Yamaha SR 500 G (cast wheels) vs BSA 500 SS Gold Star (1981)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Yamaha SR 500 G (cast wheels)stacks up against the BSA 500 SS Gold Star. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecYamaha SR 500 G (cast wheels)BSA 500 SS Gold Star
Model year19811972
Price
Engine499 cc499 cc
Horsepower27 hp34 hp
Fuel capacity3.2 L3.6 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed4-speed
Front brakesSingle discExpanding brake
Rear brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake
Tires3.50-19 / 4.00-18 3.25-18 / 3.50-18

Yamaha SR 500 G (cast wheels) vs BSA 500 SS Gold Star — which should you buy?

Picking between the Yamaha SR 500 G (cast wheels) and the BSA 500 SS Gold Star usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Yamaha SR 500 G (cast wheels) brings 27 hp, while the BSA 500 SS Gold Star 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: