VS
The 1989 Honda GB500 TT and 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special come from different worlds of motorcycling, making their comparison all the more fascinating.
The 1989 Honda GB500 TT from Japan was powered by a 498cc SOHC single producing 40hp at 7000rpm. Weighing 170.0kg (375 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at cafe racer riders.
The 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 441cc of OHV single power, delivering 28hp at 6000rpm. Tipping the scales at 156.0kg (344 lbs) with a top speed of 140km/h (87 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
The 1989 Honda GB500 TT from Japan was powered by a 498cc SOHC single producing 40hp at 7000rpm. Weighing 170.0kg (375 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at cafe racer riders.
The 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 441cc of OHV single power, delivering 28hp at 6000rpm. Tipping the scales at 156.0kg (344 lbs) with a top speed of 140km/h (87 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1989 Honda GB500 TT | 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 441 cc |
| Power | 40 hp | 28 hp |
| Torque | 39.0 Nm | 34.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 1 | 1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 140 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 170.0 kg | 156.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 184.0 kg | 168.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 830 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1395 mm | 1380 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 10.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1989 Honda GB500 TT is built for spirited café-racer style riding, while the 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special targets off-road capability and adventure riding. On paper, the 1989 Honda GB500 TT's 40hp trumps the 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special's 28hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1989 Honda GB500 TT if you value spirited café-racer style riding; pick the 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special for off-road capability and adventure riding.
About the 1989 Honda GB500 TT
The 1989 1989 Honda GB500 TT packs a 498cc SOHC single engine with 40hp into a cafe racer package from Honda.
Full 1989 Honda GB500 TT Profile →About the 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special
A dual-sport from 1970, the 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special delivers 28hp from its 441cc OHV single engine.
Full 1970 BSA B44 Victor Special Profile →