Zündapp KS 500 Kardan Sport vs Yamaha RD 500 LC (1987)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Zündapp KS 500 Kardan Sportstacks up against the Yamaha RD 500 LC. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Zündapp KS 500 Kardan Sport | Yamaha RD 500 LC |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1939 | 1987 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 498 cc | 499 cc |
| Horsepower | 24 hp | 88 hp |
| Weight | 185 kg | — |
| Fuel capacity | — | 5.8 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 | 3.50-19 / 3.50-19 | 120/80-16 / 130/80-18 |
Zündapp KS 500 Kardan Sport vs Yamaha RD 500 LC — which should you buy?
Picking between the Zündapp KS 500 Kardan Sport and the Yamaha RD 500 LC usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Zündapp KS 500 Kardan Sport brings 24 hp in a 185 kg package, while the Yamaha RD 500 LC counters with 88 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: