Enduro Bikes
1981Honda XR 500
39 fields on record
The 1981 Honda XR 500 is a classic four-stroke enduro bike from Honda's early XR range. Its air-cooled 498cc single makes 36 hp and 41.5 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and chain, for a top speed of about 140 km/h. An 880 mm seat, 135 kg wet weight and 10-litre tank suit trail riding.
- Capacity
- 498.0 ccm
- Engine
- Single, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 123.0 kg
- Seat height
- 880 mm
- Power
- 36.0 HP (26.5 kW)
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily for trail riding, enduro competition, and rough off-road terrain rather than pavement cruising.
- Built for
- 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.
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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 498.0 ccm
- Power
- 36.0 HP (26.5 kW)
- Torque
- 41.5 Nm (4.2 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- Single, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2927 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 89.0 x 80.0 mm
- Compression
- 8.6:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Kick
- Ignition
- CDI
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Lubrication system
- WET SUMP
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- WET PLATE
Performance
- Top speed
- 140.0 km/h (87.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1400 mm
- Overall length
- 2210 mm
- Overall width
- 875 mm
- Overall height
- 1215 mm
- Seat height
- 880 mm
- Dry weight
- 123.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 135.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 10.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 280 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.00 litres
- Reserve fuel capacity
- 2.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- WELDED TUBULAR
- Front suspension
- OIL DUMPED TELESCOPIC
- Rear suspension
- PIVOTED REAR FORK
- Front wheel travel
- 224 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 198 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake)
- Front brakes diameter
- 110 mm
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake)
Other
- Color options
- RED
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 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 498 cc | 498 cc | 498 cc | 497 cc |
| Dry weight | 123 kg | 123 kg | 123 kg | 121 kg |
| Seat height | 880 mm | 880 mm | 880 mm | 935 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 10 L | 10 L | 10 L | 12 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 XR 500?
The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Capacity of 498.0 ccm (30.39 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Honda XR 500 have?
The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Power of 36.0 HP (26.5 kW).
How many gears does the Honda XR 500 have?
The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Honda XR 500?
The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Torque of 41.5 Nm (4.2 kgf-m or 30.6 ft.lbs).
How much does the Honda XR 500 weigh?
The 1981 Honda XR 500 has a Dry weight of 123.0 kg (271.2 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.