Honda XR 500

Production years
1980–1983
Showing model year 1983
Brand
Honda

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Honda XR 500 — motorcycle photo

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Selected year: 1983

Technical specifications

Specifications may vary by market.

Engine capacity
497 cm³
Power
41 hp (31 kW)
Wet weight
135 kg
Seat height
935 mm
View full specifications

Overview

The Honda XR 500 is an Enduro bike produced from 1980 to 1983. For 1983, its air-cooled 497 cm³ single-cylinder four-stroke makes 41 hp (31 kW) and 46 Nm of torque; wet weight is 135 kg, with a dry weight of 121 kg.

The 935 mm seat puts the rider high, and the bike uses kick starting rather than an electric starter. Compared with 1982, fuel capacity rises from 10 L to 12 L, torque from 41.5 Nm to 46 Nm, and engine capacity shifts from 498 cm³ to 497 cm³.

Specifications

Engine

Engine

Bore
89 mm
Engine capacity
497 cm³
Compression ratio
8.6
Cooling system
Air
Engine type
Single, four-stroke
Fuel system
Carburettor
Ignition
CDI
Lubrication system
WET SUMP
Oil capacity
2 L
Starting
Kick
Stroke
80 mm
Valves per cylinder
4
Performance and transmission

Performance and transmission

Power
41 hp (31 kW)
Torque
46 Nm
Top speed
150 km/h (93 mph) · approx.
Clutch
WET PLATE
Final drive
Chain
Gearbox
5
Transmission type
Manual
Dimensions and weight

Dimensions and weight

Dry weight
121 kg
Fuel capacity
12 L
Ground clearance
280 mm
Overall height
1,215 mm
Overall length
2,210 mm
Overall width
875 mm
Seat height
935 mm
Wet weight
135 kg
Wheelbase
1,425 mm
Chassis and suspension

Chassis and suspension

Frame
Steel
Front suspension
OIL DUMPED TELESCOPIC
Front wheel travel
224 mm
Rear suspension
PIVOTED REAR FORK
Rear wheel travel
198 mm
Brakes and wheels

Brakes and wheels

Front brakes diameter
110 mm
Rear brakes
Expanding brake (drum brake)

Model years

1983

Engine capacity: 498 cm³ → 497 cm³; Power: 36 hp (27 kW) → 41 hp (31 kW); Torque: 41.5 Nm → 46 Nm; Seat height: 880 mm → 935 mm; Fuel capacity: 10 L → 12 L

Specification
Engine capacity498 cm³498 cm³498 cm³497 cm³
Power36 hp (27 kW)36 hp (27 kW)36 hp (27 kW)41 hp (31 kW)
Torque41.5 Nm41.5 Nm41.5 Nm46 Nm
Wet weight135 kg135 kg135 kg135 kg
Seat height880 mm880 mm880 mm935 mm
Fuel capacity10 L10 L10 L12 L
Top speed———150 km/h (93 mph) · approx.

Pros and cons

Advantages

  • Room for rough terrain

    The 280 mm ground clearance and 224 mm front and 198 mm rear wheel travel give the XR 500 space to handle uneven ground.

  • Strong stated torque

    Its 46 Nm of torque gives the engine useful pulling force.

Things to consider

  • High seat

    At 935 mm, the seat may make stopping and putting a foot down difficult for shorter riders.

  • Kick start only

    Starting relies on the kick starter, with no electric start as a backup.

  • Rear drum brake

    The rear brake is an expanding drum rather than a disc.

Rider fit

Rider fit calculator

Calculated in your browser

Honda XR 500: Estimated rider reach on the motorcycle. Ground reach may be difficult. Seat height: 935 mm; Inseam 78.9 cm.
Seat height: 935 mmInseam 78.9 cm
Seat height: 935 mm
cm
cm

Don't know it? Leave this empty and we'll estimate it from your height.

Estimated from your height: 79 cm

How to measure

Stand barefoot with your back to a wall. Hold a book firmly between your legs, then measure from the floor to the top edge of the book.

Estimated ground reach

Ground reach may be difficult

This seat may feel tall. A lower seat or suspension setup could make stops easier.

Seat height

935 mm

Approx. loaded height

905 mm

Estimate assumes about 30 mm of suspension sag. Seat width, footwear, luggage and suspension settings can change real reach. Always sit on the motorcycle before buying.

Find more bikes for your height

Fuel range calculator

Enter your expected fuel consumption to estimate the distance on a full tank, with or without a fuel reserve.

Tank 12 L at 6 L/100 km

L/100 km

Lower consumption = longer range.

Estimated range

200 km

With 10% reserve

180 km

This is a planning estimate, not a measured result. Speed, route, weather, load and riding style can change real consumption.

FAQ

What is the top speed of Honda XR 500?

The Honda XR 500 has a top speed of approximately 150 km/h (93 mph), an estimate rather than a manufacturer figure. For model year 1983.

What is the weight of Honda XR 500?

The Honda XR 500 weighs 135 kg (wet weight) and 121 kg (dry weight). For model year 1983.

What are the specs of Honda XR 500?

The Honda XR 500 has the following key specifications (specs) for model year 1983: 497 cc; 41 hp (31 kW); 46 Nm; 135 kg (wet weight); seat height 935 mm; fuel tank 12 L. Specification table

How much horsepower does Honda XR 500 have?

The Honda XR 500 makes 41 hp (31 kW), with a torque of 46 Nm. For model year 1983.

What is the seat height of Honda XR 500?

The Honda XR 500 has a seat height of 935 mm. For model year 1983.

What is the fuel tank capacity of Honda XR 500?

The Honda XR 500 has a fuel tank capacity of 12 L. For model year 1983.

Other versions and generations

Bigger engine

Honda XR 650L

2025–2026

  • 644 cm³
  • 40 hp (30 kW)
  • 156.9 kg

Other version

Honda XR150L

2015–2026

  • 149 cm³
  • 12 hp (9 kW)
  • 127.9 kg

Other version

Honda XR 230

2005–2026

  • 223 cm³
  • 22 hp (17 kW)
  • 122 kg

Other version

Honda XR 650R

2001–2026

  • 649 cm³
  • 71 hp (53 kW)
  • 125.6 kg

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