C&J XR500 vs HL500

[Tahitian_Red]

I will be getting rid of most of my bikes over the next few months and I started thinking I would then purchase one bike I wanted, but never had.  The two bikes I would choose from would be a C&J XR500 or an HL500 Replica. 

I would like some feedback on owning and riding these two bikes.  Anyone here ridden or raced both? 

[sa63]

why not a 510 husky?? a lot of fun and still one my favorites, and I have a few to choose from.

[HL500]

Your game asking that on the forum. Wait for it, the HL debate will ignite once again. This has the potential to get off track.

Love to hear your decision once you have digested the feedback.

[80-85 husky]

510 is the bike both C&J and HL tried to emulate

[mick25]

The c&j would be lighter and faster than the Hl500 , I hate to say it as I have had the mighty tt500s for 25 years and are stuff as .
You could buy both and have the best of both worlds 

[Graeme M]

I really don't know, but given I've owned an original ProFab HL500, I can venture an opinion. The HL wasn't that great. Yes a rare old bike and pretty cool in its own way and all that. But nothing special to ride. I'd go the C&J personally...

[jimg1au]

i thing there is a c&j 500 yamaha for sale on vtf the street&mx section

[GMC]

510 is the bike both C&J and HL tried to emulate

I hope that was a pisstake and not a twisted fact!
They weren't building 510's in 1980 let alone 1976

The XR will be the better motor as it is a later design, 4 valves etc.

The HL will fit into the pre78 class where the C&J will be the better Evo bike (although the lack of lower engine cradle bothers me)

If your not interested in classes then just go with your heart

[Momus]

510 is the bike both C&J and HL tried to emulate

The HL will fit into the pre78 class where the C&J will be the better Evo bike (although the lack of lower engine cradle bothers me)

 

I wonder about the lack of lower frame tubes and the cantilevered foot peg mount too; Honda never did it on their race bikes.

There was a C&J at the Ravenswood Nationals on the Saturday.  Sam Davies was the rider until the gearbox broke and he was going as high and far over the obstacles as moderns do.

[80-85 husky]

no doubt the c&j were pre husky but husky got it pretty right after 1 model. the gearboxes never break like xr's...

[Slakewell]

There are many tasty 4 strokes to choice from.




I love the HL , if it was my money thou I go with the CJ Honda. The XR motor is a great thing.

[evo550]

If it's an evo fourstroke your after, an early ATK 560 would be my choice.

[motomaniac]

JBR Honda if you can find one.

[SON]

I have both, the Honda is better in every way including looks

[flower pot racing]

A friend has a ready to ride Cheney Yam for £6500 if that would fit the bill.  Personally I would love to own a KSI thumper.  They look magniifcent.  There is a nice 510 Husy twinshiock as well that is on offer for just shy of £5000.  (In the UK, so would need to be shipped)