NSU 501 SS vs Honda VF 500 F (1986)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the NSU 501 SSstacks up against the Honda VF 500 F. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | NSU 501 SS | Honda VF 500 F |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1934 | 1986 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 20 hp | 70 hp |
| Weight | 158 kg | — |
| Fuel capacity | 2.9 L | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | — | 6-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Dual disc |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Single disc |
| Tires | 2.50-26 / 3.25-26 | 100/90-16 / 110/90-18 |
NSU 501 SS vs Honda VF 500 F — which should you buy?
Picking between the NSU 501 SS and the Honda VF 500 F usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the NSU 501 SS brings 20 hp in a 158 kg package, while the Honda VF 500 F counters with 70 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: