Honda CB500T

By Ric Anderson
Published on July 18, 2007
1 / 3
Bad to the Bone it wasn’t: Honda aimed the CB500T at a refined crowd that presumably would appreciate a bike with throwback — some would say outdated — engineering.
Bad to the Bone it wasn’t: Honda aimed the CB500T at a refined crowd that presumably would appreciate a bike with throwback — some would say outdated — engineering.
2 / 3
1976 Yamaha XS500
1976 Yamaha XS500
3 / 3
1977 Suzuki GS550
1977 Suzuki GS550

Honda CB500T

Years produced: 1975-76
Total production: N/A
Claimed power: 34bhp @ 8,500rpm
Top speed: 101mph
Engine type: Parallel twin
Weight (dry): 193kg (425lb)
Price then: $1,545
Price now: $800-$1,800

OK, let’s get one thing clear right off the bat: Yes, we do know the difference between the Honda CB500T and the Honda GB500.

The GB500, Honda’s single-cylinder retro-classic of the late Eighties, is already an acknowledged classic. And yes, we do consider the CB500T an Under the Radar classic.

Could the CB500T, a Seventies twin, hold a candle to the GB500 from a performance standpoint? No. Did it generate as many words of praise as the GB? Not even close. If you set the two beside each other, would you pick the CB over its updated offspring? Probably not, unless you’d also choose Janet Reno over Janet Jackson.

So why are we spotlighting the old twin, a bike that drew comparisons to the bland-as-paste Ford Granada?

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-880-7567