Classic Steel

“Maxxis Tires” – Classic Steel #135 1987 Honda CR500R

Comments (11)
  1. I bought one new in the fall of 1986 and went racing 3 days later. What a fantastic bike with perfect details, build quality, and no real weak points. Your critique of this bike is spot on. It seemed to lack some of the low end hit I was looking for, but was very smooth and still made all the power you needed. Lack of fork rebound adjustment wasn’t a problem back then because you could just go to a different oil viscosity to change that. And a higher oil volume to decrease bottoming.
    If I were to own one of these again, an Ohlins out back and some sort of handmade aluminum tank for better ability to get forward would be all you really need to have the ultimate 80’s open bike.

  2. I’ll repeat the above comment that the description of this bike’s personality was right on. Still have mine I’ am 64 and enjoy riding it now more than ever. just added new clutch and throttle cable. Everytime I start the bike I fall in love with it again because nothing else sounds like, looks like it or feels like it.

  3. I have to thank you for your great biography for this bike… I just was lucky enough to found one 2 weeks ago, in pretty good shape and in original state. I just disassembled and I am painting the frame and as soon as some original parts arrive from the US I will assemble her… I am anxious to ride her and I will let you know…

    All the best,
    Carlos Beirão
    Portugal

  4. Hey Tony, I just wanted to thank you for this Great article on this era of Big Bikes. I purchased a brand new 85 CR 500 from OC Honda & I jus can’t say enough about what a Monster this New water cooler was. I rode a 82 480R prior that I had purchased from OC Honda as well. For some odd reason I really enjoyed getting on these Big Open Class bikes. I still have the 85 & need some help with some motor work, she sat in the garage for too long & the coolant solidified & created electrolysis in the side case, if you can let me know what or who can get this baby going I would be very grateful…. Thanks again for the great article, brought back some great memories, bro!!!

  5. I too had a cr480. Then bought a 87 cr500 in 88. Absolutly loved that bike. Still have it, it’s been sitting in a shed for way too many years(becuz of a back injury). Haven’t torn it apart but I can see inside of radiater is gunked up, and mice were living in the venturi and pee got into slide of carb which froze it up and no amount of of soaking in penetrating oil or WD40 will loosen it. I too need help or advice on how to rebuild

  6. I too had a cr480. Then bought a 87 cr500 in 88. Absolutly loved that bike. Still have it, it’s been sitting in a shed for way too many years(becuz of a back injury). I too need help or advice on how to rebuild

  7. I too had a cr480. Then bought a 87 cr500. Absolutly loved that bike. Still have it, it’s been sitting in a shed for way too many years(becuz of a back injury). I too need help or advice on how to rebuild

  8. I bought this 87 cr500r maybe 8 yrs ago and it never ran right so I stored it until about 4 months ago I tore it down. The violent impeller was solid white and jammed. Many hours later with a dremel and it was reborn. Ordered new seals. Ordered new stickers and put it all back. New spark plug and she fired on the first full kick. Omg what a mean machine. It’s 20 mins since I took her around the block and I’m still shaking. Can’t wait to take her to some dirt. EVERYTHING on her is original. Very proud owner.

  9. Fired up the 87 500 this week after rebuild. My knee is healing so I asked a friend who still races to have a rap. He’s a full lare model KTM guy, but absolutely lived the liw down torque of the old girl.
    A great review on this old weapon above. Still a bitch to start though!

  10. Not sure about your heavy clutch pull comment. I have 2 87 500’s and both have clutch pulls that are the envy of 125 riders

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