The Honda Cb500 is a rare combination of Japanese engineering and Italian design. For many motorcycle enthusiasts, it represents the top-of-the-line in commuter bikes. The look of this bike from 1997 and 1998 is, in places, inspired by the rides of the '70s. This is especially evident in the design of its fuel tank. However, the Honda Cb500 is by no means a recreation or imitation of anything that came before it. When it first arrived on the scene, it was completely naked. Every facet of the bike was viewable from every angle. When the second generation took to the streets, it featured a bikini facing but remained far less "covered" than most bikes on the road. The majority of Honda Cb500s available have not been altered much since their initial release. While some distributors will touch up the finish or make appropriate replacements, most leave the bike as it was. Even as motorcycles have advanced in the last several years, the clean, sound design of the Cb500 is still considered one of the most effective on the market. In fact, there are elements of the Cb500 that can be seen in the latest Hondas and commuters from most leading manufacturers. You can track down near-mint Honda Cb500s with a 498.9 cc four-stroke parallel twin engines, chrome headlamps, and powerful transmissions. You can also locate almost any part from the Cb500. This has allowed aficionados to construct their own versions of the classic or make adjustments to their own bikes.
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