1988 Honda CR500

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

When originally released in 1984, the CR500 was the most powerful MX bike that Honda had ever produced. It quickly got a reputation for pinging (including the nickname of “Ping King”), which was rectified the next year with liquid-cooling. The rest was history – in a period review of the ’85 CR500, Dirt Bike Magazine said riding this bike was like “playing with a loaded shotgun.”

Said shotgun packed about 55 horsepower into 230 pounds of bike, and many riders thought it was the best Japanese open class bike of the time. The legend lives on – in 2008 VitalMX compared a late model CR500 to a new at the time CRF450, concluding that the new bike was a better overall package for the average rider but the CR500 would be faster if you truly had the skills to handle it. In their words, “The CRF450 is Dr. Jekyll. The CR500 is Mr. Hyde.”

Manufactured in July of 1987, this example is VIN: JH2PE0207JM700872. The seller purchased this example two years ago from a private party.

There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown. The seller states they have ridden 5 miles on this example.

Maintenance:
This bike has been restored, and the seller states that “absolutely no corners were cut in the restoration of this Honda.” He adds that there has been approximately 8 heat cycles since the restoration.

Modifications:
Pro Circuit pipe.

Technosel seat cover.

Boysen factory racing clutch cover and stator cover.

Gold Excel wheels.

Custom made cross bar pad.

Devol Racing master cylinder cover.

Polished swing arm.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Dunlop tires that have aged out.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Universal City, Texas, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any CR500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!