Additional photos of this Honda CB500 Four are available here for your perusal.
Cycle News called the CB500 “the thinking man’s motorcycle” when it debuted in 1971 because it offered up many of the pluses found in the big brother CB750 but in a package that offered better handling, smoother motor, and lower weight. For more riders, the ergonomics were better, too.
The 498cc air-cooled inline four motor was good for 50 horsepower, which was enough to get the 420-pound machine to do the ton.
This example (VIN: CB500-1005221) comes out of the collection of a friend of Iconic, who has kept it in dry storage without a battery.
This machine was restored several years ago, during which point the odometer was reset to zero. It now shows 93 miles.
It got a $1,285 service a few years ago by JC Racing of Huntington Beach, California to make it a runner. The owner covered less than 100 miles, drained the gas, and put it on display in a collection in his office.
With that said, if you’d like to ride it, you should expect to buy a battery, and new tires – our White Glove service can help you with that if needed.
We note some minor chrome pitting, a cracked footpeg rubber, and a crack in the aftermarket tank lining. Photos of all known cosmetic issues are included in the album above.
Described as a “show stealer” by Motorcycle Mechanics magazine in the UK when the bike was first unveiled, the CB500 Four is an excellent choice for someone who wants classic style that they can enjoy regularly. This first-year CB500 Four is ready to display or just a couple of hours away from hitting the road again – what will you choose to do?
