Ariel Square Four
77/100 Overall
58 On the road95 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Ariel Square Four vs Honda CX500
Ariel Square Four scores 77/100 overall against Honda CX500 on 81/100. On the road: 58–78. As classics: 95–83. Overall result: Honda CX500.
Photo: Tspooncl65 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Honda CX500
81/100 Overall
78 On the road83 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Ariel Square Four | Honda CX500 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 6 | 7 | Honda CX500 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 7 | Honda CX500 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 9 | Honda CX500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 5 | 9 | Honda CX500 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 7 | Ariel Square Four |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 9 | Ariel Square Four |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 8 | Ariel Square Four |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 9 | Ariel Square Four |
Choose the Ariel Square Four if…
you want unique engineering, refined four-cylinder character and one of Britain's most distinctive luxury motorcycles.
Choose the Honda CX500 if…
you want unconventional engineering, exceptional durability and one of Britain's most recognisable courier and commuter motorcycles.
Background
History
Ariel Square Four
The Ariel Square Four was produced from 1931–1959 and used a air-cooled square-four engine. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Honda CX500
The Honda CX500 was produced from 1978–1983 and used a 497cc liquid-cooled transverse V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Ariel Square Four
- Its production span in this library runs from 1931 to 1959.
- The recorded engine description is: air-cooled square-four engine.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, character, styling.
Honda CX500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 497cc liquid-cooled transverse V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Ariel Square Four
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Ariel Square Four. Its library score for historic importance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Honda CX500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CX500. Its library score for reliability is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Ariel Square Four
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Honda CX500
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Ariel Square Four
Rivals to the Honda CX500
Final result
The verdict
Honda CX500 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Ariel Square Four wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda CX500 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.