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Many motorcycle enthusiasts are curious about how fast a 500cc bike can go. These motorcycles, though not as common today, offer a great mix of power and ease of use.
Let's take a closer look at the history, performance, and whether these bikes are suitable for beginners, how fast they can go, and how they compare to other classes.
The Evolution of 500cc Motorcycles
Back in the 1990s, 500cc motorcycles were immensely popular for beginners on a tight budget.
Honda CB500 and Suzuki GS500 motorcycles were known for being reliable and easy to ride rather than for their speed.
These bikes provided novice riders with an ideal starting point, offering enough power and controllability for enjoyable riding experience.
As the motorcycle market shifted, companies focused on producing 400cc bikes for novice riders and 600cc bikes for performance riders.
Even so, modern 500cc models still deliver solid performance and versatility.
Modern Performance of 500cc Motorcycles
Today's 500cc motorcycles provide an ideal blend of speed and ease-of-use.
Honda CBR500R, an extremely popular sportbike, uses a 471cc engine that produces approximately 46.9 horsepower.
This bike can reach a top speed of approximately 185 km/h (114 mph). From zero to 60mph it takes around 4.7 seconds.
The Kawasaki Ninja 500, famed for its sporty ride, can reach speeds of approximately 190 km/h (118 mph).
The Suzuki GS500, another flexible option, can reach speeds up to 177 km/h (110 mph) thanks to its 51 horsepower engine.
Is 500cc Too Much for a Beginner?
A 500cc motorcycle provides the ideal balance of power and control.
These bikes are more powerful than smaller 250cc or 300cc bikes but still easy to handle.
A 500cc bike typically boasts between 40-50 horsepower and weighs 180-200 kg (397-441 lbs), making it suitable for city riding as well as highway travel.
Beginners with some riding experience often find 500cc bikes to be an excellent step up, offering more power without becoming overwhelming.
Beginners can start with a smaller, less powerful bike to build confidence before moving up to a 500cc model. There are also electric motorcycles suitable for children.
How Fast is 500cc in km/h?
A typical 500cc motorcycle typically travels at 180-190 km/h (112-118 mph).
Example: the Honda CB500F can reach approximately 185 km/h (114.9 mph), while Kawasaki Ninja 500 can hit 190 km/h (118 mph).
These speeds are suitable for various riding environments, from city streets to highways.
Read more: Understanding CC in Motorcycles: What Does It Mean?
Comparing 500cc to Other Classes
When comparing 500cc bikes to other classes, several factors need to be taken into consideration.
400cc bikes are ideal for beginners as they provide less power, making them easier to manage.
These scooters typically reach speeds of 160 km/h (99 mph), which should provide enough power for most riding situations.
600cc sports bikes like the Yamaha R6 can reach up to 260 km/h (161 mph).
These bikes are constructed for optimal performance and equipped with cutting-edge technology to give experienced riders more speed.
250cc and 300cc bikes are ideal for beginners looking to embark on their riding careers.
These bikes are lightweight and less powerful, with top speeds between 140-160 km/h (87-99 mph).
They make for great city commutes and learning the ropes of riding.
| Class | Model Example | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Top Speed | 0-60 mph | Weight | Fuel Capacity | Seat Height | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50cc | Honda Ruckus | 49cc single-cylinder, SOHC | 4.3 hp | 3.35 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm | 60 km/h (37 mph) | ~12 seconds | 88 kg (194 lbs) | 4.9 liters (1.3 gal) | 730 mm (28.7 in) | $2,749 |
| 125cc | Honda Grom | 124cc single-cylinder, SOHC | 9.7 hp | 7.7 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm | 92 km/h (57 mph) | ~9.6 seconds | 103 kg (227 lbs) | 5.7 liters (1.5 gal) | 760 mm (30 in) | $3,399 |
| 250cc | Yamaha YZF-R3 | 321cc parallel-twin, DOHC | 42 hp | 21.8 lb-ft @ 9000 rpm | 185 km/h (114 mph) | ~5.2 seconds | 169 kg (373 lbs) | 14 liters (3.7 gal) | 780 mm (30.7 in) | $4,999 |
| 300cc | Kawasaki Ninja 300 | 296cc parallel-twin, DOHC | 39 hp | 20 lb-ft @ 10000 rpm | 182 km/h (113 mph) | ~5.6 seconds | 172 kg (379 lbs) | 17 liters (4.5 gal) | 785 mm (30.9 in) | $5,299 |
| 400cc | KTM 390 Duke | 373cc single-cylinder, DOHC | 43 hp | 27 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | 167 km/h (104 mph) | ~5.0 seconds | 149 kg (328 lbs) | 13.5 liters (3.6 gal) | 830 mm (32.7 in) | $5,499 |
| 500cc | Honda CBR500R | 471cc parallel-twin, DOHC | 46.9 hp | 31.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm | 185 km/h (114 mph) | ~4.7 seconds | 192 kg (423 lbs) | 17.1 liters (4.5 gal) | 785 mm (30.9 in) | $6,999 |
| 600cc | Yamaha YZF-R6 | 599cc inline-four, DOHC | 117 hp | 45.5 lb-ft @ 10500 rpm | 262 km/h (163 mph) | ~3.0 seconds | 190 kg (419 lbs) | 17 liters (4.5 gal) | 850 mm (33.5 in) | $12,199 |
Factors Affecting Speed
Numerous elements impact how quickly a motorcycle can move.
Weight of the bike is key; lighter bikes generally perform faster.
KTM 690's more horsepower (68-80) at less than 170 kg (378 lbs), combined with less weight, allows it to outrun many 500cc bikes in terms of acceleration.
Aerodynamics play an equally crucial role.
Motorcycles featuring aerodynamic designs such as the Honda CBR500R can reach higher speeds due to cutting through air more effortlessly.
Engine types also play a pivotal role. Two-stroke engines may be less popular today, but they tend to deliver greater power for their size than four-stroke counterparts.
Changes to transmission and gear ratios can have a dramatic impact on top speed and acceleration, enabling riders to customize the bike for various riding situations.
Detailed Comparative Analysis of Modern 500cc Motorcycles
As part of our analysis of modern 500cc motorcycles, we will review key specifications such as engine performance, top speed, weight and other aspects that impact their performance and suitability for specific riders.
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Top Speed | 0-60 mph | Weight | Fuel Capacity | Seat Height | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CBR500R | 471cc parallel-twin, DOHC | 46.9 hp | 31.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm | 185 km/h (114 mph) | ~4.7 seconds | 192 kg (423 lbs) | 17.1 liters (4.5 gal) | 785 mm (30.9 in) | $6,999 |
| Kawasaki Ninja 500 | 498cc parallel-twin, DOHC | 50 hp | 34 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm | 190 km/h (118 mph) | ~4.5 seconds | 176 kg (388 lbs) | 18 liters (4.8 gal) | 775 mm (30.5 in) | $5,799 |
| Suzuki GS500 | 487cc air-cooled, parallel-twin, SOHC | 51 hp | 40.2 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm | 177 km/h (110 mph) | ~5.0 seconds | 180 kg (397 lbs) | 20 liters (5.3 gal) | 790 mm (31.1 in) | Discontinued |
| Yamaha MT-03 | 321cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, DOHC | 41.4 hp | 21.8 lb-ft @ 9000 rpm | 166 km/h (103 mph) | ~5.2 seconds | 168 kg (370 lbs) | 14 liters (3.7 gal) | 780 mm (30.7 in) | $4,599 |
| KTM 390 Duke | 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 43 hp | 27 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | 167 km/h (104 mph) | ~5.0 seconds | 149 kg (328 lbs) | 13.5 liters (3.6 gal) | 830 mm (32.7 in) | $5,499 |
Conclusion
A typical 500cc motorcycle can reach speeds between 180-191 km/h (112-118 mph), providing an ideal balance between performance and ease of use.
Although these bikes no longer dominate the market, they remain an invaluable combination of power and accessibility, making them invaluable assets for both new riders and veterans.
No matter if it be nostalgic memories or contemporary models, 500cc motorcycles deserve recognition for their role in motorcycling history and beyond.
Keep safe and enjoy the ride!
FAQs
How fast can a 500cc motorcycle go?
A typical 500cc motorcycle can reach speeds of 180-190 km/h (112-118 mph).
Is a 500cc motorcycle suitable for beginners?
Yes, a 500cc bike offers a good balance of power and control, suitable for those with some riding experience.
How does a 500cc motorcycle compare to other classes?
500cc bikes offer more power than 400cc bikes and are easier to handle than 600cc sports bikes, making them versatile.
1 thought on “How Fast Does a 500cc Motorcycle Go?”
Sean
Can 500cc motorcycles such as the Kawasaki Ninja 500 be ridden on highways comfortably? I was told I’d need a higher cc for highway riding where the speed limit is 100 km/hr