The XR500 was launched in 1979, using the well tried 498cc four valve twin exhaust port air-cooled engine used in the XL500 street model. A five-speed transmission was sued throughout the model run, and all machines from 1981 onwards became the XR500R. Pro link rear suspension, twin carburettors, disc brakes and a plastic fuel tank were just some of the modifications added during it’s model run.
Its success was almost guaranteed, despite opposition from Yamaha with the XT500, and was deleted from Honda’s line up in 1984, although some models were still in showrooms the following year.
