Photo: Tspooncl65 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Honda CX500
81/100 Overall
78 On the road83 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CX500 vs Yamaha SR500
Honda CX500 scores 81/100 overall against Yamaha SR500 on 78/100. On the road: 78–73. As classics: 83–83. Overall result: Honda CX500.
Yamaha SR500
78/100 Overall
73 On the road83 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CX500 | Yamaha SR500 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 6 | Honda CX500 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha SR500 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 8 | Honda CX500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 8 | 6 | Honda CX500 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha SR500 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 8 | Honda CX500 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 9 | Level |
Choose the Honda CX500 if…
you want unconventional engineering, exceptional durability and one of Britain's most recognisable courier and commuter motorcycles.
Choose the Yamaha SR500 if…
you want simple engineering, traditional single-cylinder character and an agile motorcycle that is easy to understand.
Background
History
Honda CX500
The Honda CX500 was produced from 1978–1983 and used a 497cc liquid-cooled transverse V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha SR500
The Yamaha SR500 was produced from 1978–1989 and used a 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for ownership appeal, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CX500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 497cc liquid-cooled transverse V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance.
Yamaha SR500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are ownership appeal, character, styling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CX500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CX500. Its library score for reliability 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 SR500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha SR500. Its library score for ownership appeal 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.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CX500
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- 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 SR500
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- 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 CX500
Rivals to the Yamaha SR500
Final result
The verdict
Honda CX500 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Honda CX500 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.