Honda XL 500 R vs Ariel HT5 500 (1984)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 500 Rstacks up against the Ariel HT5 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Honda XL 500 R | Ariel HT5 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1984 | 1956 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 497 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 27 hp | 25 hp |
| Weight | — | 132 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 2.8 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 4-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.00-21 / 4.60-17 | 2.75-21 / 4.00-19 |
Honda XL 500 R vs Ariel HT5 500 — which should you buy?
Picking between the Honda XL 500 R and the Ariel HT5 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 500 R brings 27 hp, while the Ariel HT5 500 counters with 25 hp at 132 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: