Additional photos of this Honda CX500 Turbo are available here for your perusal.
Depending on how you define “production”, Kawasaki was the first motorcycle manufacturer to roll out a turbocharged motorcycle. But as this OddBike article points out, Kawasaki’s effort was more of a quasi-aftermarket creation, and it wasn’t well-thought out either. Honda’s CX500 Turbo is more deserving of the ‘first production turbo bike’ title, as it truly started the forced induction craze of the early 80s.
Hindsight has shown that turbos were not meant to be, as manufacturers were later able to get big power out motors without that pesky turbo lag. Still, as a piece of history, this is a fascinating motorcycle. Fun trivia: the turbocharger has 51mm rotors that spin over 200,000 rpm!
Thanks to the tiny turbo, the 498cc engine produced 82 horsepower, which got the bike up to 128 miles per hour. This was up from the base CX500’s 50 horsepower. But the turbo wasn’t the end of the modifications – this bike also got upgraded with digital ignition, Pro-link rear suspension, and evolved Comstar wheels.
This example is VIN: JH2PC0305CM000212, Engine #: PC03E-2001346. The seller acquired it from the original owner three years ago.
During that time, he’s covered 200 miles. The odometer shows 29,385 miles.
There are no modifications – it is “as stock as possible.”
The sale includes the rare factory cover.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes a split in the front of the seat, some small scratches on the right fairing, and scratches on the right fork lower.
Recent maintenance includes: Oil and filter change, new final drive fluid, new tires, new fork seals, new battery, new grips, new fuel pump, various seals replaced. Greased as needed. Per the seller, this bike “runs great but the petcock could be rebuilt, needs to be at the “2 o’clock” position to flow fuel. Runs fine in that position, but not 100% right.”
Currently located in Boise, Idaho, this Honda is offered on a clean Idaho title.
Have any CX500 Turbo stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
