Arctic Cat Alterra 500 XT vs Honda XR 500 (2016)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Arctic Cat Alterra 500 XTstacks up against the Honda XR 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecArctic Cat Alterra 500 XTHonda XR 500
Model year20162015
Price$8,999
Engine443 cc443 cc
Weight340 kg319 kg
Fuel capacity6.0 L6.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Front brakesSingle disc. Hydraulic. Single disc. Hydraulic.
Rear brakesSingle disc. Hydraulic. Single disc. Hydraulic.
Tires25/8-12 / 25/10-12 25/8-12 / 25/10-12

Arctic Cat Alterra 500 XT vs Honda XR 500 — which should you buy?

Picking between the Arctic Cat Alterra 500 XT and the Honda XR 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Arctic Cat Alterra 500 XT brings its published horsepower in a 340 kg package, while the Honda XR 500 counters with its own power figure at 319 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: