Photo: Tspooncl65 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Honda CX500
81/100 Overall
78 On the road83 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CX500 vs Kawasaki Z1 900
Honda CX500 scores 81/100 overall against Kawasaki Z1 900 on 87/100. On the road: 78–73. As classics: 83–100. Overall result: Kawasaki Z1 900.
Kawasaki Z1 900
87/100 Overall
73 On the road100 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CX500 | Kawasaki Z1 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 9 | Kawasaki Z1 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 6 | Honda CX500 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 6 | Honda CX500 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 8 | Honda CX500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 8 | Honda CX500 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 8 | 7 | Honda CX500 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 7 | 10 | Kawasaki Z1 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Kawasaki Z1 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 10 | Kawasaki Z1 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Kawasaki Z1 |
Choose the Honda CX500 if…
you want unconventional engineering, exceptional durability and one of Britain's most recognisable courier and commuter motorcycles.
Choose the Kawasaki Z1 if…
you want muscular 1970s superbike performance, imposing styling and major Japanese collector status.
Background
History
Honda CX500
The Honda CX500 was produced from 1978–1983 and used a 497cc liquid-cooled transverse V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Kawasaki Z1
The Kawasaki Z1 900 was produced from 1972–1975 and used a 903cc air-cooled DOHC inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CX500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 497cc liquid-cooled transverse V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance.
Kawasaki Z1
- Its production span in this library runs from 1972 to 1975.
- The recorded engine description is: 903cc air-cooled DOHC inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CX500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CX500. Its library score for reliability is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Kawasaki Z1
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki Z1 900. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CX500
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Kawasaki Z1
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CX500
Rivals to the Kawasaki Z1
Final result
The verdict
Honda CX500 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Kawasaki Z1 900 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Kawasaki Z1 900 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.