Photo: Barry Lewis · CC BY 2.0
Yamaha XS400
73/100 Overall
73 On the road73 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Yamaha XS400 vs Yamaha XT500
Yamaha XS400 scores 73/100 overall against Yamaha XT500 on 80/100. On the road: 73–72. As classics: 73–88. Overall result: Yamaha XT500.
Photo: JokielGram · CC BY-SA 4.0
Yamaha XT500
80/100 Overall
72 On the road88 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Yamaha XS400 | Yamaha XT500 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 5 | Yamaha XS400 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha XT500 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 5 | Yamaha XS400 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha XT500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha XT500 |
| 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. | 7 | 10 | Yamaha XT500 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha XT500 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 7 | 9 | Yamaha XT500 |
Choose the Yamaha XS400 if…
you want a practical Yamaha middleweight with simple twin-cylinder engineering, comfortable road manners and traditional styling.
Choose the Yamaha XT500 if…
you want simple, durable all-road ability and the relaxed pulse of a landmark big single.
Background
History
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.
Yamaha XT500
The Yamaha XT500 was produced from 1976–1989 and used a 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, 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?
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.
Yamaha XT500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 499cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, reliability, ownership appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
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.
Yamaha XT500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha XT500. Its library score for historic importance 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
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.
Yamaha XT500
- 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 Yamaha XS400
Rivals to the Yamaha XT500
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha XS400 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Yamaha XT500 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha XT500 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.