

This edition of the Honda CR 500 R is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1983. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S.This particular Honda CR 500 has a 491cc Air cooled, Four stroke, V-Twin Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative V-Twin engine, Off-Road style motorbike includes the Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder - [2020]
The 1983 CR 500 shares its V-Twin engine and Off-Road style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder and the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the CR 500's Off-Road style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.
Weighing in at 108 kgs (238 lbs) this makes the Honda CR 500 R in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F or the 2024 Yamaha WR 450 F, give or take 50kg.
In terms of power the 491cc 1 valve V-Twin 1 cylinder engine produces 59 bhp (43 kW) @ 6600 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].
The N/A Four stroke unit throws out torque of 48.4 lb-ft (65.6 Nm) @ 6600 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Honda CR 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1983 Honda CR 500 R has a Power to weight ratio of 546.2 bhp per ton and 448.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1983 CR 500 competing with the 1983 Kawasaki KX 500 Single Cylinder [570.1 bhp\ton] and the 1990 Kawasaki ZX-10 DOHC [566.1 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Honda CR 500 generating around 448.6 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1987 Honda CR 500 R [473.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 2004 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Limited Edition [470.7 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 6.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.9 secs, this makes the Honda CR 500 R similar in acceleration to the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple (6.8 secs) and the 1998 Yamaha YZF750 R7 OWO2 (6.8 secs). This Honda CR 500 R also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
When talking about the performance of the 1983 Honda CR 500 R on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2011 Honda XR 650 L (0 secs) and the 2013 Suzuki DR-Z 250 Single Cylinder (0 secs).
The 1983 version of the Honda CR 500 R has a maximum speed of 93mph.
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1983 Honda CR 500 R then how about a 2013 Honda CBR 300 R (104 mph) and the 2010 Honda CBR 300 R (104 mph).