The Honda CB500T

THE Honda CB500T was introduced to the UK in 1975 and seems to have died in 1978.

The engine was of course based on the earlier CB450, introduced to America in 1965. Changes to the engine include lengthening the stroke from 57.8mm to 64.8mm, replacing the CB450's roller mains with ball journal type and reducing compression ratio from 9:1 to 8.5:1.
The oil control rings on the pistons were also changed to a 3 piece design. I am using the earlier type in our current road bike without any problems. Carburettors were modified to prevent popping on the overrun, and a system to recycle blow by gasses fitted.

Obviously the bike was restyled over the last CB450's sold in the USA and used the front disc common to larger Honda's of the period. Honda launched a massive advertising campaign in the UK for 1975, to the extent that 4 pages were devoted to the CB500T ad in 'Bike' August 1975.

The advert begins with a copy of the Motorcycle News road test, headlined;
"Touching just over the ton, through the speed trap proves its no slouch."
The test is typical of the period, criticsm being implied rather than stated, and begins with illusions to the classical nature of the styling. Problems hinted at included soggy rear suspension, vibration, lack of power and poor ground clearance.
You just know there is not much to say when the tester praises the front disc brake. These are really truly appalling, why did we put up with that horrendous delay in the wet? The single piston caliper seizes up at the slightest hint of winter.

Saving the best till last;
'What deserves great praise is the bike's potential economy. Using a 50mph maximum, equivalent to 4000rpm in top, returned no less than 73mpg. Overall consumption of 51mpg took this gallon into account plus the speed testing to give an accurate overall figure.'
I would agree, these bikes are very economical, particularly if as we have done you raise the gearing.

Images from the 1975 advert and road test

DID you know that a CB500T was the 1,000,000 Honda motorcycle?
The bike was ridden of the production line by Sochiro Honda himself.

Some specifications from the MCN road test

Oil capacity: 2.8 litres
Alternator: 0.12 kw @ 5000rpm
Spark plugs: NGK B8ES
Primary reduction: 3.304:1
Gear ratios: 1st; 2.277:1 2nd; 1.521:1 3rd; 1.230:1 4th; 1.0:1 5th; 0.844:1 Final Reduction; 2.2:1
Maximum power: 42bhp @ 8000rpm
Maximum torque: 4kg @ 7000rpm
Fuel: 2 star or better (unleaded)
Tank capacity: 16ltrs
Wheelbase: 1410mm (55.5")
Seat height: 800mm
Dry weight: 193kg (425.5lbs)

Speeds in gears;
First: 34mph
Second: 60mph
Third: 79mph
Fourth: 94mph
Fifth: 101.35 (actual)

Standing 1/4 mile ET: 14.639seconds (10st 10lb rider in one piece racing leathers, weather excellent).