Motorbikes have come a long way from the simple machines that Harley Davidson used to build, evolving into the complex V-Twin and V4 monsters we see roaming around the streets today. Climbing up the categories is something every other rider looks forward to. The difference in the riding experience between a 300cc bike and a 500cc bike is just phenomenal. With the latter, you get more grunt, better handling, and a ton more fun being pushed back by a ridiculous amount of torque only superbike owners would experience a couple of years back.
And then there are the one-liters, synonymous with insane performance and lightweight track bikes. While most 500cc bikes don't stand a chance compared to higher-displacement machines, some are so well-made and thrilling that we'd prefer riding them over a literbike any day.
10 Harley-Davidson Street 500
If you want to ride in a classic American cruiser, then the Harley Davidson Street 500 is a perfect choice. Its low-slung design makes it a rather easy bike to handle, even in the hands of complete novices. The sitting position also adds to the comfort of the bike.
Looking at the performance, there’s little you can bring to a fault. This makes the Harley-Davidson Street a great bike for not just weekend riding but also daily commute. Plus, the Street 500 is the most economical and manageable way to get into the Harley Davidson fleet.
9 Honda CB500X
Honda has produced several great 500cc motorcycles over the years. And if you’re into cruisers, then you’ll find
plenty of bikes from the company’s vast catalog. Alternatively, if you want something that will blow your mind straight off the bat, then the Honda CB500X is a tremendous choice.
This mad machine is designed to handle any terrain you can throw its way. It packs great off-roading capabilities, wrapped up in an easy-to-handle, compact package that you can use not only on weekends but also daily. The CB500X is powered by a 471cc twin-cylinder engine that is powerful and highly responsive, delivering one of the most thrilling rides you can get in a 500cc two-wheeler.
8 Royal Enfield Bullet Trials 500
The Royal Enfield Bullet Trials 500 is the kind of bike you’d want to buy if you’re looking for something with a bit more classic appeal. The engine that powers the Bullet Trials 500 is the same peppy power unit that runs the Bullet 500.
That 499cc single-cylinder power unit makes a breathtaking noise through its upswept exhaust. the bike features mudguards, a raised handlebar, and a crossbar reinforcement that delivers superb performance on dirt roads. But this is not just a show-off piece. Sure, it is not the most powerful 500cc bike you can buy, but how it performs both on the trail and the road is what makes it unique.
7 Kawasaki ER-5
The Kawasaki ER-5 seamlessly balances performance and utility. This has partly been made possible by its clever construction. The frame, for instance, has been stripped down to its bare basics. That improves its aptitude for city riding.
At the heart of the ER-5 is a liquid-cooled four-stroke DOHC, 498cc engine that is powerful enough for all uses. However, it is not too big to intimidate novices. That power unit is also surprisingly lean and efficient, making the Kawasaki ER-5 one of the most economical 500cc bikes you can ride.
6 Honda Rebel 500
The Honda Rebel 500 is not just a great bike but also one that's selling at a compelling price. This tasteful machine carries on the great quality of the Rebel 300 it is built upon. The Rebel 500 brags of unparalleled efficiency, amazing handling, and agility that favors both the pro and the novice.
The only unexpected thing, if you’re crossing over from the Rebel 300, is just how much extra grunt that 471cc parallel-twin engine can give you. However, despite being more potent, that engine is still friendly to someone stepping into the 500cc world for the first time. The styling is stunning, with the bike coming with a great suspension and a trove of customizable options.
5 Suzuki GS500
An exciting entry-level 500cc motorbike that will be friendly to your pocket, then the Suzuki GS500 is a great choice for both seasoned riders and beginners alike. This bike is graced by a lean, spare aesthetic complemented with superb performance.
The power unit in this bike sends 40 hp to the rear wheel, which, to experienced riders, might not be the kick you’d want from a bike in this category. But for the newer riders, who this machine is built for, that power is more than adequate, and a noticeable step up from a 250cc or 300cc motorcycle.
4 Kawasaki Ninja 500R
If entry-level bikes are no longer your cup of tea, then the Kawasaki Ninja 500R might just be the serious machine you’re looking for. This motorcycle speaks performance just from its stance. The riding position is aggressive with the Ninja styling giving a stern warning to anyone who underestimates this bike.
However, newbies can still access all the performance this bike has to offer. Surprisingly, the Kawasaki
Ninja 500R can be very friendly with a smooth power delivery that makes it quite manageable. The
handling is also fantastic. The fair price point and fuel economy seal the deal for this impressive
machine.
3 Honda CB500R
If you’re interested in getting more performance but for a great price, then the Honda
CB500R might be an interesting choice. But here’s the catch, this machine can’t handle rough terrain.
However, no one interested in a performance bike would want to take it to a trail. The Honda CB500R is built for speed, despite serving mostly as an entry-level superbike. It’s powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine that was fitted into the CB500X. However, this bike has been fine-tuned for performance. That mad power unit is coupled with a superb suspension, large brakes, and a lightweight steel tube frame.
2 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
Some enthusiasts claim that this is the best 500cc bike you can get on the market. The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 packs everything you’d want from a proper 500cc bike...except speed. Yes, it is not the fastest 500cc bike.
The Bullet 500 combines Royal Enfield’s classic styling ethos, bragging of a simple design yet resilient build. The price tag is also very justifiable, considering the capability and efficiency of this stunner. That explains why it stands as one of the oldest-running production motorcycles in the world.
1 Kawasaki Vulcan 500LTD
Kawasaki doesn’t have a very big portfolio when it comes to the 500cc-and-under category, and the Vulcan 500LTD is easily the coolest choice of a classic 500cc Kawasaki.
Not only does it boast timeless looks, but its liquid-cooled four-stroke engine still packs a thrilling punch, delivering 32 lb-ft of torque at 7300 rpm. The bike blends in anywhere and makes for the perfect daily cruiser suitable for both novice drivers and experts.