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Honda Motosport XL500S & XL500R Motorcycles

1979 XL500S’79

  • It descended from a long line of Elsinores, although it was never called by that name
  • One color was available: Tahitian Red
  • The fuel tank and side cover stripes were black, red, and yellow
  • The control levers and kickstarter arm were silver (next year they would be black)
  • The speedometer had a 100 mph (160 kph) limit
  • The front wheel was 23″ while the back was 18″
  • The exhaust was a 2-into-1 system
  • The engine was a 498cc OHC 4-valve single cylinder with one carburetor
  • The transmission was a 5-speed
  • The serial number began PD01-5000054.

1980 XL500S’80

  • It came in Helios Red
  • The gas tank and side cover stripes were red, orange, and white
  • The control levers and kickstarter arm were black
  • The bottom triple clamp was also black
  • The speedometer had a 85 mph (135 kph) limit
  • The front wheel was 23″ while the back was 18″
  • The exhaust was a 2-into-1 system
  • The engine was a 498cc OHC 4-valve single cylinder with one carburetor
  • The transmission was a 5-speed
  • The serial number began PD01-5100001.

1981 XL500S’81

  • It came in Monza Red with Black
  • The gas tank and side covers were 2-tone red and black
  • The “XL500S” side cover graphic was red and white
  • The speedometer and instrument light pod were separate
  • The front fender was longer
  • The box-section swingarm was silver painted steel
  • A manual compression release lever was added
  • The control levers and kickstarter arm were black
  • The bottom triple clamp was also black
  • The speedometer had a 85 mph (135 kph) limit
  • The front wheel was 23″ while the back was 18″
  • The exhaust was a 2-into-1 system
  • The engine was a 498cc OHC 4-valve single cylinder with one carburetor
  • The transmission was a 5-speed
  • The serial number began JH2PD010*BM200001.

1982 XL500R’82

  • It came in Monza Red
  • The gas tank, side covers, fenders, and frame were red
  • The seat, fork boots, number plate panels, and engine were black
  • The bike had a Pro-Link suspension, 12-volt electrical system, and a 2-into-1 exhaust system
  • The front wheel was 21″ while the rear was 17″
  • It also featured double leading shoe front brake
  • The engine was a 498cc OHC 4-valve single cylinder linked to a 5-speed transmission
  • The serial number began JH2PD020*CM000021.