Yamaha SR 500 vs BSA 500 SS Gold Star (1999)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Yamaha SR 500stacks 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 500BSA 500 SS Gold Star
Model year19991972
Price——
Engine499 cc499 cc
Horsepower24 hp34 hp
Torque37 Nm—
Seat height32 mm—
Fuel capacity3.7 L3.6 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed4-speed
Front brakesSingle discExpanding brake
Rear brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake
Tires—3.25-18 / 3.50-18

Yamaha SR 500 vs BSA 500 SS Gold Star — which should you buy?

Picking between the Yamaha SR 500 and the BSA 500 SS Gold Star usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Yamaha SR 500 brings 24 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: