Triumph 500 Grand Prix vs Yamaha RD 500 LC (1987)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Triumph 500 Grand Prixstacks up against the Yamaha RD 500 LC. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecTriumph 500 Grand PrixYamaha RD 500 LC
Model year19501987
Price
Engine498 cc499 cc
Horsepower40 hp88 hp
Weight142 kg
Fuel capacity5.8 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Dual disc
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Single disc
Tires120/80-16 / 130/80-18

Triumph 500 Grand Prix vs Yamaha RD 500 LC — which should you buy?

Picking between the Triumph 500 Grand Prix and the Yamaha RD 500 LC usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Triumph 500 Grand Prix brings 40 hp in a 142 kg package, while the Yamaha RD 500 LC counters with 88 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: