Honda XL 500 R vs Suzuki DR 500 S (1984)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 500 Rstacks up against the Suzuki DR 500 S. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Honda XL 500 R | Suzuki DR 500 S |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1984 | 1983 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 497 cc | 498 cc |
| Horsepower | 27 hp | 27 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 2.8 L | 2.4 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Expanding brake |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake | Expanding brake |
| Tires | 3.00-21 / 4.60-17 | 3.00-21 / 4.60-18 |
Honda XL 500 R vs Suzuki DR 500 S — which should you buy?
Picking between the Honda XL 500 R and the Suzuki DR 500 S usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 500 R brings 27 hp, while the Suzuki DR 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: