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
- 498 cm³
- Compression ratio
- 8.6
- Cooling system
- Air
- Engine type
- Single
- 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
- 36 hp (27 kW)
- Torque
- 41.5 Nm
- Top speed
- 150 km/h (93 mph) · approx. · 1983-1984
- Clutch
- WET PLATE
- Final drive
- Chain
- Gearbox
- 5
- Transmission type
- Manual
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions and weight
- Dry weight
- 123 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 10 L
- Ground clearance
- 280 mm
- Overall height
- 1,215 mm
- Overall length
- 2,210 mm
- Overall width
- 875 mm
- Reserve fuel capacity
- 2 L
- Seat height
- 880 mm
- Wet weight
- 135 kg
- Wheelbase
- 1,400 mm
Chassis and suspension
Chassis and suspension
- Frame
- WELDED TUBULAR
- 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 capacity | 498 cm³ | 498 cm³ | 498 cm³ | 497 cm³ |
| Power | 36 hp (27 kW) | 36 hp (27 kW) | 36 hp (27 kW) | 41 hp (31 kW) |
| Torque | 41.5 Nm | 41.5 Nm | 41.5 Nm | 46 Nm |
| Wet weight | 135 kg | 135 kg | 135 kg | 135 kg |
| Seat height | 880 mm | 880 mm | 880 mm | 935 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 10 L | 10 L | 10 L | 12 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
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
Tiptoes likely; one-foot stops may feel easier
Plan to use a one-foot stop and test the motorcycle before buying.
Seat height
880 mm
Approx. loaded height
850 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.
Fuel range calculator
Enter your expected fuel consumption to estimate the distance on a full tank, with or without a fuel reserve.
Tank 10 L at 6 L/100 km
Lower consumption = longer range.
Estimated range
167 km
With 10% reserve
150 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 weight of Honda XR 500?
The Honda XR 500 weighs 135 kg (wet weight) and 123 kg (dry weight). For model year 1981.
What are the specs of Honda XR 500?
The Honda XR 500 has the following key specifications (specs) for model year 1981: 498 cc; 36 hp (27 kW); 41.5 Nm; 135 kg (wet weight); seat height 880 mm; fuel tank 10 L. Specification table
How much horsepower does Honda XR 500 have?
The Honda XR 500 makes 36 hp (27 kW), with a torque of 41.5 Nm. For model year 1981.
What is the seat height of Honda XR 500?
The Honda XR 500 has a seat height of 880 mm. For model year 1981.
What is the fuel tank capacity of Honda XR 500?
The Honda XR 500 has a fuel tank capacity of 10 L. For model year 1981.
