Enduro Bikes
1983Honda XR 500
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The 1983 Honda XR 500 is a versatile enduro bike built for serious off-road enthusiasts seeking a balance of trail capability and street-legal performance. Its air-cooled single-cylinder engine delivers 41.3 horsepower, making it ideal for long-distance dual-sport riding across varied terrain. Known for durability and reliability, the XR 500 became a favorite among adventure riders during the 1980s enduro boom.
- Capacity
- 497.0 ccm
- Engine
- Single, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 121.0 kg
- Seat height
- 935 mm
- Power
- 41.3 HP (30.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM
What’s new for the 1983 Honda XR 500
vs the 1982| Spec | 1982 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 36.0 HP (26.5 kW) | 41.3 HP (30.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 41.5 Nm (4.2 kgf-m or 30.6 ft.lbs) | 46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 33.9 ft.lbs) |
| Top speed | 140.0 km/h (87.0 mph) | 150.0 km/h (93.2 mph) |
| Dry weight | 123.0 kg (271.2 pounds) | 121.0 kg (266.8 pounds) |
| Seat height | 880 mm (34.6 inches) | 935 mm (36.8 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 10.00 litres (2.64 US gallons) | 12.00 litres (3.17 US gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1400 mm (55.1 inches) | 1425 mm (56.1 inches) |
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
- 497.0 ccm
- Power
- 41.3 HP (30.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM
- Torque
- 46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- Single, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3413 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
- 150.0 km/h (93.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1425 mm
- Overall length
- 2210 mm
- Overall width
- 875 mm
- Overall height
- 1215 mm
- Seat height
- 935 mm
- Dry weight
- 121.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 135.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 12.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 280 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Steel
- 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)
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 1983 Honda XR 500 has a Capacity of 497.0 ccm (30.33 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Honda XR 500 have?
The 1983 Honda XR 500 has a Power of 41.3 HP (30.8 kW) @ 6000 RPM.
How many gears does the Honda XR 500 have?
The 1983 Honda XR 500 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Honda XR 500?
The 1983 Honda XR 500 has a Torque of 46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 33.9 ft.lbs).
How much does the Honda XR 500 weigh?
The 1983 Honda XR 500 has a Dry weight of 121.0 kg (266.8 pounds).
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