Post Sale Update: This CR500 sold for $10,000 after 16 bids on eBay in Dacula, Georgia.
When originally released in 1984, the CR500 was the most powerful MX bike that Honda had ever produced. It quickly got a reputation for pinging (including the nickname of “Ping King”), which was rectified the next year with liquid-cooling. The rest was history – in a period review of the ’85 CR500, Dirt Bike Magazine said riding this bike was like “playing with a loaded shotgun.”
That loaded shotgun packed about 55 horsepower into 230 pounds of bike, and many riders think it was the best Japanese open class bike of the time. The legend lives on – in 2008 VitalMX compared a late model CR500 to a new at the time CRF450, concluding that the new bike was a better overall package for the average rider but the CR500 would be faster if you truly had the skills to handle it. In their words, “The CRF450 is Dr. Jekyll. The CR500 is Mr. Hyde.” For ’87 Honda slimmed down the bodywork, made it easier to start, and upgraded the rear shock in the hopes of slightly civilizing the madness. For more on that year’s model, check out this profile on PulpMX.
This example (VIN: JH2PE020XHC660028) is said to be race ready with several modifications: Pro Taper handlebars, Boyesen Factory Racing clutch and ignition covers, forks and shock rebuilt by Race Tech, DPL aluminum radiators, GPI radiator hoses, a FMF Fatty exhaust, and a few new pieces. The sale includes the original ignition/clutch covers, radiators, and suspension springs.
Find this CR500 for sale in Dacula, Georgia with bidding up to $5,220 here on eBay.