Honda XL 500 S vs AJS Model 20 500 (1982)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 500 Sstacks up against the AJS Model 20 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Honda XL 500 S | AJS Model 20 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1982 | 1959 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 497 cc | 498 cc |
| Horsepower | 27 hp | 20 hp |
| Weight | — | 178 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 2.8 L | 3.6 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 | 3.25-19 / 3.25-19 |
Honda XL 500 S vs AJS Model 20 500 — which should you buy?
Picking between the Honda XL 500 S and the AJS Model 20 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 500 S brings 27 hp, while the AJS Model 20 500 counters with 20 hp at 178 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: