The Honda VT 500 C motorcycle specifications include a 491 cc (29.96 cu in) engine, power of 50 hp (36.5 kW) @ 9,000 rpm, a 6-speed gearbox, and a listed weight of 201 kg (443.1 lb).
Key specifications
The 1983 model is treated as the standard specification. Only later model years with a different supplied value are shown below.
How the Honda VT 500 C compares
This compares the motorcycle with all Honda models in this specifications database. The blue marker is this model and the grey line is the Honda database average.
About 8% lower than the Honda database average. Around the 57th percentile across Honda models.
About 13% lower than the Honda database average. Around the 51st percentile across Honda models.
Very close to the Honda database average. Around the 54th percentile across Honda models.
About 15% smaller than the Honda database average. Around the 39th percentile across Honda models.
Honda database percentile rankings
Percentiles show where this motorcycle sits across the Honda specifications database. They are descriptive database rankings, not performance ratings.
50 hp — more powerful than about 57% of Honda models with power data.
491 cc — larger displacement than about 51% of Honda models.
201 kg — heavier than about 54% of Honda models, or lighter than about 46%.
11.5 L — larger than about 39% of Honda fuel tanks in this database.
Mechanical overview
Additional useful specifications
| Front tire size | 3.50-18 |
|---|---|
| Rear tire size | 130/90-16 |
| Rear tire width | 130 mm |
| Rear tire aspect ratio | 90% |
| Rear rim diameter | 16 in |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 0.249 hp/kg |
| Power-to-weight | 248.8 hp/tonne |
| Specific power | 101.8 hp/L |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.15:1 (Oversquare) |
Model information
| Category | Classic |
|---|
Engine specifications
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 491 cc (29.96 cu in) |
| Power | 50 hp (36.5 kW) @ 9,000 rpm |
| Bore × stroke | 71.0 x 62 mm (2.8 x 2.4 inches) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Fuel control | Overhead Cams (OHC) |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
|---|---|
| Final drive | Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) |
Brakes, wheels and tires
| Front brakes | Single disc |
|---|---|
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake |
| Front tire | 3.50-18 |
| Rear tire | 130/90-16 |
Dimensions and weight
| Wet weight | 201 kg (443.1 lb) |
|---|
Fuel and emissions
| Fuel capacity | 11.50 L (3.04 US gal) |
|---|
Performance
| Top speed | 160.0 km/h (99.4 mph) |
|---|
Disclaimer: Specifications may vary by market, trim, production date and optional equipment, and scraped or historical data can contain errors. Comparison and percentile values are calculated from Honda models in this specifications database. Always double-check important specifications against the motorcycle owner’s/service manual and official Honda information before relying on them. Visit the official Honda website.