Sport Tourers
1981Honda CX 500 Turbo
20 fields on record
The 1981 Honda CX 500 Turbo suits riders seeking innovative, distinctive machines with real character. This turbocharged V-twin pioneer delivers 82 horsepower from just 497cc, making it best known for being one of the first production turbo motorcycles. Its shaft drive and liquid cooling provide practical touring comfort alongside performance.
- Capacity
- 497.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 263.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 82.0 HP (60.3 kW) @ 8000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It was built as a technological flagship grand tourer, blending shaft-drive touring comfort with a shot of turbocharged straight-line performance.
- Built for
- It has a quirky, engineering-showcase personality, delivering a smooth V-twin burble that suddenly wakes up into a turbocharged surge as boost comes on.
- Not ideal for
- It is not the right choice for new riders or anyone seeking a light, playful bike for tight technical cornering or off-road use.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 497.0 ccm
- Power
- 82.0 HP (60.3 kW) @ 8000 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3118 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 78.0 x 52.0 mm
- Compression
- 7.2:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top speed
- 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.50-19
- Rear tyre
- 120/90-17
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 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 497 cc | 497 cc | 497 cc | 497 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 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
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Honda CX 500 Turbo?
The 1981 Honda CX 500 Turbo has a Capacity of 497.0 ccm (30.33 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Honda CX 500 Turbo have?
The 1981 Honda CX 500 Turbo has a Power of 82.0 HP (60.3 kW) @ 8000 RPM.
How many gears does the Honda CX 500 Turbo have?
The 1981 Honda CX 500 Turbo has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Honda CX 500 Turbo weigh?
The 1981 Honda CX 500 Turbo has a Wet weight of 263.0 kg (579.8 pounds).
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