) carburetors.

The transmission is a 5-speed.

Reception

While not receiving much praise from reviewers or riders, Cycle World took note of its comfortable and roomy seat in its 1975 test, writing, "Unusual in that it is brown in color, it is long enough to carry a briefcase or passenger without crowding the rider. And the padding is soft enough for comfort. Believe us, without this seat you couldn’t ride a 500T very far and get off smiling."^[1]