What are the fastest 500cc motorcycles? A 500cc bike can be the ideal choice for you whether you are looking to buy your first motorcycle or just want to upgrade to a bigger one. Such engine displacement offers a significant power level for riders of all skill levels.
If you prioritize speed and want to find the fastest 500cc motorcycles on the market, our handy list below will help you pick the right one.
Here are our picks for the best and fastest 500cc motorcycles
- Harley-Davidson 500
- Honda CB500F
- Kawasaki Ninja 400
- Honda CB500X
- Honda Rebel 500
- Kawasaki Z400 ABS
- Honda CRF450RL
- Fantic Caballero Flat Track 500
- Suzuki DR-Z400S
- Yamaha SR400
The 10 Fastest 500cc Motorcycles
1. Harley-Davidson 500
The Harley-Davidson Street 500 is the fastest 500cc motorcycle on this list. This quick and nimble motorcycle is great for beginners. It has a 494cc, liquid-cooled engine with an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection fuel system.
When investing in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you know that you’ll get what you pay for. Once you use this bike, you’ll realize how friendly, safe, and tame it is, making it great for beginners or riders who just want an upgrade.
It produces 40 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm and weighs about 513 lbs. The lightweight size of this bike makes it excellent for big open roads and long highway miles, where you can put in high gear and cruise for as long as you want.
This motorcycle can go up to 116 mph, making it the fastest motorcycle on this list. Additionally, it can carry about 3.5 gallons of fuel and has an average fuel efficiency of 64.4 mpg, which will take you long distances without worrying about stopping to refuel too often.
One of the things I really appreciate about this bike, other than its powerful, speedy engine, is how well-designed and beautiful it is.
The classic design and the two-into-one exhaust pipe just stand out among other bikes, not to mention its simple yet elegant vivid black color.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Reliable
- Fast
- Durable
- Great for beginners
- Smooth throttle response
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Bottom line
The Harley-Davidson 500 motorcycle is one of the fastest 500cc motorcycles on the market. This bike is elegant, sturdy, and comfortable.
2. Honda CB500F
The Honda CB500F is one of the fastest bikes in Honda’s collection. This bike stands out when it comes to value and adaptability. It is content and powerful enough to take you on a weekend getaway as it is to transport you for your everyday commute.
This bike was initially introduced in 2013 and is updated every three years. The previous version of this bike includes several improvements, such as an inverted Showa SFF-BP fork and dual disc brakes in the front. It is more lightweight than its previous version, weighing about 416.7 lbs.
It has a smooth, efficient twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled 471cc engine with a fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons, averaging an impressive 80.7 mpg, and can go up to 114 mph.
It also produces 46.9 bhp at 8,600 rpm and has a torque of 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm, so you won’t have to push it all the way to the limit to get this engine to perform.
It also has a comfortable seat height of 31.1 inches, making it perfect for shorter riders. When riding this motorcycle, you will feel like you have total control.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable seat
- Great fuel efficiency and capacity
- Smooth engine
- Advanced features
- Great for daily and weekend commutes
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Bottom line
The Honda CB500F is an excellent, fast 500cc motorcycle. It is an exceptional choice for not only beginners but also experienced riders.
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3. Kawasaki Ninja 400
Third on this list is the Kawasaki Ninja 400 motorcycle. This bike comes in some dazzling colors: pearl blizzard white/metallic carbon, metallic magnetic dark gray/metallic matte twilight blue, and matrix camo gray/metallic matte carbon gray.
The bike has a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel twin, 399cc engine, which is powerful and reliable. However, the thing that makes it stand out is its high-quality anti-lock brakes, which make this bike extremely safe for beginners.
It has a total weight of 366 lbs, a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, and an average fuel efficiency of 68.7 mpg. It can go from 0-60 in 4.14 seconds, 0-100 mph in 11.98, and has a top speed of 116mph.
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is impressive because it makes a hefty 44 horsepower at 10,500 rpm. So, despite the bike’s engine’s tendency to punch above its weight, you should keep it at higher RPMs if you want to get the most speed out of it.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Powerful parallel twin-engine
- Variety of colors
- Lightweight and Nimble
- Smooth-shifting sequential
- Includes advanced technology
- Anti-lock brake system
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Unrefined suspension
Bottom line
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a brand-new model with a powerful engine, which gives beginner bikers freedom and control and is available in a variety of stunning colors.
4. Honda CB500X
The Honda CB500X is known for how much of an all-rounder it is. However, this upgraded version of the bike is not intimidating for beginners.
The parallel-twin, 471cc engine is comfortable and produces a horsepower of 46.9 at 8,600 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.
It is the perfect size to take out on the road, weighing 439 lbs with a fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons, and consumes fuel at an acceptable average of 65 mpg. The lightweight makes it nimble, and the powerful engine means it that can easily go up to 111 mph, so it has it all.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Improved version
- Adventurous
- Strong dual-disc front brakes
- Sturdy
- Great fuel capacity
- Versatile
Cons:
- No handguards or heated grips
Bottom line
This versatile motorcycle is great for adventures as well as daily commutes. Many bikers praise this bike for its speed, powerful engine, and fuel capacity.
5. Honda Rebel 500
The Honda Rebel 500 combines power, precision, and style all in one.
Honda is known for its Rebel models, one of the industry’s best-selling models. This new, stylish version has taken riders by storm.
It contains a 471cc twin-cylinder engine with a 3.5-gallon fuel capacity. It has about 61 mpg, which is good enough for riders not to worry about refilling their tanks too often.
The Rebel 500 also has a horsepower of 45.9 at 8,500 rpm and a torque of 31.9-lb at 6,000 rpm. Although there are no official numbers, most tests show it hitting 0-60 in about 5.2 seconds and reaching speeds up to 110 mph without struggling.
But this bike is not only good in straight lines, as its lightweight and low center of gravity make it even better when the roads get twisty.
The new version of this bike has revised its seat and is now comfortable for all motorcyclists. It also includes additional LED light indicators and new exhaust sensors.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable, low seat height
- Versatile
- New design
- Powerful engine
- Stylish
- Very good handling
Cons:
- Small fuel capacity
Bottom line
Going at a maximum speed of 110 mph, the Honda Rebel 500 is definitely a marvelous choice. It is one of the fastest 500cc motorcycles on the market with a comfortable low seat height, a powerful engine, and a new stylish design.
6. Kawasaki Z400 ABS
The Z400 is an excellent motorcycle that combines street fighter styling with the same 399cc engine we all know and love. It’s an agile motorcycle, making it great for bikers who want to take their journeys to the next step.
It weighs about 364 lbs with a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons and an average of 45.5 mpg.
It can go up to 109 mph and produces 44.1 horsepower at 9,800 rpm. The torque of the Z400 ABS is 38 Nm at 8,000 rpm.
It can go up to 109 mph, which is more than fast enough for beginners but is also really comfortable for experienced riders. What I like about it most is that it’s great for shorter riders thanks to its 30.09-inch seat height.
The best thing about this bike, though, is that it offers an exciting riding experience for only $5k, undercutting the competition without sacrificing much.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Advanced technology
- Powerful engine
- Lightweight
- Adequate fuel capacity
- New model
- Anti-lock brake system
Cons:
- Limited wind protection
Bottom Line
The Kawasaki Z400 ABS is certainly the perfect motorcycle for most riders who care about speed, comfort, and a powerful engine that gives beginners total control.
Even better, you get all of this for a great price, making it a super choice for price-wary customers during these tough financial times.
7. Honda CRF450RL
Next on this list is the new Honda CRF450RL. What makes this motorcycle great is how versatile it is. It is street-legal but can also be used for off-road adventures.
It has a 450cc cylinder-head engine that performs better and weighs less than the older version, contributing to this bike’s lightweight size.
The CRF450L weighs a total of 291 lbs, making it one of the most lightweight 500cc motorcycles on this list. It has a fuel capacity of 2 gallons and a seat height of 37.2 inches. Furthermore, it can go up to 107 mph and has a horsepower of 41.7.
The new version of this bike really caught my attention because of the newly added features. Some of those features include a quiet muffler, a wide-ratio six-speed transmission that ensures the engine performs well and smoothly, and a vibration-damping urethane-injected swingarm.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Great seat height
- Versatile
- Excellent for on and off-road adventures
- New design
Cons:
- Small fuel capacity
- Not the cheapest option
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a more versatile yet quick 500cc motorcycle that could work for both on and off-the-road adventures, the Honda CRF450L is the right bike for you.
8. Fantic Caballero Flat Track 500
The Fantic Caballero Flat Track 500 is another fast motorcycle with an incredibly powerful engine that can take you far distances whether you are a beginner or an experienced biker. This bike has a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 449cc engine.
It weighs about 330 lbs with a seat height of 32 inches. Not only is this motorcycle lightweight and safe for daily commutes, but it is also great for longer rides and can go as fast as 106 mph. It produces 40 horsepower at 7,500 rpm, and its torque is 40 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
Not only that, but it also has a fuel capacity of 3.17 gallons, which contributes to its lightweight size. It averages about 56 mpg, which is not bad, but nothing to write about either.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Durable
- Powerful engine
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Small fuel capacity and not-exceptional fuel efficiency
Bottom Line
The Fantic Caballero Flat Track 500 is an exceptional bike for riders who are brave and like to speed while they ride. This bike is excellent because of its powerful engine and advanced design.
9. Suzuki DR-Z400S
The Suzuki DR-Z400S is another versatile motorcycle that is great for on and off-the-road adventures. Many motorcyclists admire this bike because of its compact 400cc, single, liquid-cooled engine, which helps them go at 98 mph.
This bike’s total weight is 317 lbs, and it has a seat height of 36.8 inches, which might be a little high for shorter riders, but it is still very comfortable to get on and get off.
In addition, it has a fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons, which might be too small for some riders, but it factors into how lightweight this bike is.
Suzuki always knocks it out of the park with its “RUN, TURN, and STOP” philosophy, and the DR-Z400S is no exception. In addition, it includes strong brakes that help riders control their stopping power. This can come in extra handy for beginner riders.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Reasonable price
- Comfortable
- Versatile
- Compact, powerful engine
- New design
- Good for on and off-the-road commutes
Cons:
- Limited stock
Bottom Line
The Suzuki DR-Z400S is a great choice for a versatile bike. This motorcycle contains a powerful engine as well as a comfortable seat and strong brakes.
10. Yamaha SR400
Last on this list is the Yamaha SR400, a legendary classic among riders known for its unique style and powerful engine. This elegant motorcycle contains an air-cooled, four-stroke single, 399cc engine.
This bike is speedy enough for many riders, going at about 97 mph. One of the reasons for its speed is its lightweight size, which comes to a total of 384 lbs. Not to mention its 3.2-gallon fuel capacity and its 30.9-inch seat height. This bike is great for beginners as well as seasoned bikers.
This bike’s engine produces 22.93 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 27.40 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It also averages about 66 mpg.
What gets people talking most about this bike is how it’s an incredible platform for personalized customization. Yamaha built this bike for people who like to add their own designs to their bikes, and this has been a standout feature of the SR400 ever since it came out.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Classic design
- Powerful engine
- Sizable fuel capacity
- Low seat height
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons:
- Older model than the rest
Bottom Line
If you are a fan of the classic style of the Yamaha SR400, you will not be disappointed when you purchase it. It’s lightweight, durable, and comfortable to ride.
How to Pick the Fastest 500cc Motorcycle?
When picking the fastest 500cc motorcycle, there are two main factors you need to consider, which are the horsepower and what you intend to use your future motorcycle for.
Let’s discuss these factors further.
Horsepower
The first thing you need to consider when trying to find the right 500cc motorcycle is the horsepower of the motorcycle of interest.
Many beginner bikers might not know that the higher the horsepower, the faster the motorcycle will be. For example, 500cc motorcycles usually have between 45 and 60 horsepower.
There is an easy way to calculate how many miles your motorcycle will go per hour. All you need to do is figure out the motorcycle’s horsepower, find the cubic root of that number, then multiply it by 31. You will now know the exact speed of your motorcycle.
Intended Use
To find the right 500cc motorcycle for you, you will need to ask yourself what you need this motorcycle for.
If you intend to use your bike for casual errands, you might not need the speediest 500cc motorcycle, but if you intend on traveling longer journeys, you might want to look for a faster bike.
Interested in something with a lower CC but is still plenty fast? Let’s help you with that.
Check out our articles:
- Guide to the fastest 250cc motorcycles
- Guide to the fastest 300cc motorcycles
- Guide to the fastest 400cc motorcycles
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast Can a 500cc Bike Go?
The average speed of a 500cc motorcycle is usually between 90 and 100 mph. Some motorcycles can even go slightly higher, such as the Harley-Davidson 500. Other 500cc motorcycles can even go lower, depending on their build.
Is a 500cc Motorcycle Good?
Motorcycles that have 500cc engines are considered intermediate types of bikes. They are not too fast or too slow and are easy to ride. These motorcycles are usually great for both beginner and professional riders.
 I've diligently categorized my motorcycle gear recommendations into all available categories, with the aim of providing you with a comprehensive analysis that showcases the absolute best options for all your needs. These items are the culmination of in-depth research, extensive testing, and personal use throughout my vast experience of 50+ years in the world of motorcycling. Besides being a passionate rider, I've held leadership positions and offered consultancy services to reputable companies in over 25 countries worldwide. To See Our Top Picks and the Best Prices & Places to Buy: Click Here! |
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative Government, educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations:
M/NI
