Honda XL 600 RM vs BSA M 21 (1987)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 600 RMstacks up against the BSA M 21. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda XL 600 RMBSA M 21
Model year19871956
Price
Engine591 cc591 cc
Horsepower44 hp15 hp
Fuel capacity3.4 L3.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed
Front brakesSingle discExpanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.00-21 / 5.10-17 3.25-19 / 3.25-19

Honda XL 600 RM vs BSA M 21 — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda XL 600 RM and the BSA M 21 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 600 RM brings 44 hp, while the BSA M 21 counters with 15 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: