| MODEL | HONDA CX 500 1980 - 1981 |
| Year | 1980 - 1981 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, longitudinal 80 deg V-twin, OHV pushrod, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 497 cc / 30.3 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 78 x 52 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 37.2 kW / 50 hp @ 9000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | 2 x 34 mm Keihin carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | 33 mm Showa telescopic fork, 132 mm / 5.2 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm with twin adjustable shock absorbers, 84 mm / 3.3 in travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 275 mm discs |
| Rear Brakes | 160 mm drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 205 kg / 452 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.25-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 3.75-18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 43 mpg |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h / 112 mph |
The 1980-81 CX500 continued the original formula with only detail changes, keeping the shaft-drive V-twin and the tall, comfortable riding position. By this time Honda was revising the engine for durability, and the range was expanding with the GL500 Silver Wing touring derivative in 1981. In Europe it was sold with twin front discs.
