Photo: bikebound.com · Public domain
Honda XL500S
77/100 Overall
70 On the road83 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda XL500S vs Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré
Honda XL500S scores 77/100 overall against Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré on 85/100. On the road: 70–77. As classics: 83–93. Overall result: Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré.
Photo: Addvisor · CC BY-SA 4.0
Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré
85/100 Overall
77 On the road93 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda XL500S | Yamaha Ténéré | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 5 | 6 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 6 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 10 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha Ténéré |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 9 | Level |
Choose the Honda XL500S if…
you want a simple, torquey and charismatic big trail bike with straightforward Honda engineering.
Choose the Yamaha Ténéré if…
you want authentic desert-rally style, long-range simplicity and the rugged pulse of a big Yamaha single.
Background
History
Honda XL500S
The Honda XL500S was produced from 1979–1981 and used a 498cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, ownership appeal and reliability. It is included as an important reference point for comparisons with its closest period rivals.
Yamaha Ténéré
The Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré was produced from 1983–1990 and used a 595cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, character and collector appeal. It is included as an important reference point for comparisons with its closest period rivals.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda XL500S
- Its production span in this library runs from 1979 to 1981.
- The recorded engine description is: 498cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, ownership appeal and reliability.
Yamaha Ténéré
- Its production span in this library runs from 1983 to 1990.
- The recorded engine description is: 595cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, character and collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda XL500S
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda XL500S. Its library score for character 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.
Yamaha Ténéré
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré. 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.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda XL500S
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check starting technique, top-end noise, decompressor operation, vibration-related fasteners and oil circulation.
- 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.
Yamaha Ténéré
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check starting technique, top-end noise, decompressor operation, vibration-related fasteners and oil circulation.
- 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 Honda XL500S
Rivals to the Yamaha Ténéré
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.