• Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
imotorbike logo
  • Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • X (Twitter)

  • YouTube

  • LinkedIn

  • RSS

Honda CX500 Turbo : World’s First Turbocharged Motorcycle
Sathurshan
January 15, 2020

Honda CX500 Turbo is the World’s first production motorcycle to feature a turbocharged engine. The CX500 rolled out of the assembly line in 1982.

1982 Honda CX500 Turbo

1982 Honda CX500 Turbo

Honda CX500: The Base Platform

The Honda CX 500 turbo (or Honda CX500TC) was developed based on the bulletproof Honda CX500 from the previous years. The is because the CX500 was shaft driven and had a liquid-cooled engine. Therefore, Honda figured the CX500 would be the best base platform as it could handle the extra 40% increase in power and heat through turbocharging. On top of this, the CX500 featured Honda’s very first V Twin engine which had four valves per cylinder. In general, the CX500 was an innovative platform for Honda since the beginning. On top of this, Honda wanted to work on a 500cc mid-size engine platform. They wanted to show that the turbocharged 500cc engine could stay in par with larger displacement engines.

turbo motorcycle

Honda CX500 | Photo Credit: Advrider

Development of the Honda CX500 Turbo

During the development phase, Honda found it challenging to have the turbo system with the motorcycle’s V twin-engine configuration. However, Honda managed to develop the Honda CX500 Turbo in the end successfully. Furthermore, they managed to file 230 innovative patents along the way.  According to Honda’s specifications, IHI developed the turbocharger.  It was placed in front of the engine to cool the turbochargers when the bike is in motion.

cx500 turbo engine

Model of the Honda CX500TC’s engine | Photo Credit: Tamiya

cx500 turbo engine

Honda CX500 Turbo Engine | Photo Credit: Iconic Bikes

The fairings of the bike consisted of ducts and channels to force the air into the turbocharger.

cx 500 turbo

Fairings on the Honda CX500 Turbo | Photo Credit: Motorcycle Classics

CX500 was also the first Honda bike to feature computer-controlled fuel-ignition. The operation controlled by a mini-computer in the tail and several sensors also had a fail-safe system in case something goes wrong.

cx 500 turbo

Honda CX500 Turbo System Diagram

On top of this, the bike featured Pro-Link rear suspension and TRAC (Torque Reactive Anti-dive Control) system to safely down the torque and power onto the tarmac.

honda cx500 turbo

TRAC system and the Braking system | Photo credit: Motorcycle Classics

1982: The Launch Of Honda CX500 Turbo

Finally, In 1982 the Honda CX500 Turbo came out to the market, and it was the world’s very first turbocharged motorcycle.

honda cx500 turbo

The 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo

Upon the launch, even some technical and maintenance trade schools bought over a few units of the CX500TC to study on the innovative technologies utilised in the bike.  With an engine capacity of the only 500cc, the bike could produce 82 Hp, which was close to other Honda bikes with massive displacements.  However, as the CX500’s turbo starts to spool at 4,000 rpm, the motorcycle would be rocketed so quick like a spaceship. The riders could feel the raw power of the bike compared to bigger bikes which they found it exciting.

1983:  Launch of Honda CX650 Turbo

1982 Honda CX500 Turbo and 1983 Honda CX650 Turbo

1982 Honda CX500 Turbo [Right] and 1983 Honda CX650 Turbo [Left]

In 1983 the more revised CX650 Turbo (or CX650 TD) later replaced the CX500 Turbo. As the name suggests, the CX650 featured a 650cc engine. The engine power output bumped up to 100Hp.

honda cx500 turbo

In the 650 the compression ratio was increased, and the maximum boost was reduced for smooth riding. The fuel injection system got an update and the rear suspension attained a manually operating damping control mechanism. Besides these changes, cosmetically the CX650 turbo differs only a little from the CX500 turbo. The Material used for the fairing switched from GRP to ABS plastic on the CX650 Turbo. Within the one year production period, Honda built only 1,777 units, making it highly collectable now!

turbo motorcycle

The CX series, since the beginning was more of an innovative platform for Honda. The 1982  CX500 Turbo until today stays as one of the most sophisticated and exciting motorcycles in history. The development of this innovative CX500 Turbo is among one of the most outstanding examples of how Honda always tries to advance in Motorcycle technology.

 

Related Items1982 Honda1983 Hondaautomotive historyCXcx500cx500 turbocx650cx650 turbofactsfeaturedfirstforced inductionHondahonda japanjapanJapanese legendsretroturboturbochargedworld
To read the full story
login with google
login with facebook
or
Create an account for free
This won't cost you.
by clicking this button you agree to iMotorbike's visitor agreement
Already have an account? Sign in here
Click here to get notified on every new article
News
January 15, 2020
Sathurshan

A Mechanical Engineer with an addiction to the smell of petrol and loves anything automotive.

Related Items1982 Honda1983 Hondaautomotive historyCXcx500cx500 turbocx650cx650 turbofactsfeaturedfirstforced inductionHondahonda japanjapanJapanese legendsretroturboturbochargedworld

More in News

Quartararo Set for First Yamaha V4 Test at Misano in September

Hazique ZairillJuly 11, 2025
Read More

WSBK: Gardner and Aegerter Ready to Bounce Back at Donington Park

Hazique ZairillJuly 11, 2025
Read More

Suzuki CN Challenge Returns with 100% Sustainable Fuel

Hazique ZairillJuly 11, 2025
Read More

Honda Celebrates Historic 500 Millionth Motorcycle Milestone

Michelle LiewJuly 10, 2025
Read More

BMW F 450 GS to Launch in 2025 as Lightweight Adventure Bike

Michelle LiewJuly 10, 2025
Read More

Malaysian Rides Vintage Vespa 5,321km to China Border

Michelle LiewJuly 10, 2025
Read More

Free Oil Changes & Helmets at PMR Terengganu 2025

Michelle LiewJuly 10, 2025
Read More

MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin Returns for Brno 

Hazique ZairillJuly 10, 2025
Read More

6 Best Motorcycle Chain Lube in Malaysia 

Hazique ZairillJuly 10, 2025
Read More

Book Now, Pay Less! RM150 Booking Fee for Any Bike!

Hazique ZairillJuly 10, 2025
Read More

Morbidelli F125 Redefines the Beginner Bike

Michelle LiewJuly 9, 2025
Read More

Richard Mille Launches RMB 01 Motorcycle with Brough Superior

Michelle LiewJuly 9, 2025
Read More
We want to buy your bike Join us on Telegram
Scroll for more
Tap

Join us on Facebook

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • Comments

  • Motorcycle Loan Calculator & Motorcycle Rates Malaysia
    Buyer's guideJuly 1, 2025
  • Indian Motorcycle Officially Launched in Malaysia
    Buyer's guideJune 23, 2025
  • Hanway Heritage 400 Review: A Budget Bobber That Turns Heads
    Buyer's guideJune 30, 2025
  • 6 Best Cruiser Motorcycles in Malaysia You Can Get Your Hands On
    Buyer's guideJune 19, 2025
  • YADEA GT20 Debuts in Malaysia: Price Starts at RM4,998
    Buyer's guideJune 18, 2025
  • Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Review: Still the People’s Moped After All These Years
    Buyer's guideJune 13, 2025
  • Kawasaki Corleo: The Four-Legged Ride of the Future
    NewsJune 25, 2025
  • Quartararo Set for First Yamaha V4 Test at Misano in September
    MotoGPJuly 11, 2025
  • WSBK: Gardner and Aegerter Ready to Bounce Back at Donington Park
    MotorsportJuly 11, 2025
  • Suzuki CN Challenge Returns with 100% Sustainable Fuel
    MotorsportJuly 11, 2025
  • Honda Celebrates Historic 500 Millionth Motorcycle Milestone
    NewsJuly 10, 2025
  • BMW F 450 GS to Launch in 2025 as Lightweight Adventure Bike
    NewsJuly 10, 2025
  • Malaysian Rides Vintage Vespa 5,321km to China Border
    NewsJuly 10, 2025
  • Free Oil Changes & Helmets at PMR Terengganu 2025
    NewsJuly 10, 2025
  • MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project 9.5: testing the Schiranna prototype - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • CFMOTO 450SR to enter Malaysia in March 2023 at RM29,300 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Suzuki V-Strom now available in Malaysia at RM81,900 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Colin says:

    I hope they make the Dax street legal. Love to…

  • Mohd Razi bin Rosli says:

    Adv 150cc

  • Nena Maxberry says:

    Just curious what they would retail for

  • Adam Kenny says:

    RM4159 for the front fork is it?

Categories

  • Buyer's guide
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • cafe racer malaysia murah
  • Campaign
  • CSR Programme
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Industry
  • Industry
  • Kedai Motor
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
      • EICMa
    • Helmet
    • Motorsport
      • ARRC
      • CubPrix
      • Moto3
      • Motocross
      • MSBK
      • WSBK
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Moto2
  • Motor Murah
  • News
    • Locals
    • MotoGP
    • Scoop
  • Review
  • Scoop
  • Scoop
  • Tips & Tricks

Corporate

About Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclosure Policy
Contact Us
SUBSCRIBE NOW!

2024 iMotorbike World Sdn. Bhd.(1205246-M). All rights reserved.

Icon Motorcycles to come up with a new version of Triton
Toni Bou aims for third consecutive victory in Budapest this weekend
Nak Jual Beli Motor 😊 ?
WhatsApp
Hi iMotorbike 😊
Open chat