Honda CX 500 SC vs Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect) (1983)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda CX 500 SCstacks up against the Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect). Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda CX 500 SCHonda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect)
Model year19831979
Price
Engine497 cc497 cc
Horsepower50 hp27 hp
Fuel capacity2.9 L2.9 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesDual discDual disc
Rear brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake
Tires3.25-19 / 3.75-18 3.50-19 / 130/90-16

Honda CX 500 SC vs Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect) — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda CX 500 SC and the Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect) usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda CX 500 SC brings 50 hp, while the Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect) counters with 27 hp.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: