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1986Honda VT 500 E

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The 1986 Honda VT 500 E is a middleweight sport bike ideally suited for novice and intermediate riders seeking affordable performance. Its 491cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine delivers smooth power with a 187 km/h top speed, while shaft drive and approachable handling make it a reliable, low-maintenance daily rider.

Capacity
491.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
204.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
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Power
50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 44Agility 61Comfort 60Off-road 20Touring 55Road manners 65
Off-road & trail20%
Cornering55%
City riding65%
Daily riding68%
Touring55%
Two-up55%
Track25%
Best for
A versatile mid-size allround machine intended for commuting, learning, and light touring rather than outright performance.
Built for
A mild-mannered, mechanically simple V-twin with shaft drive that favors relaxed, predictable riding over aggression.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp sportbike performance 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.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
491.0 ccm
Power
50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2451 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
71.0 x 62.0 mm
Compression
10.5:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Valves per cylinder
3
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Shaft
Performance
Top speed
187.0 km/h (116.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
204.0 kg
Fuel capacity
17.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Front tyre
100/90-18
Rear tyre
120/80-18

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 19831984198519861987
Capacity 491 cc 491 cc 491 cc 491 cc 491 cc
Fuel capacity 17 L 17 L 17 L 17 L 17 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 VT 500 E?

The 1986 Honda VT 500 E has a Capacity of 491.0 ccm (29.96 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Honda VT 500 E have?

The 1986 Honda VT 500 E has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 9000 RPM.

How many gears does the Honda VT 500 E have?

The 1986 Honda VT 500 E has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

How much does the Honda VT 500 E weigh?

The 1986 Honda VT 500 E has a Wet weight of 204.0 kg (449.7 pounds).

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