VS
The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow and 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special both compete in the cruiser segment, offering riders distinct interpretations of the formula.
The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow from Japan was powered by a 491cc OHV V-twin producing 48hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 190.0kg (419 lbs) and with a seat height of 730mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special by contrast offered 654cc of OHV twin power, delivering 50hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 205.0kg (452 lbs) with a top speed of 165km/h (103 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 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow from Japan was powered by a 491cc OHV V-twin producing 48hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 190.0kg (419 lbs) and with a seat height of 730mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special by contrast offered 654cc of OHV twin power, delivering 50hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 205.0kg (452 lbs) with a top speed of 165km/h (103 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
| 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow | 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 491 cc | 654 cc |
| Power | 48 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 39.0 Nm | 50.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 165 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 190.0 kg | 205.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 208.0 kg | 220.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 730 mm | 760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
For pure cruiser performance, the 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special has the edge thanks to more power (50hp vs 48hp) and a higher top speed. The 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow, however, excels when relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort is the priority. For collectors, the 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special commands more attention with a 5/10 collectibility rating.
About the 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow
The 1984 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow packs a 491cc OHV V-twin engine with 48hp into a cruiser package from Honda.
Full 1984 Honda VT500 Shadow Profile →About the 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special
The 1978 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special is a 654cc twin-cylinder cruiser that became one of Yamaha's most memorable motorcycles of the 1970s.
Full 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special Profile →