Honda CB500 Four
83/100 Overall
77 On the road88 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB500 Four vs Velocette Venom Thruxton
Honda CB500 Four scores 83/100 overall against Velocette Venom Thruxton on 81/100. On the road: 77–63. As classics: 88–98. Overall result: Honda CB500 Four.
Photo: Piero at Dutch Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Velocette Venom Thruxton
81/100 Overall
63 On the road98 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB500 | Velocette Thruxton | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 9 | Velocette Thruxton |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 6 | Honda CB500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 5 | Honda CB500 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 5 | Honda CB500 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 10 | Velocette Thruxton |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 10 | Velocette Thruxton |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Velocette Thruxton |
Choose the Honda CB500 if…
you want a lighter, sweeter-handling alternative to the CB750 with classic Honda four-cylinder refinement.
Choose the Velocette Thruxton if…
you want an exquisitely made sporting single with racing credibility, fine handling and blue-chip British collector status.
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.
Velocette Thruxton
The Velocette Venom Thruxton was produced from 1965–1971 and used a 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, 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.
Velocette Thruxton
- Its production span in this library runs from 1965 to 1971.
- The recorded engine description is: 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, 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.
Velocette Thruxton
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Velocette Venom Thruxton. 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 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.
Velocette Thruxton
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- 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 Velocette Thruxton
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB500 Four wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Velocette Venom Thruxton wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda CB500 Four takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.