Brief answer: No. Honda does not currently produce the CR500R.
The CR500R was introduced in the 1980s as Honda’s premier 500cc two-stroke motocross bike and became legendary for its raw, brutal power. Production wound down in the early 2000s as the industry shifted toward four-stroke engines, and Honda has since focused its factory motocross lineup on four-stroke CRF models. As of 2026, the CR500 remains a used-market or vintage-restoration classic rather than a current production offering from Honda.
Historical milestones of the CR500R
The following milestones trace the CR500R’s life from breakthrough machine to legacy icon.
- 1984: Honda introduces the CR500R, a 498cc two-stroke motocross bike that becomes a benchmark for power in its class.
- Late 1980s–1990s: Ongoing refinements to chassis, suspension, and tuning keep the bike competitive as rivals update theirs.
- Early 2000s: Production winds down in many markets; Honda shifts its focus toward the four-stroke CRF platform for top-level MX competition.
- Post-production era: The CR500R endures in memory, vintage racing scenes, and collector circles, with parts and specialists supporting restoration and maintenance.
These milestones illustrate how Honda’s strategy evolved—from pushing extreme two-stroke performance to embracing four-stroke platforms—while leaving a lasting mark on motocross history.
Current Honda lineup and why the CR500 isn't current
The following list highlights Honda’s present motocross options and explains why the CR500 isn’t included in the lineup today.
- CRF450R: Honda’s current flagship motocross bike, a 450cc four-stroke with modern electronics, rider aids, and race-proven handling.
- CRF450RX: A variant of the 450 platform tuned for longer formats and off-road use, sharing its underpinnings with the MX-focused model.
- CRF250R/CRF250RX: Lighter, smaller-displacement options built on the same-generation four-stroke architecture for a range of rider needs and classes.
- No current production of a CR500R: Honda has not offered a new 500cc two-stroke motocross bike in the modern era; the CR500R remains a historical model available only used, vintage, or through restoration.
In short, Honda’s current focus is on four-stroke performance within the CRF family, with the CRF lineup serving as the brand’s premier racing hardware. The CR500R stands as a legacy rather than a contemporary option.
Summary
Bottom line: Honda does not still make the CR500. The last CR500R model years appeared in the early 2000s, and since then Honda has concentrated on CRF four-stroke bikes for competitive motocross. If you want the CR500 experience today, you’ll find it only in the used market or among vintage-restoration circles, while new-bike options for serious racers are four-stroke CRFs.