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Edition:
Honda CR 500 R - [1987]
This edition of the Honda CR 500 R is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1987. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf and the 1988 Suzuki RH 250 X.This particular Honda CR 500 has a 491cc Liquid 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 1987 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 112.5 kgs (248 lbs) this makes the Honda CR 500 R in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F or the 2024 Suzuki GSX-R 125 EFI, give or take 50kg.
The 1987 Honda CR 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder - [2025]
In terms of power the 491cc 1 valve V-Twin 1 cylinder engine produces 64.6 bhp (48 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm] or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm].
The N/A Four stroke unit throws out torque of 53.2 lb-ft (72.2 Nm) @ 6000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [73.0 lb-ft (99.1 Nm) @ 7700 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 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 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1987 Honda CR 500 R.
The 1987 Honda CR 500 R has a Power to weight ratio of 574.2 bhp per ton and 473.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1987 CR 500 competing with the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [598.9 bhp\ton] and the 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Triple [596.7 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 473.3 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 1985 Honda CR 500 R [493.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 2015 Honda RC 213 V-S Kit [483.5 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 6.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.6 secs, this makes the Honda CR 500 R similar in acceleration to the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE (6.4 secs) and the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC (6.4 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).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1987 Honda CR 500 R and the 1986 Honda DR 200 Djebel
When talking about the performance of the 1987 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 1986 Honda DR 200 Djebel (0 secs) and the 2019 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC (0 secs).
The 1987 version of the Honda CR 500 R has a maximum speed of 93mph.
Top Speed of the 1987 CR 500 equals the 2013 Honda CBR 300 R
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1987 Honda CR 500 R then how about a 2013 Honda CBR 300 R (104 mph) and the 2010 Honda CBR 300 R (104 mph).
Suzuki GSX 750 F Katana
Engine Capacity: 748 cc
Top Speed: 146 mph
Quarter Mile: 11.8 secs @ 119 mph
