1983 Honda Motorcycle Models: The Complete List

On city streets, open highways and racetracks alike, 1983 was a year when Honda offered machines for nearly every kind of rider — from practical commuters to weekend cruisers and small-displacement fun bikes. The lineup reflects Honda’s global reach that season, with models tailored to different markets and purposes.

There are 39 1983 Honda Motorcycle Models, ranging from CB1000C Custom to Z50R, showing the span from large cruisers to tiny minibikes. For each entry you’ll find below the key fields organized as Displacement (cc), Model code, Market so you can compare size, identification and regional availability — you’ll find below.

Which 1983 Honda models are best for everyday riding and commuting?

Look for mid-displacement models (around 250–400 cc) and the CB/CM series from that year: they tend to balance economy, manageable power and parts availability. Consider seat height, weight and gearing for your commute; smaller models and single-cylinder Hondas are cheaper to insure and easier to maintain.

How do I confirm a model’s details using the 1983 Honda model code?

Check the VIN, engine number and the stamped model code on the frame or engine cases, then match that code to the Model code column in the list. Cross-reference Displacement (cc) and Market to avoid regional variants and ensure parts and service compatibility.

1983 Honda Motorcycle Models

Images and Descriptions

Gold Wing

The legendary touring motorcycle, available in Standard, Interstate (fairing/bags), and luxurious Aspencade trims. Its boxer-four engine and shaft drive provided unparalleled smoothness and reliability for cross-country journeys, defining the touring class in the 1980s.

Magna V65

The definitive 80s power cruiser, the V65 Magna was one of the fastest accelerating motorcycles of its time. Its massive V4 engine and shaft drive delivered incredible straight-line performance wrapped in a muscular, custom-inspired package.

CB1100F Super Sport

The final evolution of Honda’s legendary air-cooled, DOHC four-cylinder superbikes. A one-year-only model in the US, it combined classic styling with a powerful engine and premium suspension, making it highly collectible.

Interceptor

A revolutionary sportbike that brought Grand Prix technology to the street. Its liquid-cooled V4 engine, rectangular-section frame, and 16-inch front wheel provided a new level of performance and handling, kicking off the modern sportbike era.

Magna V45

A groundbreaking “power cruiser” that merged cruiser styling with the high-performance V4 engine. Its distinctive look, shaft drive, and incredible acceleration made it a massive success and an icon of the 1980s.

Shadow 750

The debut model of the legendary Shadow line, designed to capture the American cruiser market. It featured a liquid-cooled 45-degree V-twin engine, shaft drive, and classic teardrop tank styling, establishing a new standard for Japanese V-twin cruisers.

Nighthawk 750

The largest Nighthawk for 1983, this model featured a smooth, low-maintenance DOHC four-cylinder engine with hydraulic valve adjusters and shaft drive. Its clean, standard styling and reliable performance made it a popular all-around motorcycle.

CB1000C Custom

A large-displacement cruiser-standard hybrid from the early ’80s. Its most unique feature was a dual-range, ten-speed transmission. With a powerful DOHC engine, shaft drive, and air-assisted suspension, it was a heavily-optioned and comfortable machine.

CX650C Custom

The final and largest version of the unique transverse V-twin “custom” series. It offered more power and torque than its 500cc predecessor, featuring chopper-esque styling, a shaft drive, and a distinctive engine note.

Nighthawk 650

A versatile and stylish standard motorcycle. It combined a smooth DOHC inline-four engine with a maintenance-free shaft drive and hydraulic valve lifters. Its comfortable ergonomics and sporty handling made it a favorite for commuting and weekend rides.

Silver Wing Interstate

A mid-sized touring bike based on the CX V-twin engine. The Interstate version came factory-equipped with a fairing and hard saddlebags, offering Gold Wing-style amenities in a lighter, more manageable package for solo or two-up touring.

XL600R

A landmark dual-sport motorcycle featuring Honda’s new RFVC (Radial Four-Valve Combustion) single-cylinder engine. Known for its strong power and reliability, combined with Pro-Link rear suspension, it dominated both on and off the road.

Nighthawk 550

A sporty middleweight standard that shared styling with the larger 650 Nighthawk. It featured a DOHC inline-four engine, a six-speed transmission, and shaft drive, offering a great balance of performance and practicality for its class.

FT500 Ascot

A unique single-cylinder standard with flat-track-inspired styling. Based on the XR500 engine, it featured an electric start and was designed for nimble urban commuting and backroad fun. A distinctive and somewhat rare model from Honda’s lineup.

Shadow 500

The smaller sibling to the Shadow 750, this middleweight cruiser offered the same V-twin character in a lighter, more approachable package. It featured a unique offset-dual-pin crank for smoothness, shaft drive, and classic custom styling.

XR500R

A legendary four-stroke enduro and desert racing machine. The ’83 model was the first to feature the RFVC (Radial Four-Valve Combustion) engine design and Pro-Link rear suspension, setting a new benchmark for big-bore off-road performance.

