YAMAHA SR 500 (1976-1983) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha SR500 was a standard motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha from 1978 to 1999. The bike was designed as a street version of the Yamaha Xt500 machine, with a normal riding position and styling cues from the Universal Japanese Motorcycles (UJM) of the 1970s.

Alongside the SR500 model, the Japanese motorcycle maker released the SR400 model. Both machines were identical, with the only difference being the larger displacement engine of the SR500 model.

The SR500 motorcycle was not marketed in the Japanese market. In contrast, from 1978 to 1999, it was sold in Asia and Oceania, from 1978 to 1981 in the North American market, and from 1978 to 1983 in the European market.

The 1978 and 1979 SR500 US models were fitted with front and rear disc brakes, while the 1980 and 1981 versions packed a disc brake on the front and a drum unit on the rear. The European 1978 and 1979 models were fitted with wire-spoke wheels, front disc brakes, and a rear drum unit.

The 1976 Yamaha SR500 machine packed a 499cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine with a Mikuni carburetor, delivering an output power of 32 hp at 6,500 rpm and 36 Nm (27 lb-ft) torque at 5,500 rpm.

The suspension was handled by a 35 mm telescopic fork on the front with a 150 mm wheel travel and five-way spring preload-adjustable side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear, offering optimum suspension performance and handling.