Honda VT 500 E (reduced effect) vs Matchless G 80 K (1990)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda VT 500 E (reduced effect)stacks up against the Matchless G 80 K. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Honda VT 500 E (reduced effect) | Matchless G 80 K |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1987 | 1990 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 491 cc | 494 cc |
| Horsepower | 27 hp | 34 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | 4.0 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Single disc |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake | Expanding brake |
| Tires | 100/90-18 / 120/80-18 | 100/90-19 / 110/90-18 |
Honda VT 500 E (reduced effect) vs Matchless G 80 K — which should you buy?
Picking between the Honda VT 500 E (reduced effect) and the Matchless G 80 K usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda VT 500 E (reduced effect) brings 27 hp, while the Matchless G 80 K counters with 34 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:

