Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect) vs Yamaha SR 500 (reduced effect) (1985)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect)stacks up against the Yamaha SR 500 (reduced effect). Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect)Yamaha SR 500 (reduced effect)
Model year19791985
Price
Engine497 cc499 cc
Horsepower27 hp27 hp
Fuel capacity2.9 L3.2 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesDual discSingle disc
Rear brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake
Tires3.50-19 / 130/90-16 3.50-18 / 4.00-18

Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect) vs Yamaha SR 500 (reduced effect) — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect) and the Yamaha SR 500 (reduced effect) usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda CX 500 Custom (reduced effect) brings 27 hp, while the Yamaha SR 500 (reduced effect) 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: