1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1980 - 81 | - |
| Colours | - | Vivid Orange/Raven, Team Yamaha Blue/White, Raven |
| Make Model | Honda CX 500 | - |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | - | 851 mm / 33.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | - | 1,379 mm / 54.3 in. |
| Height | - | 1,100 mm / 43.3 in. |
| Length | - | 2,040 mm / 80.3 in. |
| Width | - | 701 mm / 27.6 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Oil Capacity (Quarts) | - | 0.22 quarts |
| Oil Capacity (l) | - | 3.40 litres |
| Dry Weight | 205 kg / 452 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.4 US gal | 17.41 litres / 4.60 gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 187.8 kg / 414.0 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h / 112 mph | - |
| Max Power | 50 hp / 37.2 kW @ 9000 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 46 Nm / 33.9 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | - |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec / 93 mph | - |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 67.0 x 42.5 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 599.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 36.55 cubic inches |
| Stroke | - | 4 |
| Fuel Control | - | DOHC |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 2.6 x 1.7 inches |
| Engine Type | - | In-line four |
| Displacement | 497 cc / 30.3 cu-in | - |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder, camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. ,OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrods | - |
| Fuel System | - | Injection. Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I |
| Bore x Stroke | 78 x 52 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 13.1:1 |
| Fuel Consumption | 43 mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 2x 34mm Keihin carbs. | - |
| Ignition | CDI | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, 5-speed | - |
| Final Drive | Shaft | Chain |
| Gearbox | - | 6-speed |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Suspension - Front | 33mm Showa telehydraulic fork | 41mm inverted fork |
| Suspension - Rear | Swinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbers | Single shock |
| Rake | - | 24.0° |
| Trail | - | 97 mm / 3.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 132 mm / 5.1 in | 102 mm / 4.0 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 84 mm / 3.3 in | 102 mm / 4.0 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | - | 12.2 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | - | 310 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | - | 220 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | - | 8.7 inches |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 275mm discs | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | 160mm Drum | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 3.25-19 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 3.75-18 | 180/55-ZR17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2009 Yamaha YZF-R6
The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 edges out the 1981 Honda CX 500 thanks to its fuel injection, dual front discs and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1981 Honda CX 500 - Advantages
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 132 mm vs 102 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - Advantages
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 102 mm vs 84 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
1981 Honda CX 500 vs 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1981 Honda CX 500 and 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
The 1981 Honda CX 500 uses Four stroke, longitudinal 800 V-twin cylinder, camshaft nestles at the base of the V between the cylinders. ,OHV, 4 valves per cylinder operated by pushrods, while the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 is powered by In-line four.
Which should I buy, the 1981 Honda CX 500 or the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 Honda CX 500 has the edge in higher front wheel travel, while the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 stands out for fuel injection and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.