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Naked Motorcycles

2003Honda CB 500 S

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The 2003 Honda CB 500 S is a versatile middleweight naked bike ideal for novice and intermediate riders seeking accessible performance and comfort. Its 499cc parallel-twin engine delivers smooth, manageable power with impressive fuel efficiency, while the upright riding position and forgiving handling make it a practical all-rounder for both commuting and weekend rides.

Capacity
499.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
177.0 kg
Seat height
775 mm
Power
57.2 HP (42.1 kW) @ 9500 RPM

What’s new for the 2003 Honda CB 500 S

vs the 2002
Spec20022003
Torque 46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 33.9 ft.lbs) @ 8000 RPM 47.1 Nm (4.8 kgf-m or 34.7 ft.lbs) @ 8000 RPM
Other years 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 45Agility 65Comfort 62Off-road 20Touring 55Road manners 68
Off-road & trail20%
Cornering60%
City riding72%
Daily riding75%
Touring55%
Two-up50%
Track30%
Best for
It's best suited as a versatile all-rounder for commuting, learning, and light weekend riding rather than outright performance.
Built for
It has an approachable, easygoing character built around simplicity, reliability, and modest twin-cylinder charm rather than excitement.
Not ideal for
It's not the right choice for riders seeking high-speed thrills, aggressive sportbike handling, or serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 Honda CB 500 S, with a moderate knee angle of around 115 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
499.0 ccm
Power
57.2 HP (42.1 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Torque
47.1 Nm (4.8 kgf-m) @ 8000 RPM
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.3232 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
73.0 x 59.6 mm
Compression
10.5:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1430 mm
Overall length
2095 mm
Overall width
720 mm
Overall height
1050 mm
Seat height
775 mm
Dry weight
177.0 kg
Wet weight
198.0 kg
Fuel capacity
18.00 litres
Ground clearance
145 mm
Reserve fuel capacity
2.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
115 mm
Rear wheel travel
117 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
296 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
240 mm
Front tyre
110/80-17 57H
Rear tyre
130/80-17 65H
Other
Color options
Red, Black, Blue

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 19992000200120022003
Capacity 499 cc 499 cc 499 cc 499 cc 499 cc
Dry weight 177 kg 177 kg 177 kg 177 kg 177 kg
Seat height 775 mm 775 mm 775 mm 775 mm 775 mm
Fuel capacity 18 L 18 L 18 L 18 L 18 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Honda CB 500 S?

The 2003 Honda CB 500 S has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Honda CB 500 S have?

The 2003 Honda CB 500 S has a Power of 57.2 HP (42.1 kW) @ 9500 RPM.

How many gears does the Honda CB 500 S have?

The 2003 Honda CB 500 S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Honda CB 500 S?

The 2003 Honda CB 500 S has a Torque of 47.1 Nm (4.8 kgf-m or 34.7 ft.lbs) @ 8000 RPM.

How much does the Honda CB 500 S weigh?

The 2003 Honda CB 500 S has a Dry weight of 177.0 kg (390.2 pounds).

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