FIRST
INTO THE
FUTURE.CX-5OO.
Honda’s new machine
for a new type of riding.
FUTURE
SMOOTH.
Of course, power and handling are what really set the new CX-500 well
apart from the others. But a smooth ride and rider-comfort features figure
prominently in the picture.
You’ll be impressed by the smooth-shifting, five-speed transmission.
A special damper plate broadens the clutch’s engagement point for
smooth take-offs and shifts. The clutch also serves as a counterrotating
mass to help offset the engine’s natural torque reaction. You get only
smooth, steady power. And to make your riding more comfortable and
hassle-free, the CX incorporates low-maintenance shaft drive passing
through the right half of the sturdy swing arm.
Like the swing arm, the rest of the CX’s diamond-configuration steel
frame is designed to deliver positive control by resisting flex. The sturdy
chassis even uses the engine as a rigidity reinforcer.
With the CX-500, sporty handling and open-road comfort go
hand-in-hand. The upper fork tubes have tapered lower ends
to decrease static friction and increase response to road
input. And special two-stage damping rear shocks handle
mild as well as abrupt road bumps. The result is a
pleasant touring-type ride.
But there are still more future features on the
CX-500. Just turn the page for the final facts and
figures.
CX-500
FUTURE QUICK
You’re looking at a revolution. The new 1978 Honda CX-500. But until you ride one, you won’t know
how far into the future this bike really is. Here is, without question, an extremely potent sport bike.
Here, too, is a long-distance, lower-maintenance machine that’ll take you just about anywhere
The CX-500's four-valve cylinder heads
are one of the keys to its outstanding
performance.
the pavement points.
The CX engine is a liquid-cooled, 496cc, 80° V-Twin. There’s
never been a motorcycle engine like it. The more you know
about it, the more you’ll understand why. Its big-bore,
ultra-short-stroke dimensions (78mm x 52mm) make
it exceptionally oversquare. Wide cylinder bores
mean wide combustion chambers and greater
flexibility in valve layout. The CX-500 takes
advantage of this design by using a pair of
four-valve Pentroof™ cylinder heads. The
comparatively lower piston speeds provided
by the short stroke produce a high-revving
engine (redline: 9700 rpm) while the
four-valve heads help produce
horsepower. Lots of it! The CX-500 pumps out a sizzling 48 hp
and over 30 lbs./ft. of torque (SAE net)* to really get you
hauling! Fast! And its roll-on passing power is just as great.
Since the CX engine is liquid-cooled, operating
temperatures are more stable. This allows the CX to
use a 10:1 compression ratio, yet it’s designed
to use regular gas. Combustion efficiency is
further enhanced by the centralized spark
plugs and the Capacitor-Discharge Ignition
which is also designed for low maintenance.
Fuel and air required for combustion are
mixed by a pair of 35mm Keihin VB
constant-velocity carburetors.
In order to keep the carburetors
tucked under the fuel tank and out of the
way, the cylinder heads have been given
a 22° twist from the crankshaft plane. The
straight-line flow created between intake
manifolds and the exhaust pipes provides
easier engine breathing, better
performance.
That’s just your first, quick look at the
technology that makes this new machine so
incredible. Keep reading about the CX-500 and
you’ll want to see it for real.
* Measurement taken at the crankshaft.
CX-500.
FUTURE BIKE.
In keeping with its revolutionary nature, the CX’s tires are a production
bike first. They’re tubeless. The CX-500 is equipped with exclusive Honda
ComStar™ wheels. There’s a powerful hydraulic disc brake fitted to the front
ComStar; a responsive drum brake at the rear.
The new CX’s exhaust system features Honda’s Power Chamber™
which improves power through exhaust pulsation pattern routing, while the
added expansion area reduces noise. And the system ends with short,
double-reverse-flow chromed mufflers that produce a low, dynamic
exhaust note.
With its strong new look and even more exciting performance and
open-road comfort, the new 1978 Honda CX-500 will meet the needs of a
multitude of riders, from weekend wayfarers to back-road bullets.
There’s simply never been anything like it.
The First Into The Future 1978 Honda CX-500. See it today at your
Honda dealer. You can’t miss it.
Always wear a helmet and eye protection when riding. Model availability may
be limited. For free brochure, write: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Dept.
CG38CX, Box 50, Gardena, California 90247. See Yellow Pages for nearest dealer.
©1978 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
CX-500 SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Type.................80° V-Twin, liquid-cooled,
eight-valve, four-stroke
Displacement.........................496cc
Bore and Stroke...............78mm x 52mm
Compression Ratio......................10:1
TRANSMISSION
Gear Ratio 1.........................2.733:1
Gear Ratio II...............................1.850:1
Gear Ratio III...............................1.416:1
Gear Ratio IV................... ..............................1.148:1
Gear Ratio V................... ...............................0.931:1
Final Drive..............................Shaft drive
CLUTCH___________................................Wet, multi-plate
BRAKES...................Front, hydraulic disc;
Rear, internal
expanding shoe
WHEELS....................Honda ComStars™
TIRE SIZE........Front, 3.25S 19; Rear, 3.75S 18
IGNITION SYSTEM..................Capacitor-
discharge
ignition
STARTING SYSTEM..............Electric starter
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wheelbase...57.3 in. Overall Lgt....86.0 in.
DryWt.......441 lbs. Overall Width....34.1 in.
Fuel Cap.....4.5 gal. Seat Hgt......31.9 in.
COLORS........................Red or Black