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.
Manufactured in October 1981, this example is VIN: JH2PC0309CM000486, Engine #: PC03E-2001606.
The odometer shows 5,131 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and the following services:
-Rear tire reinstalled in the correct direction
-New valve stems installed
-Engine oil and filter replaced
-New battery
-Coolant flushed and filled
-Hydro 2
-Old fuel drained
-Bike fueled with 90 Octane ethanol-free race fuel
-Front brake master cleaned
-Bike detailed
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New, <150 mV
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Shaft Drive
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 36/18
Tire Date Code Rear: 50/19
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.01V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.57V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Miles, unit operates as designed
Tires Installed:
-Front: 100/90-18
-Rear: 120/909-17
Notes:
-DIY fuel tank liner installed
-Cosmetic Imperfections:
-Rear cover has rub marks
-Light rust on exhaust
-Small crack on RH side panel
-Seat tabs are broken off by fuel tank panels
-Grungy build up in master cylinder
-Cracks repaired on side fairing, fairing upper, mid fairing, RH
-Light oxidation on cam cover, RH
-Crack on LH tail section cover
-Lightly oxidized swingarm
-Small tears in seat cover
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Tires (aged)
Modifications:
Stickers/badges.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop D404 tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean California title.
The California DMV website states that registration fees are not currently due for this bike.
Have any CX500 Turbo stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
