Red, White, and Boosted: 1983 Honda CX650 Turbo for Sale

1983 Honda CX650 Turbo
Miles: 4,717
Clean Title
Starting Bid: $14,000
Auction Ends: June 3rd, 2026

Back in the 1980s, when turbocharging was all the rage in the automotive world, the term “turbo” became synonymous with performance, and even entered the pop culture landscape as shorthand for virtually anything cool. With the theoretical advantage of providing additional performance in an era of emissions-strangled cars, it was inevitable the technology would filter down to motorcycles. Unfortunately, the relatively crude electronics of the period meant that turbocharged motorcycles, while entertaining on-boost, generally suffered from driveability issues caused by dreaded turbo lag, and the additional complexity added undesirable weight and maintenance issues. Most manufacturers applied boost to inline-four engines, but Honda’s CX500 Turbo and later Honda CX650 Turbo used the company’s workmanlike v-twin and shaft drive as the basis for their high-tech, high-performance entry into the class. While seemingly an odd choice for a performance engine, the CX650’s 80° v-twin engine was extremely durable, ideal for handling high levels of boos reliably, and its simplicity meant plenty of space to route the additional plumbing for the turbo, while liquid cooling meant it was easier to keep the increased heat generated under control. The 647cc package was good for 19psi and 100hp, enough to push the CX650 Turbo to an as-tested speed of 140mph, impressive for a middleweight of the period.

I have an immaculate Honda CX650 Turbo. It only has 4700 miles on it. We went through the brakes, replaced all the fluids and new tires, checked it out from front to rear and there are no issues, and the paint is perfect,no scratches, it even comes with the rare owners manual and air gauge

For a long time, the Honda CX500 Turbo and Honda CX650 turbo seemed to languish, as forgotten and unloved as the other members of the evolutionary dead-end that was the turbocharged motorcycle. But values have risen significantly in just a couple years, perhaps because the industry is hinting at a return to boosted bikes, now that the technology has matured. This example has very low miles and appears to be in excellent cosmetic condition, and even includes a couple of apparently rare extra accessories. Unfortunately, the seller may be aiming a bit high, even for a bike this nice, as there are no takers yet at the $14,000 starting bid and just a few days left on the auction. Given the current market, I get the sense that $14,000 is more likely to be an appropriate selling price.

-tad