the big issue and why people prefer the 450 to the 500 is weight. Going from 450 to 500t the bike gained like 50 lbs. The 450 also has a stock hp rating of 45hp to the cb500t's 42hp. most of this hp loss is due to the compression drop in the 500 from 9:1 to 8.5:1 (the lower compression to help with emissions and also the crappy fuel found in other countries Honda was expanding into, plus less internal stress, well there are a lot of reasons).
Despite the comp drop, the 500t was made larger by making the stroke longer (64.8mm vs the 450's 57.8mm). The carbs are also different.
Anyway, the stock suspension was also pretty soft as compared with the 450, presumably to make it more accommodating to passengers.
Overall the bikes are good bikes. I used to despise them because they were one of the more common unwanted motorcycles kicking around NY in the 1990s (along with the CX500), but in recent years I have grown a little fond of them. A lot of that had to do with the fact that the 450 looks a little cooler and was actually slightly faster. If DiamondJ ever got off his really clean one I would consider owning one.
most of what works for the 450 will work for the 500, really only the bodywork and some electrical, and the carb bits are what is scarce. Used to be you couldn't get parts for them anywhere but the resergence in 70's jap bike has changed all of that.
Despite the comp drop, the 500t was made larger by making the stroke longer (64.8mm vs the 450's 57.8mm). The carbs are also different.
Anyway, the stock suspension was also pretty soft as compared with the 450, presumably to make it more accommodating to passengers.
Overall the bikes are good bikes. I used to despise them because they were one of the more common unwanted motorcycles kicking around NY in the 1990s (along with the CX500), but in recent years I have grown a little fond of them. A lot of that had to do with the fact that the 450 looks a little cooler and was actually slightly faster. If DiamondJ ever got off his really clean one I would consider owning one.
most of what works for the 450 will work for the 500, really only the bodywork and some electrical, and the carb bits are what is scarce. Used to be you couldn't get parts for them anywhere but the resergence in 70's jap bike has changed all of that.
