Honda VT 500 C (1983–1988) — Specs
Identity
Manufacturer: Honda
Model: VT 500 C
Category: Motorcycle
Type: Motorcycle
Years: 1983 → 1988
Engine
Displacement (cc): 490
Cylinders: 2
Power (hp): 50
Power (kW): 37
Dimensions
Overall length: 2100 mm
Overall width: 790 mm
Overall height: 1140 mm
Wheelbase: 1430 mm
Ground clearance: 160 mm
Weight (kg): 201
Seat height (mm): 760
Tank (L): 12.5
Tires
Front pressure (bar): 2
Rear pressure (bar): 2
Drivetrain
Final drive: Shaft drive
Ignition
Spark plug: NGK DPR8EA-9
Plug gap: 0.9 mm
Fluids & Filters
Engine oil: SAE10W-40, API SE
Engine oil (with filter, L): 2.5
Engine oil (without filter, L): 2.3
Oil filter: Hiflofiltro HF202
Air filter: Hiflofiltro HFA1502
Coolant (L): 2
Brake fluid: DOT 4
Fuel consumption
Estimated range: ~312 km on a full tank (12.5 L)
Service
Battery: OEM battery specification
Service interval (km): 10000
Service interval (months): 12
Valve check (km): 24000
Parts and consumables for this motorcycle
Data is gathered with care, but without guarantee. Always confirm critical information with your dealer or workshop.
Service notes
Service interval: every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Valve clearance check every 24,000 km. Valve clearance — intake cold 0.10 mm, exhaust cold 0.10 mm. Engine oil: oil grade SAE10W-40, API SE, 2.5 L with filter change, 2.3 L without filter change. Spark plug: NGK DPR8EA-9 (gap 0.9 mm). Brake fluid: DOT 4. Coolant capacity: 2 L. Drive: shaft drive. Tire pressure: front 2 bar, rear 2 bar (cold). Always confirm critical values with the workshop manual or an authorised dealer.
OEM and quality aftermarket parts that fit this bike. Always confirm with your dealer before ordering.
Engine oil
Spec: SAE10W-40, API SE, 2.5 L (with filter), 2.3 L (without filter)
- OEM OEM recommended engine oil (SAE 10W-40)
- Premium Motul 7100 4T (100% Synthetic, Ester)
- Premium Motul 5100 4T Technosynthese (Semi-Synthetic)
Which Motul for this bike?
| Motul 7100 4T ✓ | Motul 5100 4T | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Motul 7100 4T — 100% fully synthetic | Motul 5100 4T — semi-synthetic |
| Best for | Sport, Naked, Adventure (600cc+), track | Standard, Cruiser, Scooter, daily use |
| RPM protection | Excellent — ester base, stable under load | Good — for normal riding conditions |
- Standard Repsol Moto Racing 4T (Synthetic)
- Standard Elf Moto 4 Tech (Semi-Synthetic)
Fully Synthetic vs Semi-Synthetic
| Fully Synthetic | Semi-Synthetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Base oil | 100% chemical synthesis (ester or PAO) | Mineral oil + synthetic additives |
| Heat resistance | Excellent — stable at extreme heat & RPM | Good — suitable for normal temperatures |
| Cold start | Better — reaches engine faster when cold | Good — adequate for normal climates |
| Change interval | Longer (up to 10,000 km) | Shorter (5,000–7,000 km typical) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Oil filter
Spec: Hiflofiltro HF202
- Premium Hiflofiltro HF202
- Premium K&N KN-202
Air filter
Spec: Hiflofiltro HFA1502
- Standard Hiflofiltro HFA1502
Spark plug
Spec: NGK DPR8EA-9, gap 0.9 mm
- OEM NGK DPR8EA-9
- Premium NGK DPR8EIX-9
- Standard NGK DPR8EA-9
Front brake pads
Spec: EBC FA080/2
- Premium EBC FA080/2
Rear brake pads
Spec: EBC FA080/2
- Premium EBC FA080/2
Front tire
Spec: 2.0 bar
Rear tire
Spec: 2.0 bar
Battery
- Premium Yuasa YTX9-BS or YTZ7S (typical 250-500cc)
Brake fluid
Spec: DOT 4
- Standard TotalEnergies HBF4
Coolant
Spec: 2.00 L coolant capacity
Service interval
Spec: 10 000 km / 12 months
- OEM Engine oil + oil filter change
- OEM Air filter inspection
- OEM Spark plug check
- OEM Brake fluid replacement: every 2 years
Valve check
Spec: 24 000 km
- OEM Intake clearance: cold 0.10 mm
- OEM Exhaust clearance: cold 0.10 mm
Suspension
Spec: 37 mm telescopic fork / 390 ml SAE 7.5W
- OEM Fork: 37 mm telescopic fork
- OEM Fork oil grade: 390 ml SAE 7.5W
Drive chain
