From Josh McKennie --

The 1987 Honda CR500R stands out as one of the most iconic "Open Class" two-stroke motocross bikes ever manufactured. Released by Honda during the peak era of big-bore dirt bike dominance, this legendary machine was specifically built to handle intense off-road tracks and long desert rallies. While earlier iterations like the 1985 and 1986 models gained a terrifying reputation for their hyper-aggressive power hits, the 1987 edition represents a crucial turning point. Often praised by vintage motocross enthusiasts as the "Holy Grail" of open class engineering, this model effectively combined brutal performance with refined ridability.

The heart of this dirt bike is its 491.4cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine, which delivers an incredible 63 to 64 horsepower and a massive 42.8 lb-ft of torque. To make this astonishing amount of power manageable, engineers made subtle yet highly deliberate mechanical adjustments to the preceding motor blueprint. By introducing a 5mm longer connecting rod, modifying the cylinder head to lower the compression slightly, and tailoring a new ignition system modeled after David Bailey’s 1986 works racer, Honda created a significantly broader powerband. These performance enhancements smoothed out the transition to the mid-range and alleviated the high-compression kick-starting struggles, resulting in a machine that responded with seamless but devastating acceleration.

A standout upgrade introduced on the 1987 model was the implementation of a rear disc brake system, replacing the traditional drum brake setup used on previous versions. Paired with the existing front disc brake, this modification granted riders unprecedented stopping power and exceptional control over the bike's heavy-hitting inertia. The foundational structure rests on a rugged, semi-double cradle steel frame engineered to endure immense physical stress. Boasting a claimed dry weight of just 223 pounds (101 kg), the bike’s high power-to-weight ratio gave it immediate mechanical superiority over contemporary market competition.

Suspension and handling on the 1987 model were heavily updated to tame the legendary engine output. Up front, it utilized the proven 43mm Showa conventional cartridge telescopic forks with revised internal valving to optimize bottoming resistance. The rear setup was entirely transformed by a newly integrated Showa "piggyback" single shock on a Pro-Link linkage system. This eliminated the old remote reservoir hose line to boost overall part reliability. Ergonomically, the model featured vastly slimmer bodywork, a lower center of gravity for fuel storage, and a highly comfortable cockpit compared to previous years, giving riders a more secure hold on the vehicle.

Decades after its original debut, the 1987 model is highly sought-after by collectors and vintage racing organizations worldwide. It acts as a time capsule for an era before the AMA discontinued the 500cc motocross class in 1993. Its striking aesthetic features bold red bodywork paired with distinctive gold anodized wheels, generating instant nostalgia for fans of 1980s racing culture. For riders who appreciate raw, unfiltered performance, this machine represents the peak of two-stroke power before environmental restrictions and four-stroke technology transformed modern dirt bike manufacturing.