1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 1981 Honda CX 500
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1984 - 87 | 1980 - 81 |
| Make Model | Yamaha SR 500 | Honda CX 500 |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 810 mm / 32 in | - |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm / 55.3 in | - |
| Height | 1155 mm / 45.5 in | - |
| Width | 845 mm / 33.3 in | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 158 kg / 348 lbs | 205 kg / 452 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 12 Litres / 3.1 US gal | 17 Litres / 4.4 US gal |
| Oil Capacity | 2.4 Litres | - |
| Wet Weight | 173 kg / 381.4 lbs | - |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 95 mph / 152.8 km/h | 180 km/h / 112 mph |
| Max Power | 31.5 hp / 23.5 kW @ 6500 rpm | 50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm | 46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 15.3 sec | 14.0 sec / 93 mph |
| Engine |
| Displacement | 499 cc / 30.4 cu-in | 497 cc / 30.3 cu-in |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. | Four stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder, camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. ,OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrods |
| Bore x Stroke | 87 х 84 mm | 78 x 52 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled | - |
| Fuel Consumption | 63 mpg | 43 mpg |
| Fuel Induction | 34mm Mikuni VM34SS carburetor | 2x 34mm Keihin carbs. |
| Ignition | CDI | CDI |
| Starter | Kick | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Wet, multi-plate, 5-speed |
| Final Drive | Chain | Shaft |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | 5 Speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Half-duplex cradle | - |
| Suspension - Front | 35mm telescopic forks | 33mm Showa telehydraulic fork |
| Suspension - Rear | Dual shock, 5-way adjustable spring preload. | Swinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbers |
| Rake | 27.5° | - |
| Trail | 117 mm / 4.6 in | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 150 mm / 5.9 in | 132 mm / 5.1 in |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 105 mm / 4.1 in | 84 mm / 3.3 in |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Single 200mm disc | 2x 275mm discs |
| Brakes - Rear | 150mm drum | 160mm Drum |
| Tyres - Front | 3.50 S18 | 3.25-19 |
| Tyres - Rear | 4.00 S18 | 3.75-18 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
1987 Yamaha SR 500
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 edges out the 1981 Honda CX 500 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. 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 205 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 105 mm vs 84 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 132 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
1981 Honda CX 500 - Advantages
- ⛽Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 1981 Honda CX 500 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 and 1981 Honda CX 500?
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder., while the 1981 Honda CX 500 is powered by Four stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder, camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. ,OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrods.
Which is lighter, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 1981 Honda CX 500?
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 is lighter at 173 kg compared to 205 kg for the 1981 Honda CX 500 - a difference of 32 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 1981 Honda CX 500?
The 1981 Honda CX 500 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 12 litres for the 1987 Yamaha SR 500. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 200-240 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 1981 Honda CX 500?
Both are strong choices. The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher rear wheel travel, while the 1981 Honda CX 500 stands out for larger fuel tank. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.