Honda XR 500 - 1981 Specifications and Reviews
General information | |
| Category | Enduro / offroad |
| Model | Honda XR 500 |
| Year | 1981 |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Clutch | WET PLATE |
| Transmission typefinal drive | Chain |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Lubrication system | WET SUMP |
| Starter | Kick |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Fuel control | DOHC |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel system | Carburettor. KEIHIN |
| Bore x stroke | 89.0 x 80.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches) |
| Compression | 8.6:1 |
| Max RPM | 7000 |
| Torque | 41.49 |
| Power | 36.00 |
| Stroke | 4 |
| Engine type | Single cylinder |
| Capacity: | 498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches) |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Wheelbase | 1,400 mm (55.1 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 280 mm (11.0 inches) |
| Overall width | 875 mm (34.4 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,210 mm (87.0 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,215 mm (47.8 inches) |
| Seat height | 880 mm (34.6 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 135.0 kg (297.6 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 123.0 kg (271.2 pounds) |
Honda XR 500 dimensions and frame | |
| Exhaust system | DOUBLE EXHAUST PIPE |
| Rear brakes diameter | 1,225 mm (48.2 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Front brakes diameter | 1,100 mm (43.3 inches) |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear suspension travel | 198 mm (7.8 inches) |
| Rear suspension | PIVOTED REAR FORK |
| Front suspension travel | 224 mm (8.8 inches) |
| Front suspension | OIL DUMPED TELESCOPIC |
| Frame type | WELDED TUBULAR |
Speed and acceleration | |
| Power/weight ratio | 0.2927 HP/kg |
| Top speed | 140.0 km/h (87.0 mph) |
| | |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | RED |
| Oil capacity | 2.00 litres (0.13 quarts) |
| Fuel consumption pr. 10 km (6.2 miles) | 6.00 litres (1.59 gallons) |
| Reserve fuel capacity | 2.00 litres (0.53 gallons) |
| Fuel capacity | 10.00 litres (2.64 gallons) |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
87 hp
Peak Power (est.)
Best For
Track20%
City35%
Cornering60%
Daily Riding30%
Touring35%
Passenger15%
Rider Profile
| Best For | Best suited to intermediate or experienced riders comfortable with a tall, lightweight, kick-start-only off-road machine. |
| Purpose | Built primarily for trail riding, enduro competition, and rough off-road terrain rather than pavement cruising. |
| Rider Fit | Its tall seat height, minimal suspension travel plushness, and kick-start operation demand decent fitness and leg strength. |
| Character | A raw, dirt-focused single-cylinder thumper that rewards an active riding style and off-road skill over outright speed. |
| Not Ideal For | Not a good fit for riders wanting a comfortable, high-speed highway tourer or a low-maintenance daily commuter. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
Shop This Bike
Rider Reviews
Add a Comment
Related Motorcycle Specifications
More Honda Motorcycles
- Motorcycles in database: 45863
- Technical specifications: 1490298
- Images of motorcycles: 72681
- Videos: 339
- Manufacturers: 501





















-50-A-C-11200.webp)
-54507.webp)
-11041.webp)
-13755.webp)


-15676.webp)










Please Login or Register if you would like to leave a comment.