Honda XL 500 S vs Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter (1982)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 500 Sstacks up against the Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Honda XL 500 S | Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1982 | 1959 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 497 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 27 hp | 26 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 2.8 L | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 4-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.00-23 / 4.60-18 | 3.25-20 / 3.25-19 |
Honda XL 500 S vs Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter — which should you buy?
Picking between the Honda XL 500 S and the Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 500 S brings 27 hp, while the Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter counters with 26 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: