Honda XL 500 S vs AJS Model 18 500 Statesman (1982)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 500 Sstacks up against the AJS Model 18 500 Statesman. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Honda XL 500 S | AJS Model 18 500 Statesman |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1982 | 1965 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 497 cc | 498 cc |
| Horsepower | 27 hp | 28 hp |
| Weight | — | 172 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 2.8 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.00-23 / 4.60-18 | 3.25-18 / 3.25-18 |
Honda XL 500 S vs AJS Model 18 500 Statesman — which should you buy?
Picking between the Honda XL 500 S and the AJS Model 18 500 Statesman usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 500 S brings 27 hp, while the AJS Model 18 500 Statesman counters with 28 hp at 172 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: