Honda CB500 Four
83/100 Overall
77 On the road88 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB500 Four vs Yamaha RD400
Honda CB500 Four scores 83/100 overall against Yamaha RD400 on 81/100. On the road: 77–73. As classics: 88–88. Overall result: Honda CB500 Four.
Photo: Schreiberling58 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Yamaha RD400
81/100 Overall
73 On the road88 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB500 | Yamaha RD400 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha RD400 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD400 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha RD400 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 7 | Honda CB500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 7 | Honda CB500 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 6 | Honda CB500 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 8 | Honda CB500 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 8 | Honda CB500 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD400 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha RD400 |
Choose the Honda CB500 if…
you want a lighter, sweeter-handling alternative to the CB750 with classic Honda four-cylinder refinement.
Choose the Yamaha RD400 if…
you want sharp two-stroke performance, light handling and one of Yamaha's most entertaining road motorcycles.
Background
History
Honda CB500
The Honda CB500 Four was produced from 1971–1978 and used a 498cc air-cooled inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, reliability, ownership appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha RD400
The Yamaha RD400 was produced from 1976–1979 and used a 398cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, handling, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1971 to 1978.
- The recorded engine description is: 498cc air-cooled inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, ownership appeal.
Yamaha RD400
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1979.
- The recorded engine description is: 398cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, handling, collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB500 Four. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Yamaha RD400
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD400. Its library score for character is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB500
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Yamaha RD400
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB500
Rivals to the Yamaha RD400
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB500 Four wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Honda CB500 Four takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.