Photo: JokielGram · CC BY-SA 4.0
Yamaha XT500
80/100 Overall
72 On the road88 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Yamaha XT500 vs Honda CB400N Super Dream
Yamaha XT500 scores 80/100 overall against Honda CB400N Super Dream on 76/100. On the road: 72–78. As classics: 88–73. Overall result: Yamaha XT500.
Photo: Rainmaker47 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Honda CB400N Super Dream
76/100 Overall
78 On the road73 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Yamaha XT500 | Honda CB400N | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 7 | Honda CB400N |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Yamaha XT500 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 7 | Honda CB400N |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 8 | Honda CB400N |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 7 | Yamaha XT500 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 8 | Yamaha XT500 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 7 | Yamaha XT500 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 7 | Yamaha XT500 |
Choose the Yamaha XT500 if…
you want simple, durable all-road ability and the relaxed pulse of a landmark big single.
Choose the Honda CB400N if…
you want dependable, comfortable and familiar Honda middleweight transport with excellent parts support and easy ownership.
Background
History
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.
Honda CB400N
The Honda CB400N Super Dream was produced from 1978–1986 and used a 395cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel 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.
Interesting details
Did you know?
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.
Honda CB400N
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1986.
- The recorded engine description is: 395cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
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.
Honda CB400N
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB400N Super Dream. 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.
Before you buy
Buying checks
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.
Honda CB400N
- 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 XT500
Rivals to the Honda CB400N
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB400N Super Dream 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.