Honda CB 500 T vs Suzuki GS 550 E Red Suzi (1981)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda CB 500 Tstacks up against the Suzuki GS 550 E Red Suzi. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda CB 500 TSuzuki GS 550 E Red Suzi
Model year19781981
Price
Engine499 cc549 cc
Horsepower42 hp50 hp
Fuel capacity3.4 L4.4 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed6-speed
Front brakesSingle discDual disc
Rear brakesExpanding brakeSingle disc
Tires3 50-19 / 4.00-18 3.25-19 / 4.25-17

Honda CB 500 T vs Suzuki GS 550 E Red Suzi — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda CB 500 T and the Suzuki GS 550 E Red Suzi usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda CB 500 T brings 42 hp, while the Suzuki GS 550 E Red Suzi counters with 50 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: