Post Listing Update: This CX500 Turbo sold for $10,141 after 22 bids on eBay in Beaverton, Oregon…however the sale appears to have fallen through as the bike was later relisted and then did not meet reserve with 24 bids up to $8,600.
Depending on how you define “production”, Kawasaki was the first motorcycle manufacturer to roll out a turbocharged motorcycle. But as this excellent article on OddBike points out, Kawasaki’s effort was more of a quasi-aftermarket creation, and it wasn’t well-thought out either. Honda’s CX500 Turbo is more deserving of the ‘first production turbo bike’ title, as it truly started the forced induction craze of the early 80s.
Hindsight has shown that turbos were not meant to be, as manufacturers were later able to get big power out motors without that pesky turbo lag. Plus, if you really want to buy a turbo Honda, the CX650 Turbo that was introduced a year after the CX500 is objectively a better bike. Still, as a piece of history, this is a fascinating motorcycle – the small cylinders required a tiny turbo with 51mm rotors that spun over 200,000 rpm.
This example (VIN: JH2PC0309CM001315) has 6,110 miles and it’s been with the seller for over seventeen years “in a museum display.” The seller calls it a 9.8 out of 10, with the only cosmetic flaw being a “very minor boot scuff” on the left side fairing.
The seller had it serviced for the sale with a new battery, oil/filter change, brake flush/rebuild, fuel injector cleaning, and new spark plugs. The sale includes the original tool kit and owner’s manual. Everything is said to work but the tires are at least 15 years old so you’ll want to replace them before you cover any miles with it.
Find this CX-T for sale in Beaverton, Oregon with bidding up to $10,141 and the reserve already met here on eBay.