autoevolution 14 Dec 2020, 14:41 UTC ·
by 12 photos
During the ‘70s, Honda’s CB500 Four was one hell of a two-wheeled machine, packing a four-stroke SOHC inline-four with eight valves and a respectable displacement of 498 cc. The air-cooled beast summoned up to 48 hp at 9,000 rpm, while 33 pound-feet (45 Nm) of twisting force was produced at around 7,500 rpm.
A five-speed transmission handed the engine’s oomph over to the rear 18-inch wheels by means of a chain final drive. The bike’s front end was supported by a pair of telescopic forks, while rear suspension duties were taken care of by dual hydraulic shock absorbers and a double-sided swingarm. Stopping power came from a single brake rotor and a one-piston caliper up front, coupled with a drum module on the other end.