YAMAHA XS 500 (1976-1978) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha XS 500 may not have anywhere near the street credentials of its big brother, the XS 650, but if you ride a parallel twin less than 30 years old you owe a debt of gratitude to the younger sibling. The technically-advanced engine made lots of power, though almost all of it came between 6,000rpm and the 9,000rpm redline. On early TX models this combined with poor fueling on throttle transitions, light flywheels, uneven power-pulses from the 180 degree crank and excessive driveline lash to make smooth part-throttle and stop start riding a real challenge.