Yamaha Xs650 vs Honda Cb550
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha Xs650 vs Honda Cb550. Yamaha Xs650: 53 hp @ 7,000 rpm hp, 193 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 170 km/h, Motoryk rating 8.5/10. Honda Cb550: 50 hp @ 8,500 rpm hp, 208 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.8/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Yamaha Xs650
Honda Cb550
Horsepower (hp)
53 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
52 Nm
44 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
170 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
193 kg
208 kg
Type
Classic
Classic
Horsepower
53 hp @ 7,000 rpm
50 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Torque
52 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
44 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
Top Speed
170 km/h
175 km/h
Weight
193 kg (wet/curb weight)
208 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 km/L)
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Yamaha Xs650
8.5/10
"The best vintage Japanese twin you can still reasonably find."
Pros
+Virtually indestructible engine
+Huge aftermarket support still
+Stunning parallel twin character
Cons
−Prices inflated by hipsters
−Many rough project bikes circulating
−Points ignition needs attention
Honda Cb550
7.8/10
"A brilliant bike that rewards patience and punishes corner-cutters."
Pros
+Bulletproof engine when maintained
+Parts still widely available
+Flickable, confidence-inspiring handling
Cons
−Four carbs need constant attention
−Cam chain rattle gets expensive
−Good examples increasingly overpriced
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
