Honda CL500 — Top Speed 160 km/h (99 mph)

Is the Honda CL500 a good buy? Quick answer

The Honda CL500 has a listed top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) with 46 hp, 43 Nm torque, 500 cc engine, 191 kg curb weight. It sits in the Naked segment. Compare rivals side-by-side using the tools on this page.

Feature Value
Brand HONDA
Model Honda CL500
Engine size 500 cc
Power 46 hp
Torque 43.3 Nm
Cylinder / Valve Single Cylinder, 4 valves
Weight 191 kg (421 lb)
Front Brake Single 310mm floating disc, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brake Single 240mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Seat Height 79 cm (31.1 in)
Front Tyre 110/80R19M/C 59H
Rear Tyre 150/70R17M/C 69H
Cooling Liquid Cooled
Front Suspension Telescopic 41mm Upright forks, 150mm travel
Rear Suspension Twin shock with 45mm round pipe swingarm, 5-step pre-load adjustment
Motorcycle Type Naked
Top Speed 160 km/h (99 mph)
Fuel Capacity 12 L (3.2 US gal)
Fuel Consumption 5.0 L/100 km (47 mpg US)
Prevalence of Service Network
Service Quality
Spare Parts Availability
Price $6,149
For Other Motorcycle Price Lists Click for HONDA Price List

Spec-based reading of the Honda CL500 as a Naked: focus on the numbers that match how you ride — power, weight, seat height, and fuel range — then verify with a dealer test ride.

Pros

  • Liquid cooling for more consistent heat management

Who is it for?

Best suited for street riders who want agile handling.

Commuting / city use

As a naked motorcycle, it suits agile street and back-road riding more than long touring comfort.

Highway / longer rides

Wind protection on long highway days depends on screens and rider preference.

Good for beginners?

Mid-range specs: suitability as a first bike depends on experience, training, and a proper test ride.

Seat height & rider fit

Seat height is about 790 mm (31.1 in) — mid-range, but personal fit still matters.

Fuel economy & range

Listed fuel use is about 5 L/100 km (~47 mpg US). With a ~12 L tank, theoretical range is around 240 km (real-world range varies).

Two-up riding

Two-up comfort depends on seat length, passenger pegs, and load capacity — check fit with a passenger before long trips.

Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of the Honda CL500?

Our specification data lists 160 km/h (99 mph) for the Honda CL500.

How much horsepower does the Honda CL500 have?

Listed power is 46 hp.

How much torque does the Honda CL500 have?

Listed torque is 43.3 Nm.

What is the engine size of the Honda CL500?

Engine displacement is listed as 500 cc.

How much does the Honda CL500 weigh?

Curb weight is listed at about 191 kg (421 lb).

What is the seat height of the Honda CL500?

Seat height is about 790 mm (31.1 in).

What is the fuel economy of the Honda CL500?

Listed consumption is about 5 L/100 km (about 47 mpg US).

What is the fuel range of the Honda CL500?

Theoretical range is around 240 km based on tank size and listed consumption; real-world range varies with riding style.

Is the Honda CL500 liquid cooled?

Yes — it is listed as liquid-cooled.

How many cylinders does the Honda CL500 have?

It is listed as a 1-cylinder engine.

Is the Honda CL500 good for beginners?

Mid-range specs: suitability as a first bike depends on experience, training, and a proper test ride.

Is the Honda CL500 good for commuting?

The Honda CL500 can work well for everyday commuting, especially for riders who value manageable street handling and an upright riding position.

Is the Honda CL500 good for highway riding?

With a listed top speed of 160 km/h, the Honda CL500 has enough performance for typical highway speeds and overtaking. Long-distance comfort still depends on riding position, wind protection and rider preference.

Is the Honda CL500 suitable for short riders?

Seat height is about 790 mm (31.1 in) — mid-range, but personal fit still matters.

Is the Honda CL500 A2 licence friendly?

A2 licence fit depends on power and power-to-weight limits (≤35 kW and ≤0.2 kW/kg). Based on listed figures, it appears within typical A2 limits — confirm with official manufacturer data.

What are the pros of the Honda CL500?

Liquid cooling for more consistent heat management.


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