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Edition:
Honda VT 500 ED - [1983]
This edition of the Honda VT 500 ED is the 6 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 VT 500 has a 491cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]
The 1983 VT 500 shares its Horizontal In-Line engine and Cruiser style configuration with the likes of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the VT 500's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1982 Yamaha XS 400 L Maxim | 1982cc.1994 Suzuki VS 400 Intruder | 1994cc.
Weighing in at 204 kgs (449 lbs) this makes the Honda VT 500 ED in the same weight category as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE, give or take 50kg.
The 1983 Honda VT 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder - [2025]
In terms of power the 491cc 6 valve Horizontal In-Line 2 cylinder engine produces 50 bhp (37 kW) @ 9000 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 SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 30.9 lb-ft (41.9 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 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 VT 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1970 Norton Commando 750 Roadster has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1983 Honda VT 500 ED.
The 1983 Honda VT 500 ED has a Power to weight ratio of 245.0 bhp per ton and 151.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1983 VT 500 competing with the 1970 Norton Commando 750 Roadster [269.7 bhp\ton] and the 1992 Yamaha TZR 125 SP Belgarda [269.5 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 VT 500 generating around 151.8 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 1981 Suzuki GS 650 G Katana [176.6 lb-ft per ton] and the 1980 Yamaha TX 650 III [176.6 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 15.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 15.4 secs, this makes the Honda VT 500 ED similar in acceleration to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 (15.1 secs) and the 2023 Honda NSS 750 Forza (15.1 secs). This Honda VT 500 ED 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 1983 Honda VT 500 ED and the 1998 Kawasaki GPX 250 R
When talking about the performance of the 1983 Honda VT 500 ED on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.8 secs @ 94 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1998 Kawasaki GPX 250 R (13.8 secs) and the 2006 Kawasaki ZZR 250 Twin Cylinder (13.8 secs).
The 1983 version of the Honda VT 500 ED has a maximum speed of 110mph.
Top Speed of the 1983 VT 500 equals the 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 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 1983 Honda VT 500 ED then how about a 1991 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R (121 mph) and the 1990 Suzuki GSX-R 400 R SP II (121 mph).
