Photo: Thesupermat · CC BY-SA 3.0
Suzuki T500 Titan
78/100 Overall
72 On the road83 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Suzuki T500 Titan vs Yamaha RD400
Suzuki T500 Titan scores 78/100 overall against Yamaha RD400 on 81/100. On the road: 72–73. As classics: 83–88. Overall result: Yamaha RD400.
Photo: Schreiberling58 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Yamaha RD400
81/100 Overall
73 On the road88 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Suzuki T500 | Yamaha RD400 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 9 | Yamaha RD400 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha RD400 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 7 | Suzuki T500 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 6 | Suzuki T500 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha RD400 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha RD400 |
Choose the Suzuki T500 if…
you want a robust large-capacity two-stroke with strong torque, touring ability and understated Suzuki character.
Choose the Yamaha RD400 if…
you want sharp two-stroke performance, light handling and one of Yamaha's most entertaining road motorcycles.
Background
History
Suzuki T500
The Suzuki T500 Titan was produced from 1968–1975 and used a 492cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha RD400
The Yamaha RD400 was produced from 1976–1979 and used a 398cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, handling, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Suzuki T500
- Its production span in this library runs from 1968 to 1975.
- The recorded engine description is: 492cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, reliability.
Yamaha RD400
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1979.
- The recorded engine description is: 398cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, handling, collector appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Suzuki T500
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Suzuki T500 Titan. 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 RD400
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD400. Its library score for character 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
Suzuki T500
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- 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 RD400
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- 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 Suzuki T500
Rivals to the Yamaha RD400
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha RD400 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Yamaha RD400 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha RD400 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.