1985 Honda CR500 – Iconic Motorbike Auctions (2024)

FAQs

What was the best year for the CR500? ›

While the Honda CR500 was continuously improved upon in minor ways throughout its production run up till 2001, many enthusiasts believe that the early models of the bike, especially from 1985 to 1990, were its best iterations ever.

In 1983 Honda continued the cr480 and put a 5 speed transmission gear box in. Then in 1984 Honda made the first CR500 and was nick named the "ping king." Finally in 1985, Honda made the first water cooled CR500.

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The CR500 was first produced in 1984, and had a 491 cc (30.0 cu in) air-cooled two-stroke engine that produced 60.8hp, the most powerful motocross bike that Honda had ever produced.

One of the overall best dirt bikes, the CR500, was discontinued in 2001. So, if this is one of the best bikes then why would it be discontinued? Honda will say the main reason it was discontinued was because they do not sell enough open class bikes for motocross to justify the build cost.

Suzuki's GSX-R supposedly stands for “Grand Sport eXperimental- Racing”, Honda's CB stands for “City Bike”, and CBR is short for “City Bike Racer” (or “racing”) not for “cross beam racer”.

Because combustion takes place with each revolution of the crankshaft with a 2-stroke, this format puts out more power than a 4-stroke engine and the power has more instantaneous delivery. This are some reasons why 2-stroke engines have a long history of use on many different types of motorcycles.

The most powerful and fastest dirt bike currently, is the KTM 450 SX-F, a 450cc bike with a top speed of 123 mph. The 450 SX-F was a Motocross Champion under rider Ryan Dungey in the dirt bike category. A 449cc engine powers the bike which weighs just 237 pounds.

450cc motorcycle is capable of reaching the highest speed of 160mph. The average top speed for a 450cc bike is 80-120 mph. Kawasaki KX450F is among the fastest 450cc motorbike and has a speed of 160 km/h (258 kilometers/h).

In 1984 Honda introduced the first iteration of the monstrous CR500, nicknamed the 'Ping King'.

What was the last year Honda made a 2-stroke? ›

Honda stopped manufacturing the CR 85, 125, 250cc 2-Stroke dirt bikes in 2008 and the CR 500cc 2-Stroke dirt bike in 2001. Now, if you have ever ridden a 2-Stroke bike before then you will agree that it gives you a total different, if not better experience then a 4-Stroke engine does.

Best Year Used CR-V: 2005-2006

If you want an unbeatable deal on a tried-and-true SUV, then look for the 2005 to 2006 model year. This generation can be the best year Honda CR-V to buy used for budget-conscious drivers because of the high fuel economy figures, steady performance, and inexpensive maintenance.

The 2001 models continue to be savored by lovers of the CR250, considered the best of the best ever produced.

Back then its 491cc 2 stroke motor was pushing out a ridiculous 60-64 HP, but in 2001 when the CR500 was discontinued the HP had mellowed to around 56. The CR's power figure is enough to rival new off-road bikes today, but that's not what made the 'Ping King' so special.