| MODEL | HONDA XL 500R 1982 - 1983 |
| Year | 1982 - 1983 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve, counterbalanced |
| Displacement / Capacity | 497 cc / 30.3 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 89 x 80 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 23.8 kW / 32 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 37.3 Nm / 3.8 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | Single 32 mm Keihin carburettor |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 Speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | Leading axle coil spring forks |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link, adjustable for preload |
| Front Brakes | 140 mm drum |
| Rear Brakes | 130 mm drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 889 mm / 35 in |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 139 kg / 306 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.00-21 |
| Rear Tyre | 4.60-17 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 10 Litres / 2.6 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | 163 km/h / 101.2 mph |
The XL500R replaced the XL500S with Honda's Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension and a switch to a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel. The counterbalanced 497 cc four-valve engine carried over, giving it smooth road manners and long-travel suspension for the trail. Its main drawback on the street was a tall saddle, and in the US it was soon overtaken by the XL600R.
