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The 'indestructible' machine: why is the Honda CB500 engine a living legend? The engineering proves it is — and with technical data to prove it
If there is a motorcycle that has gained absolute respect on the streets and highways of Brazil (and the world), it is the Honda CB500. Get ready to meet the motorcycle that has become a legend wherever it goes. This beloved motorcycle is a sales success and is famous for traveling hundreds of thousands of kilometers without failing. Its 471 cc twin-cylinder engine is so robust that mechanics and long-distance riders swear loyalty to the brand.
And it's not just word of mouth: endurance tests and technical data confirm that this bike is, in fact, 'indestructible'. Find out now why the CB500 remains one of the most reliable in modern motorcycle history.
The soul of the legend: the CB500 engine
The heart of the CB500 is a 471 cc liquid-cooled, double overhead camshaft (DOHC) parallel-twin engine with PGM-FI electronic fuel injection. It delivers 50,4 hp at 8.500 rpm and 4,55 kgfm of torque at 7.000 rpm — numbers that may not seem extreme, but which were calibrated to offer the perfect balance between performance and durability.
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According to the official Honda Brazil website, “the CB 500 engine was designed with a focus on strength, low consumption and smooth driving”. Its construction with forged aluminum pistons and cylinders with nickel-silicon coating helps to reduce friction and improve heat dissipation.
Technical rigor: how Honda tests the durability of its engines
Nothing at Honda is made without undergoing exhaustive durability testing. The CB500's engines are subjected to simulations of extreme urban use, sudden braking, continuous operation at high RPM and temperature variations to ensure long-term reliability. Journalist Andy Davidson, from the portal Mad or Nomad, has ridden more than 96.000 miles (154.000 km) on a CB500X, tackling everything from dirt roads to high altitudes, and says, “It’s the most reliable bike I’ve ever owned. It’s never let me down.”
The French magazine Motorcycle Revue tested a model for 150.000 km in a row without experiencing any serious engine failures. (Wikipedia DE)
The voice of motorcyclists: real evidence of reliability
In international forums, the fame of the CB500 echoes among experienced motorcyclists. In CBR500Riders.com, several users share experiences with motorcycles that have exceeded 200 thousand km. One of the most impressive reports comes from Reddit, where user u/abcoaster states: “I have ridden more than 500.000 km with the original engine of my CB500X. With a regular oil change and a clean filter, it has not failed”. (Reddit)
Surprising autonomy: up to 30 km per liter
In addition to its legendary durability and affordable maintenance, the Honda CB500 also impresses with its fuel economy. With an average consumption of between 28 and 30 km/l, depending on riding style and conditions of use, it offers excellent autonomy for long trips or urban commutes. This performance places the CB500 among the most efficient motorcycles in its category, reinforcing its status as a complete motorcycle for those seeking performance with economy.
Honda also gets it right when it comes to keeping the rider's wallet at ease: low cost, high reliability
Honda also gets it right when it comes to keeping the rider's wallet at ease. According to the portal Motorcycle News, the average annual maintenance cost for the CB500 is around £180, including basic services. In Brazil, a standard service at an authorized dealership varies between R$400 and R$600 — values compatible with smaller motorcycles.
Furthermore, the standardization of the Honda line makes it easier to replace parts even in inland workshops. The CB500 shares components with other motorcycles of the brand, which reduces costs and increases the availability of genuine parts.
Technical comparison: CB500 vs. direct competitors
| Feature | Honda CB500F | Yamaha MT-03 | Kawasaki Z400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 471 cc | 321 cc | 399 cc |
| Modules | 50,4 hp @ 8.500 rpm | 42 hp @ 10.750 rpm | 48 hp @ 10.000 rpm |
| Torque | 4,55 kgfm @ 7.000 rpm | 3,0 kgfm @ 9.000 rpm | 3,9 kgfm @ 8.000 rpm |
| Weight (in running order) | 191 kg | 168 kg | 167 kg |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid |
| Average annual maintenance | R$500 | R$600 | R$620 |
| Average autonomy | 28 to 30 km/l | 22 to 25 km/l | 23 to 26 km/l |
Data source: official Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki websites
Learn the differences between the CB 500X and the CB 500F
Why buy a Honda CB500
Honda has delivered a motorcycle with impeccable technical DNA, built to last. Its 471 cc engine combines stable performance, low maintenance and above-average longevity. Laboratory tests, rider reports and technical comparisons with competitors confirm: the CB500 is not only durable — it is a benchmark.
In a world where many bikes shine for only a short time, the CB500 remains a reliable, economical and surprisingly durable road companion. And that’s not just marketing: it’s engineering proven by numbers, by mechanics and by those who matter most — the riders who ride it around the world every day.