CR480R

Honda’s formidable open-class two-stroke motocrosser. For 1983, it received a new five-speed transmission and chassis refinements. Known for its explosive power delivery, it was a beast to ride and a top contender in expert-level motocross.

CM450A/E

A dependable parallel-twin cruiser aimed at new riders. It was available in an ‘E’ (Economy) version with a 5-speed manual, or the unique ‘A’ (Hondamatic) version with a 2-speed automatic transmission and torque converter.

Nighthawk 450

The twin-cylinder Nighthawk, offering a balance of economy and style. It used a 6-speed transmission and a parallel-twin DOHC engine, providing a lively ride in a lightweight, easy-to-handle package perfect for newer riders or city commuting.

VF400F

A small-displacement version of the revolutionary Interceptor, sold primarily in Japan and Europe. It featured a high-revving, liquid-cooled V4 engine and the same advanced chassis technology as its larger sibling, making it a potent machine for its class.

XR350R

An all-new and highly acclaimed off-road model for 1983. It featured a unique dual-carburetor RFVC single-cylinder engine, providing excellent throttle response and a broad powerband. It quickly became a favorite for enduro and trail riding.

CR250R

A dominant force in the 250cc motocross class. The 1983 model was liquid-cooled and featured the Pro-Link rear suspension system. Renowned for its strong engine and sharp handling, it was a popular choice for both amateur and professional racers.

XL250R

A popular and highly capable mid-sized dual-sport. It featured a reliable four-valve single-cylinder engine and long-travel Pro-Link suspension, making it agile on trails while remaining a practical and efficient street-legal commuter.

XR250R

A dedicated off-road motorcycle and a staple in Honda’s XR lineup. Lighter and more powerful than its dual-sport XL counterpart, it was built for serious trail riding and enduro competition, praised for its reliability and competent handling.

CM250C Custom

A lightweight and economical cruiser perfect for beginners. Powered by a simple air-cooled parallel-twin engine, it offered classic custom styling, excellent fuel economy, and was known for its user-friendly nature and bulletproof reliability.

XL200R

A nimble and lightweight dual-sport that filled the gap between the 125 and 250 models. It featured the Pro-Link rear suspension and a dependable SOHC single-cylinder engine, making it a great choice for new riders or trail exploration.

XR200R

An easy-to-ride and dependable off-road trail bike. It shared its engine with the XL200R but in a lighter, non-street-legal chassis. Its manageable power and simple design made it a favorite for recreational trail riding.

CR125R

Honda’s competitive entry in the 125cc motocross class. The 1983 model was liquid-cooled and featured a six-speed transmission and Pro-Link suspension, offering sharp handling and a high-revving powerband for aspiring racers.

XL125R

The smallest of the Pro-Link equipped XL dual-sports for 1983, primarily sold outside the US. It offered the same modern styling and suspension as its larger siblings in a very lightweight, economical, and beginner-friendly package.

XL100S

A durable, simple, and long-running small-displacement dual-sport. While lacking the modern Pro-Link suspension of the ‘R’ models, its basic design and reliable SOHC single-cylinder engine made it a popular choice for farm use and entry-level riders.

XR100

A legendary small off-road playbike. Essentially an off-road version of the XL100S, it was built to be incredibly durable and easy to ride. It served as the perfect learning tool for a generation of young off-road riders.

CR80R

A high-performance mini-motocross racer designed for youth competition. The ’83 model featured a liquid-cooled two-stroke engine and Pro-Link rear suspension, mirroring the technology of the full-size CR models and providing a competitive edge.

XL80S

The smallest street-legal motorcycle in Honda’s US lineup. It was a simple, air-cooled four-stroke perfect for young riders or as a pit bike. Its classic dual-sport styling and bulletproof reliability made it a popular introductory model.

XR80

A dedicated off-road playbike and the next step up from the Z50R for young riders. With a manual clutch and multi-speed gearbox, it taught essential riding skills in a durable, easy-to-manage package that could withstand years of abuse.

Passport

The American-market version of the iconic Honda Super Cub. The Passport was known for its incredible reliability, fuel efficiency, and step-through design. It featured a 3-speed semi-automatic transmission, making it exceptionally easy to ride for errands or short commutes.

CR60R

A smaller, air-cooled mini-motocross racer designed as a stepping stone between 50cc bikes and the more potent CR80R. It offered a manual clutch and multi-speed gearbox, providing a true racing experience for very young riders.

MB5

A small, two-stroke sport motorcycle that offered a full-size riding experience in a 50cc package. It featured a 5-speed transmission, front disc brake, and sporty styling, making it a unique and fun “Nifty Fifty” for city riding.

Z50R

The legendary “Monkey” bike, a favorite for kids and adults alike. The 1983 off-road model featured a durable 49cc four-stroke engine, an automatic clutch, and foldable handlebars for easy transport. It was the quintessential pit bike and backyard fun machine.

Express

A simple and reliable moped that was a staple of Honda’s lineup. It featured a 49cc two-stroke engine with an automatic transmission and pedal-start assist. Its step-through design and utility made it a popular choice for economical, short-range transportation.

Honda Motorcycle Models in Other Years