Honda created the 1978 CX500, famous for its longitudinal V-twin engine.
The CX500 was part of Honda’s CX series, introduced in the late 1970s. Its liquid-cooled 497 cc V-twin placed the cylinders across the frame while the crankshaft ran longitudinally, allowing shaft drive to the rear wheel through the engine’s unusual layout.
Honda also gave the CX500 features aimed at practical touring, including an electric starter and shaft drive. The motorcycle’s distinctive engineering made it easy to identify and helped it develop a strong following among riders interested in durable, unconventional machines.
Moto Guzzi is another manufacturer associated with longitudinal V-twin motorcycles, but its cylinders project sideways from the frame and its transmission arrangement differs. That similarity is a common source of confusion when identifying the CX500’s engine design.