43,669 bikes · 493 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Enduro Bikes

1982Honda XR 500

Rate this bike
Click to vote

39 fields on record

The 1982 Honda XR 500 is a classic air-cooled four-stroke enduro bike from Honda's early XR line. Its 498cc single makes 36 hp and 41.5 Nm through a five-speed gearbox. An 880 mm seat, 135 kg wet weight and 10-litre tank make it a rugged trail machine.

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)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1980 1981 1982 1983

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 44Agility 77Comfort 40Off-road 92Touring 35Road manners 40
Off-road & trail92%
Cornering60%
City riding35%
Daily riding30%
Touring35%
Two-up15%
Track20%
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 us
At 880mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 1982 Honda XR 500, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright 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 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine
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 1980198119821983
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

—
☆☆☆☆☆
Be the first to rate

Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.

Common questions

What is the engine size of the Honda XR 500?

The 1982 Honda XR 500 has a Capacity of 498.0 ccm (30.39 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Honda XR 500 have?

The 1982 Honda XR 500 has a Power of 36.0 HP (26.5 kW).

How many gears does the Honda XR 500 have?

The 1982 Honda XR 500 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Honda XR 500?

The 1982 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 1982 Honda XR 500 has a Dry weight of 123.0 kg (271.2 pounds).

Shop this bike

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar bikes

Same category, weighted similarity

More Honda Motorcycles