Naked Motorcycles

1998Honda CB 500

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The 1998 Honda CB 500 is a lightweight, accessible naked bike ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking a reliable, manageable machine. Its 499cc liquid-cooled twin engine delivers 58 horsepower with friendly handling characteristics, making it perfect for learning proper technique without overwhelming inexperience. The CB 500 earned its reputation as one of the most practical, affordable entry-level bikes for new motorcyclists.

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 173.0 kg
Seat height: 775 mm
Power: 58.0 HP (42.7 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

Other years 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering62%

City riding80%

Daily riding85%

Touring45%

Two-up60%

Track30%

Best for: A do-it-all middleweight naked built for everyday commuting, city runs and relaxed weekend rides, with enough poke for occasional highway stints.
Built for: Honda's dependable, unintimidating parallel-twin all-rounder - smooth, reliable and friendly rather than exciting, a byword for practical value.
Not ideal for: Not for speed-hungry riders chasing sportbike thrills, serious track days, long two-up touring, or any off-road use.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Honda CB 500, 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: 58.0 HP (42.7 kW)
Torque: 47.0 Nm (4.8 kgf-m)
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3353 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 73.0 x 59.6 mm
Compression: 10.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital transistorised with electronic advance
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, calbe-operated

Performance

Top speed: 190.0 km/h (118.1 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Overall length: 2090 mm
Overall width: 720 mm
Overall height: 1050 mm
Seat height: 775 mm
Dry weight: 173.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm
Oil capacity: 3.10 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 2.50 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Double cradle of tubular and box-section steel construction
Front suspension: 37 mm oil-damped telescopic forks
Rear suspension: Twin shoks acting on a steel, box-section swingarm
Front wheel travel: 115 mm
Rear wheel travel: 117 mm
Rake (fork angle): 27.0°
Trail: 113 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

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	1994	1996	1998	1999	2001	2003
Capacity	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc	499 cc
Dry weight	170 kg	172 kg	173 kg	173 kg	173 kg	173 kg
Seat height	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L