Honda XR500R (1981)

In 1981, Honda released the XR500R motorcycle with a four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve engine with a capacity of 497cc. The bike generates a compression ratio of 8.6:1 and is cooled through air. It features a Keihin 34mm piston valve with CDI ignition and a kickstart function. The maximum power output is 36 hp at 6500rpm, and the maximum torque is 41.4 Nm. The motorcycle has a wet plate clutch with a five-speed transmission and a final drive via chain.

The XR500R’s frame is a welded tubular design with a 37mm Showa front fork offering 8.8 inches of travel, while the rear suspension boasts of a Pro-Link Showa damper that can be adjusted for spring preload and rebound damping with 7.8 inches of travel. The bike features a front drum brake and a rear drum brake with a 3.00-21 front tyre and a 4.10-17 rear tyre.

The motorcycle weighs 123 kg dry and 137 kg wet, with a fuel capacity of 12 litres. The dimensions are 1215mm in height, 2210mm in length, and 875mm in width, with a wheelbase of 1400mm and seat height of 880mm. The ground clearance is 280mm.

The XR500R can attain top speeds up to 148.5 km/h.


Technical specifications:

Make Model: Honda XR500R

Year: 1981


Engine: Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve
Capacity: 497 cc / 30.3 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 89 x 80 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 8.6:1
Induction: 1x Keihin 34 mm (1.34 in) piston valve
Ignition: CDI
Starting: Kick
Max Power: 36 hp / 26.3 kW @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque: 41.4 Nm / 4.2 kgf-m / 30 lb-f @ 5500 rpm
Clutch: Wet plate
Transmission: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Welded tubular
Front Suspension: 37 mm Showa forks

Front Wheel Travel: 224 mm / 8.8 in
Rear Suspension: Pro-link Showa damper, adjustment for spring preload and rebound damping
Rear Wheel Travel: 198 mm / 7.8 in
Front Brakes: 140 mm drum
Rear Brakes: 130 mm drum
Front Tyre: 3.00-21
Rear Tyre: 4.10-17
Dimensions: Height 1215 mm / 47.8 in Length 2210 mm / 87.0 in Width 875 mm / 34.4 in
Wheelbase: 1400 mm / 55.1 in
Seat Height: 880 mm / 34.6 in
Ground Clearance: 280 mm / 11.0 in
Dry Weight: 123.0 kg / 271.2 lbs
Wet Weight: 137 kg / 302.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 12 Litres / 3.1 US gal
Top Speed: 148.5 km/h

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