Yes. Honda produced a 500cc dirt bike, with the CR500R being the most famous example of a production open-class two-stroke motocross machine.
A history of Honda's 500cc dirt bike
The standout model in Honda’s 500cc lineage is the CR500R (often referred to simply as the CR500). Introduced in the mid-1980s, it remained in production with ongoing updates into the early 2000s, serving the open-class motocross and extreme off-road arenas. This bike defined an era when 500cc two-stroke machines ruled the field and earned a reputation for raw power, torquey delivery, and a demanding ride that challenged even seasoned riders.
Honda equipped the CR500R with a large displacement two-stroke single and a power-valve system designed to broaden the usable RPM range. The combination produced formidable midrange and top-end punch, making the CR500R a cultural touchstone for dirt-bike enthusiasts and a benchmark against which other open-class machines were measured. The model's legacy persists in conversations about performance, engineering, and the shift away from two-stroke competition in the 2000s.
While the CR500R is the best-known example, Honda’s 500cc lineage in the dirt-bike world is primarily anchored to this open-class machine. Other contemporaries varied by region and purpose, but the CR500R remains the century-spanning symbol of Honda’s 500cc era.
Key facts about Honda's 500cc dirt bike
- Model and class: CR500R (commonly called the CR500) — Honda's flagship 500cc two-stroke motocross bike in the open-class category.
- Engine and tech: a large single-cylinder 499–500cc two-stroke powerplant paired with Honda's power-valve system to optimize torque across RPM.
- Production span and impact: produced from the mid-1980s into the early 2000s, influencing open-class competition and earning iconic status among riders and collectors.
- Legacy: widely regarded as one of the most powerful production dirt bikes, celebrated for its torque and demanding handling characteristics.
Taken together, these aspects define Honda's 500cc era and explain why the CR500R remains a benchmark in dirt-bike history.
Is Honda still making a 500cc dirt bike?
As of the latest information, Honda does not offer a new 500cc dirt bike. The company’s current open-class motocross machines are 450cc four-stroke models, led by the CRF450R. If you’re seeking a 500cc two-stroke Honda today, you’ll typically encounter used or classic models rather than new production. The CR500R’s legacy endures primarily in the used-market and collection circles.
Summary
Honda did indeed produce a 500cc dirt bike, most famously the CR500R two-stroke. It epitomized the peak of the open-class era and remains a legend among dirt-bike enthusiasts. In today’s lineup, Honda focuses on 450cc four-stroke machines, with 500cc two-strokes surviving mainly in the used market and as collectible classics.