Ducati 500 S Desmo vs Honda XBR 500 (1990)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Ducati 500 S Desmostacks up against the Honda XBR 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Ducati 500 S Desmo | Honda XBR 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1978 | 1990 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 497 cc | 498 cc |
| Horsepower | 43 hp | 44 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 L | 5.3 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Dual disc | Single disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Expanding brake |
| Tires | 3.25-18 / 3.50-18 | 100/90-18 / 110/90-18 |
Ducati 500 S Desmo vs Honda XBR 500 — which should you buy?
Picking between the Ducati 500 S Desmo and the Honda XBR 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Ducati 500 S Desmo brings 43 hp, while the Honda XBR 500 counters with 44 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: