BMW R42 vs Honda XL 500 S (1982)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R42stacks up against the Honda XL 500 S. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R42 | Honda XL 500 S |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1928 | 1982 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 12 hp | 27 hp |
| Fuel capacity | — | 2.8 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 3-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake |
| Rear brakes | — | Expanding brake |
| Tires | 3.5-26 / 3.5-26 | 3.00-23 / 4.60-18 |
BMW R42 vs Honda XL 500 S — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R42 and the Honda XL 500 S usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R42 brings 12 hp, while the Honda XL 500 S counters with 27 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: