V-Twin Flying Machine

In the 1980s, the Big Four Japanese manufacturers raced to embrace turbocharged motorcycles, creating an era of high-tech experimentation based on low-mid capacity size and high-capacity performance.

honda cx500 turbo

Honda led the charge with the 1982 CX500 Turbo, a groundbreaking machine in many ways. This revolutionary model didn’t just promise raw power but delivered real-world usability with an exhilarating whooshing rush from its turbocharger.

Of course, being Honda they had to set themselves a challenge and while the other three Japanese manufacturers used forced induction on across the frame four-cylinder models, Honda settled on the unremarkable and conservative V-Twin CX500. With the valves actuated via pushrods and the cylinders splayed out left and right of the rider, it did not seem a natural choice but when did Honda ever take the easy route?

The 497cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine became equipped with cutting-edge turbocharging and computer-controlled fuel injection. The turbo technology didn’t simply increase horsepower; it did so with finesse, offering 82 hp in a compact, efficient package. In cooperation with IHI, the smallest turbocharger of the time was developed. With rotor blades of only 51 mm, it could handle as much as 200,000 rpm. Power was channelled through advanced systems, including electronic ignition, Honda's Pro-Link rear suspension, and an TRAC anti-dive front fork, ensuring that the bike could handle its performance.

The CX500 Turbo wasn’t just a technological statement—it was a visual one. Its angular, aerodynamic bodywork and integrated fairing showcased a futuristic design philosophy that turned heads. It combined form and function in a way that set it apart from its competitors.

Despite its brilliance, the CX500 Turbo faced challenges in the marketplace. Offered for just one year at a high price, it struggled to attract riders who baulked at the complexity and cost. Honda did not give up, and in 1983, introduced the CX650 Turbo, which increased displacement to 674cc, raised the compression ratio, and boosted power to a claimed 100 hp. Yet, this refinement was not enough to save the turbocharged motorcycle craze.

By the mid-1980s, the "turbo wars" were over. With the market cooling and simpler, naturally aspirated bikes improving in performance, manufacturers began pulling back. Honda, Yamaha, and suzuki discontinued their turbo models after 1983, leaving Kawasaki’s Z750 Turbo to carry the torch until 1986.

The Honda CX500 Turbo remains a milestone in motorcycle history. It wasn’t just about raw speed—it was about integrating turbocharging with advanced computer controls to create a machine that felt futuristic and innovative. Though the turbo era was short-lived, the CX500 Turbo stands as a testament to Honda’s ambition and engineering prowess. Today, it is celebrated as a cult classic, a rare gem from an unforgettable chapter in motorcycling's evolution.

Looking to restore or maintain your Japanese turbocharged masterpiece? Check out CMSNL for the widest range of genuine parts to keep your turbo spinning!