1982 Honda CX500 Turbo

Turbo was the word of the 1980s. Applied to sunglasses, aftershave and all kinds of other products to enhance the marketing. And it was the go-faster technology of choice for the automotive trade. Honda took a leap in to the motorcycle realm. Their CX500 seemed like an odd choice for the R&D department to flex their technical prowess, but flex it, they did. It came with digital electronic fuel injection and ignition; tangentially spoked Comstar wheels; anti-dive front forks; Pro-Link rear suspension; twin-pot brake callipers; an integrated tank and fairing; and a comprehensively equipped cockpit dashboard. Of course, once Honda had bolted a turbocharger to one of its motorcycles, the rest of the Japanese ‘Big Four’ had no option but to join it on the ‘Turbo’ bandwagon.

The motorbike offered

The 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo on offer here comes from a Southern California collection. In original condition, the bike was just recommissioned to ready it for sale, including battery, a full clean of the carbs and fuel system, and a general check of the spark system. It now starts exceptionally easily and rides well. All systems work as they should. The power suges as the turbo spools up, reminiscent of a 2-stroke with a power band. A fun ride.