Honda Cx500 Turbo
The Honda Cx500 Turbo has a top speed of 195 km/h, produces 82 hp and weighs 232 kg. Motoryk rates it 6.5/10.
The Honda CX500 Turbo was introduced in 1982 as one of the world's first production turbocharged motorcycles, representing a landmark moment in motorcycle engineering. It featured Honda's advanced electronic fuel injection system (one of the earliest on a production bike) paired with an IHI turbocharger bolted to the existing CX500 V-twin engine. Though it was only produced for two years (1982-1983) before being replaced by the CX650 Turbo, it is celebrated as a pioneering technological achievement and a collector's icon.
82 hp
Power
75 Nm
Torque
232 kg
Weight
195 km/h
Top Speed
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L, estimated real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Complex Turbo System
The CX500 Turbo uses a small IHI turbocharger with a sophisticated fuel injection system — one of the first production motorcycles to do so. This complexity means aging sensors, injectors, and boost hoses are common failure points that can be expensive to source and repair.
Rising Collector Value
As a rare, pioneering piece of motorcycle history (only ~13,000 units built worldwide from 1981–1982), clean examples have steadily climbed in value. Well-maintained bikes in good condition regularly fetch $5,000–$9,000+, making condition and originality critical for buyers.
Watch the Cam Chain
The underlying CX500 V-twin engine is known to develop cam chain tensioner wear over time, which can lead to noisy, rattling engines if neglected. Always listen for a ticking or slapping noise on startup before buying.
Generations & Specs by Year
Inaugural turbocharged production motorcycle with 500cc V-twin, 22 PSI boost, digital fuel injection, 82 HP.
"Brilliant madness that Honda never quite finished."
Below 3,500 rpm this thing is a slug — you're hauling 232 kilos of future-tech that feels like a tired commuter, then the turbo spools and suddenly you're hanging on while 1982 blurs past at a pace that still embarrasses modern middleweights. The digital fuel injection was genuinely revolutionary, but it also meant that when something went wrong — and early units developed boost solenoid gremlins — you were at a dealer's mercy in an era when nobody understood the system. I rode mine hard for two seasons and the torque steer under full boost kept every corner interesting in ways I didn't always choose. It's a piece of engineering history that deserves respect, not daily commuting.
Pros
Cons
Revised bodywork, updated suspension, improved fuel injection mapping, refined boost delivery, minor cosmetic updates.
"A genuine engineering marvel that time made obsolete."
The revised fuel injection mapping on this '83 update makes a real difference — boost arrives smoother than the original CX500T's on-off switch feeling, though you still need to respect that mid-range surge or the front wheel gets ideas. At 232kg it's a boat in city traffic, and the shaft drive adds a noticeable lurch under hard throttle transitions that never fully disappears. But crack it open on an open A-road and there's genuine 1983 shock value here — 100 horsepower from a 500cc V-twin is still a party trick worth showing off. The bodywork updates gave it a slightly more integrated look, though the fairing still catches crosswinds like a barn door above 140km/h.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"Fascinating collectible that demands patience, money, and mechanical respect."
$4,500-$9,000 usedLet's be straight — you're not buying a CX500 Turbo for performance. Honda's pioneering 1982-83 turbocharged experiment produces 82hp, which was genuinely impressive then but feels modest now. What you're really buying is history. This was the world's first production turbocharged motorcycle, and Honda engineered it with typical obsessive attention, complete with custom fuel injection, intercooling, and a beautifully integrated fairing. It's genuinely exotic hardware dressed in sensible clothes. The problems are real though. Turbo lag is significant — there's a noticeable pause before boost hits, which feels unsettling in corners. Parts availability ranges from difficult to eye-wateringly expensive. Specialist knowledge matters here; a backstreet mechanic touching the fuel injection system is a recipe for disaster. Find one with documented service history and verify the turbo seals aren't weeping oil. These have appreciated sharply as collector pieces. You'll pay collector prices but live with 1980s reliability. Expect to spend as much maintaining it as you did buying it, and keep mileage modest. Ride it occasionally, show it often.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Honda Cx500 Turbo — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALListen for turbo whine, check oil lines for blockage
Cold start behavior, injector response, vacuum leaks
Inspect rubber diaphragm for cracks or collapse
Inspect shields around turbo and exhaust for damage
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Fragile classic, parts scarce, buy cautiously
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Honda Cx500 Turbo
Ducati Paso 907
Honda Vf750 Interceptor
Honda Vfr750
Suzuki Gsx600f Katana
Kawasaki Gpz500s
Compare Honda Cx500 Turbo Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Honda Cx500 Turbo vs Ducati Paso 907
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Honda Cx500 Turbo vs Honda Vf750 Interceptor
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Honda Cx500 Turbo vs Honda Vfr750
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Honda Cx500 Turbo vs Suzuki Gsx600f Katana
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Honda Cx500 Turbo vs Kawasaki Gpz500s
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Honda Cx500 Turbo? +
Turbo failure or oil feed blockage: Listen for turbo whine, check oil lines for blockage (serious) | Fuel injection system faults: Cold start behavior, injector response, vacuum leaks (serious) | Boost pressure control diaphragm cracking: Inspect rubber diaphragm for cracks or collapse (moderate)
Is the Honda Cx500 Turbo a good motorcycle? +
Fascinating collectible that demands patience, money, and mechanical respect. Rating: 6.5/10. Best for: Collectors wanting significant, appreciating moto history. Avoid if: You need reliable, affordable daily transportation.
What is the horsepower of the Honda Cx500 Turbo? +
The Honda Cx500 Turbo produces 82 hp @ 8,000 rpm, with 75 Nm @ 5,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 195 km/h.
Is the Honda Cx500 Turbo good for beginners? +
Not really — the Honda Cx500 Turbo is better for experienced riders. Collectors wanting significant, appreciating moto history Avoid if: You need reliable, affordable daily transportation
Is the Honda Cx500 Turbo reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Honda Cx500 Turbo, notably: Turbo failure or oil feed blockage (Listen for turbo whine, check oil lines for blockage). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Honda Cx500 Turbo good for daily use? +
Collectors wanting significant, appreciating moto history Fuel: 6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L, estimated real-world average).
How fast is the Honda Cx500 Turbo? +
The Honda Cx500 Turbo reaches a top speed of 195 km/h, producing 82 hp at 232 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Honda Cx500 Turbo? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Honda Cx500 Turbo, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/honda/cx500-turbo/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
