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 1982 Triumph TSS, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 744cc of OHV twin power, delivering 50hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 185.0kg (408 lbs) with a top speed of 170km/h (106 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 | 1982 Triumph TSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 744 cc |
| Power | 40 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 39.0 Nm | 54.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 170 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 170.0 kg | 185.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 184.0 kg | 198.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1395 mm | 1410 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -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 1982 Triumph TSS targets all-round versatility and everyday riding. On paper, the 1982 Triumph TSS's 50hp trumps the 1989 Honda GB500 TT's 40hp, 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 1982 Triumph TSS for all-round versatility and everyday 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 1982 Triumph TSS
The 1982 1982 Triumph TSS is a 744cc twin-cylinder standard motorcycle that became one of Triumph's most memorable motorcycles of the 1980s.
Full 1982 Triumph TSS Profile →