Honda XL 500 R vs Ariel HT5 500 Trials (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 Trials. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Honda XL 500 R | Ariel HT5 500 Trials |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1984 | 1960 |
| 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 Trials — which should you buy?
Picking between the Honda XL 500 R and the Ariel HT5 500 Trials 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 Trials 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: