MotoSpecs

1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2006 Suzuki SV 650S vs 2006 Suzuki SV 650S

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
1981 Honda CX 500 1981 Honda CX 500

Naked bike

Engine
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
Power
50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
180 km/h / 112 mph
Weight
205 kg / 452 lbs
2006 Suzuki SV 650S 2006 Suzuki SV 650S

Naked bike

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
372.6 pounds
2006 Suzuki SV 650S 2006 Suzuki SV 650S

Sport

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
204.3 km/h / 126.9 mph
Weight
189 kg / 417 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year1980 - 812005 - 06
Colours-Blue, Red
Make ModelHonda CX 500Suzuki SV 650S
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Seat Height-800 mm / 31.5 in.
Wheelbase-1,430 mm / 56.3 in.
Ground Clearance-155 mm / 6.1 in
Height-1,170 mm / 46.1 in.
Length-2,080 mm / 81.9 in.
Width-730 mm / 28.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 452 lbs169 kg / 372.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.4 US gal17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons
Oil Capacity-2.3 Litres / 2.4 US qt / 2.0 Imp qt
Wet Weight-189 kg / 417 lbs
Performance
Top Speed180 km/h / 112 mph204.3 km/h / 126.9 mph
Braking (60 mph - 0)-36 m / 118 ft
Max Power50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm-
Max Torque46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm64 Nm / 6.53 kg-m / 47.2 lb-ft @ 7200 rpm
Standing Start 0-161 km/h-8.76 sec
Standing Start 0-97 km/h-3.2 sec
Standing Start ¼ Mile14.0 sec / 93 mph11.85 sec / 177 km/h / 110 mph
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-81.0 x 62.6 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.2 x 2.5 inches
Displacement (cc)-645.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-39.36 cubic inches
Engine Type-V2
Fuel Control-DOHC
Stroke-4
Displacement497 cc / 30.3 cu-in645 cc / 39.4 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder, camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. ,OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrodsFour stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Fuel Injection
Bore x Stroke78 x 52 mm81 x 62.6 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:111.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine Lubrication-Wet Sump
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 10W40
Fuel Consumption43 mpg4.65 L/100 km / 21.5 km/l / 50.6 US mpg / 60.7 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction2x 34mm Keihin carbs.Fuel Injection
IgnitionCDI Digital transistorised
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-NGK, CR8E
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate, 5-speedWet multiple plate coil springs
Final DriveShaftChain
Final Drive Ratio-45/14 (3.000)
Gear Ratios-1st 32/13 (2.461) / 2nd 32/18 (1.777) / 3rd 29/21 (1.380) / 4th 27/24 (1.125) / 5th 25/26 (0.961) / 6th 23/27 (0.851)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios-34/71 (2.088)
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Pressure cast aluminium alloy diamond truss
Suspension - Front33mm Showa telehydraulic forkTelescopic, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable preload
Suspension - RearSwinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbersLink-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload
Rake-25°
Trail-102 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front132 mm / 5.1 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear84 mm / 3.3 in125 mm / 4.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 275mm discsDouble disc
Brakes - Rear160mm DrumSingle disc
Tyres - Front3.25-19120/60-ZR17
Tyres - Rear3.75-18160/60-ZR17
Wheels - Rear-4.5 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2006 Suzuki SV 650S

The 2006 Suzuki SV 650S edges out the 1981 Honda CX 500 thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling, fuel injection, dual front discs, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. 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.

2006 Suzuki SV 650S - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 64 Nm vs 46 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 189 kg vs 205 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 645 cc vs 497 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 125 mm vs 84 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2006 Suzuki SV 650S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1981 Honda CX 500 and 2006 Suzuki SV 650S?
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 2006 Suzuki SV 650S is powered by V2.
Which is lighter, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2006 Suzuki SV 650S?
The 2006 Suzuki SV 650S is lighter at 189 kg compared to 205 kg for the 1981 Honda CX 500 - a difference of 16 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2006 Suzuki SV 650S?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 Honda CX 500 has its own strengths, while the 2006 Suzuki SV 650S stands out for higher torque and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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