1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2007 Suzuki SV 650
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1980 - 81 | - |
| Colours | - | Blue, Red |
| Make Model | Honda CX 500 | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | - | 150 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | - | 5.9 inches |
| Seat Height | - | 800 mm / 31.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | - | 1,440 mm / 56.7 in. |
| Height | - | 1,085 mm / 42.7 in. |
| Length | - | 2,080 mm / 81.9 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 205 kg / 452 lbs | 165 kg / 363.8 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.4 US gal | 17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h / 112 mph | - |
| Max Power | 50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | - |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec / 93 mph | - |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 3.2 x 2.5 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 81.0 x 62.6 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 645.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 39.36 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | - | V2, four-stroke |
| Fuel Control | - | DOHC |
| Displacement | 497 cc / 30.3 cu-in | - |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder, camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. ,OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrods | - |
| Bore x Stroke | 78 x 52 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Wet Sump |
| Fuel Consumption | 43 mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 2x 34mm Keihin carbs. | - |
| Ignition | CDI | Digital/Transistorized |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, 5-speed | - |
| Final Drive | Shaft | - |
| Gearbox | - | 6-speed |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Suspension - Front | 33mm Showa telehydraulic fork | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable preload |
| Suspension - Rear | Swinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbers | Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 132 mm / 5.1 in | - |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 84 mm / 3.3 in | - |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 275mm discs | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | 160mm Drum | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 3.25-19 | 120/60-ZR17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 3.75-18 | 160/60-ZR17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2007 Suzuki SV 650
The 2007 Suzuki SV 650 edges out the 1981 Honda CX 500 thanks to its lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1981 Honda CX 500 - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 1981 Honda CX 500 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
2007 Suzuki SV 650 - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 165 kg vs 205 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2007 Suzuki SV 650 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1981 Honda CX 500 and 2007 Suzuki SV 650?
The 1981 Honda CX 500 uses Four stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder, camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. ,OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrods, while the 2007 Suzuki SV 650 is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2007 Suzuki SV 650?
The 2007 Suzuki SV 650 is lighter at 165 kg compared to 205 kg for the 1981 Honda CX 500 - a difference of 40 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2007 Suzuki SV 650?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 Honda CX 500 has its own strengths, while the 2007 Suzuki SV 650 stands out for lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.