1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 2010 Honda CBF 600S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1987 Yamaha SR 500 1987 Yamaha SR 500

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
31.5 hp / 23.5 kW @ 6500 rpm
Top Speed
95 mph / 152.8 km/h
Weight
173 kg / 381.4 lbs
2010 Honda CBF 600S 2010 Honda CBF 600S

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
76.4 hp / 57 kW @ 10500 rpm
Top Speed
202.4 km/h / 125.8 mph
Weight
489.4 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year1984 - 872010 - 11
Colours-Pearl Cool White/Black, Pearl Siena Red/Black, Dragon Green Metallic/Black, Pearl Nightstar Black
Make ModelYamaha SR 500Honda CBF 600S
Dimensions
Seat Height810 mm / 32 in785 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase1405 mm / 55.3 in1490 mm / 58.7 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm /5.1 in
Height1155 mm / 45.5 in1240 mm / 48.8 in
Length-2160 mm / 85.0 in
Width845 mm / 33.3 in765 mm / 30.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight158 kg / 348 lbs222 kg / 489.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity12 Litres / 3.1 US gal20 Liters / 5.2 US gal
Oil Capacity2.4 Litres-
Wet Weight173 kg / 381.4 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed95 mph / 152.8 km/h202.4 km/h / 125.8 mph
Max Power31.5 hp / 23.5 kW @ 6500 rpm76.4 hp / 57 kW @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm58 Nm / 42.7 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.3443 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile15.3 sec12.8 sec
Engine
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement499 cc / 30.4 cu-in599 cc / 36.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Fuel System-Injection. PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Bore x Stroke87 х 84 mm65 x 45.2 mm
Compression Ratio9.0:111.6:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption63 mpg20.0 km/lit
Fuel Induction34mm Mikuni VM34SS carburetorElectronic fuel injection 32mm throttle body
IgnitionCDIComputer-controlled digital transistorized
StarterKickElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
Clutch-Wet, multiplate with coil springs
Final DriveChainChain
Transmission / Drive5 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeHalf-duplex cradleMono-backbone; gravity die-cast aluminium
Suspension - Front35mm telescopic forks41mm telescopic fork
Suspension - RearDual shock, 5-way adjustable spring preload.Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload
Rake27.5°26.0°
Trail117 mm / 4.6 in110 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear105 mm / 4.1 in125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 200mm disc2x 296mm discs 2 piston calipers (ABS)
Brakes - Rear150mm drumSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliper (ABS)
Tyres - Front3.50 S18120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear4.00 S18160/60 ZR17
Wheels-U-section twin 6-spoke cast aluminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2010 Honda CBF 600S

The 2010 Honda CBF 600S edges out the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 thanks to its larger fuel tank, lower seat height, liquid cooling, fuel injection, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1987 Yamaha SR 500 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 173 kg vs 222 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2010 Honda CBF 600S - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 810 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 599 cc vs 499 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 125 mm vs 105 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 2010 Honda CBF 600S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 and 2010 Honda CBF 600S?
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder., while the 2010 Honda CBF 600S is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2010 Honda CBF 600S?
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 is lighter at 173 kg compared to 222 kg for the 2010 Honda CBF 600S - a difference of 49 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2010 Honda CBF 600S?
The 2010 Honda CBF 600S has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 sits higher at 810 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2010 Honda CBF 600S?
The 2010 Honda CBF 600S has the larger tank at approximately 20 litres vs 12 litres for the 1987 Yamaha SR 500. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 333-400 km vs 200-240 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2010 Honda CBF 600S?
Both are strong choices. The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel, while the 2010 Honda CBF 600S stands out for larger fuel tank and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.