What category is the 1981 Honda XR 500?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Category of Enduro / offroad.

What is the engine size of the 1981 Honda XR 500?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Capacity: of 498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches).

What type of engine does the 1981 Honda XR 500 have?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Engine type of Single cylinder.

What is the engine power of the 1981 Honda XR 500?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Power of 36.00.

What is the torque of the 1981 Honda XR 500?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Torque of 41.49.

Is the 1981 Honda XR 500 air cooled or liquid cooled?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Cooling system of Air.

How many gears does the 1981 Honda XR 500 have?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the 1981 Honda XR 500 weigh?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Dry weight of 123.0 kg (271.2 pounds).

How much does the 1981 Honda XR 500 weigh?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Weight incl. oil, gas, etc of 135.0 kg (297.6 pounds).

What is the seat height of the 1981 Honda XR 500?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Seat height of 880 mm (34.6 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting..

What is the top speed of the 1981 Honda XR 500?

The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Top speed of 140.0 km/h (87.0 mph).

Honda XR 500 - 1981 Specifications and Reviews

Name: 1981 Honda XR 500
Brand: Honda

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1981

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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.

Rider Fit Visualizer

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Feet:

At 880mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with cannot reach comfortably on the 1981 Honda XR 500, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

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