Honda CB500 Four
83/100 Overall
77 On the road88 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB500 Four vs Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III
Honda CB500 Four scores 83/100 overall against Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III on 79/100. On the road: 77–60. As classics: 88–98. Overall result: Honda CB500 Four.
Photo: 1969_Kawasaki_500_H1_MachIII.jpg: Mike Schinkel derivative work: Ligabo (talk) · CC BY 2.0
Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III
79/100 Overall
60 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB500 | Kawasaki H1 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 9 | Kawasaki H1 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 5 | Honda CB500 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 5 | Honda CB500 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 6 | Honda CB500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 6 | Honda CB500 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 5 | Honda CB500 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Kawasaki H1 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 10 | Kawasaki H1 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Kawasaki H1 |
Choose the Honda CB500 if…
you want a lighter, sweeter-handling alternative to the CB750 with classic Honda four-cylinder refinement.
Choose the Kawasaki H1 if…
you want explosive two-stroke acceleration, outrageous period character and one of Kawasaki's most famous motorcycles.
Background
History
Honda CB500
The Honda CB500 Four was produced from 1971–1978 and used a 498cc air-cooled inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, reliability, ownership appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Kawasaki H1
The Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III was produced from 1969–1976 and used a 498cc air-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, collector appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1971 to 1978.
- The recorded engine description is: 498cc air-cooled inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, ownership appeal.
Kawasaki H1
- Its production span in this library runs from 1969 to 1976.
- The recorded engine description is: 498cc air-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, collector appeal, character.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB500 Four. Its library score for styling 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 H1
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III. Its library score for historic importance 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 CB500
- 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.
Kawasaki H1
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- 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 CB500
Rivals to the Kawasaki H1
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB500 Four wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda CB500 Four takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.