BMW R32 vs Honda FT 500 (1983)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R32stacks up against the Honda FT 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R32 | Honda FT 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1926 | 1983 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 9 hp | 27 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 L | 3.6 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 3-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Single disc |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Single disc |
| Tires | 2.99-26 / 2.99-26 | 3.50-18 / 4.25-18 |
BMW R32 vs Honda FT 500 — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R32 and the Honda FT 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R32 brings 9 hp, while the Honda FT 500 counters with 27 hp.
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: