Photo: bikebound.com · Public domain
Honda XL500S
77/100 Overall
70 On the road83 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda XL500S vs Yamaha XS400
Honda XL500S scores 77/100 overall against Yamaha XS400 on 73/100. On the road: 70–73. As classics: 83–73. Overall result: Honda XL500S.
Photo: Barry Lewis · CC BY 2.0
Yamaha XS400
73/100 Overall
73 On the road73 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda XL500S | Yamaha XS400 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 7 | Yamaha XS400 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 7 | Yamaha XS400 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 8 | Honda XL500S |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 8 | Honda XL500S |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 7 | Honda XL500S |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 7 | Honda XL500S |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 7 | Honda XL500S |
Choose the Honda XL500S if…
you want a simple, torquey and charismatic big trail bike with straightforward Honda engineering.
Choose the Yamaha XS400 if…
you want a practical Yamaha middleweight with simple twin-cylinder engineering, comfortable road manners and traditional styling.
Background
History
Honda XL500S
The Honda XL500S was produced from 1979–1981 and used a 498cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, ownership appeal and reliability. It is included as an important reference point for comparisons with its closest period rivals.
Yamaha XS400
The Yamaha XS400 was produced from 1977–1982 and used a 392cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin. 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.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda XL500S
- Its production span in this library runs from 1979 to 1981.
- The recorded engine description is: 498cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, ownership appeal and reliability.
Yamaha XS400
- Its production span in this library runs from 1977 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 392cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, ownership appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda XL500S
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda XL500S. Its library score for character 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 XS400
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha XS400. Its library score for styling is 8/10. 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 XL500S
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check starting technique, top-end noise, decompressor operation, vibration-related fasteners and oil circulation.
- 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 XS400
- 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 XL500S
Rivals to the Yamaha XS400
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha XS400 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Honda XL500S wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda XL500S takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.