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Naked Motorcycles

1986Honda XBR 500

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The 1986 Honda XBR 500 is a lightweight naked bike powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder engine delivering 44 horsepower. Ideal for novice and intermediate riders, it excels as an affordable, nimble commuter and learner bike with excellent maneuverability. Known for its reliability and low-maintenance character, the XBR 500 remains a practical entry-level machine.

Capacity
498.0 ccm
Engine
Single
Gearbox
5-speed
Wet weight
182.0 kg
Seat height
780 mm
Power
44.0 HP (32.4 kW) @ 7000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1986 Honda XBR 500

vs the 1985
Spec19851986
Power 43.4 HP (32.4 kW) 44.0 HP (32.4 kW) @ 7000 RPM
Top speed 145.0 km/h (90.1 mph) 171.0 km/h (106.3 mph)
Other years 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 31Agility 64Comfort 55Off-road 20Touring 40Road manners 65
Off-road & trail20%
Cornering60%
City riding65%
Daily riding60%
Touring40%
Two-up35%
Track30%
Best for
It's built for relaxed road riding and classic-style commuting rather than track work or long-distance touring.
Built for
The XBR 500 has a charismatic thumper personality, delivering character-rich, mechanical feedback over sheer performance.
Not ideal for
It's not for riders seeking high-speed thrills, serious off-road capability, or comfortable two-up long-distance touring.

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 780mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1986 Honda XBR 500, with a moderate knee angle of around 105 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
498.0 ccm
Power
44.0 HP (32.4 kW) @ 7000 RPM
Torque
42.7 Nm (4.4 kgf-m) @ 6000 RPM
Engine type
Single
Power/weight ratio
0.2418 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
92.0 x 75.0 mm
Compression
8.9:1
Cooling system
Air
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
171.0 km/h (106.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1400 mm
Seat height
780 mm
Wet weight
182.0 kg
Fuel capacity
20.00 litres
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
140 mm
Rear wheel travel
100 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
276 mm
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Rear brakes diameter
140 mm
Front tyre
100/90-18
Rear tyre
110/90-18

Specs last verified against published sources: .

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 19841986198719891990
Capacity 498 cc 498 cc 498 cc 498 cc 498 cc
Seat height — 780 mm 780 mm 780 mm —
Fuel capacity 20 L 20 L 20 L 20 L 20 L

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

Rider Reviews

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Honda XBR 500?

The 1986 Honda XBR 500 has a Capacity of 498.0 ccm (30.39 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Honda XBR 500 have?

The 1986 Honda XBR 500 has a Power of 44.0 HP (32.4 kW) @ 7000 RPM.

How many gears does the Honda XBR 500 have?

The 1986 Honda XBR 500 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Honda XBR 500?

The 1986 Honda XBR 500 has a Torque of 42.7 Nm (4.4 kgf-m or 31.5 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM.

How much does the Honda XBR 500 weigh?

The 1986 Honda XBR 500 has a Wet weight of 182.0 kg (401.2 pounds).

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