YAMAHA XT 550 (1982-1983) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha XT 550 was a motorcycle made in Japan by Yamaha. The bike was manufactured in 1982 and 1983 and had an innovative fuel tank design, single over-head four-valve camshafts, a monoshock suspension on the rear, and a two-stage YDIS intake system fitted for the first time on a motorcycle.

In the aesthetic department, the bike had standard features, such as a high-mounted front fender, a small round headlight with two gauges mounted on top, a two-piece dual seat with a strap handle, a high-mounted exhaust system, an engine plate, and wire-spoke wheels with off-road tires.

In the suspension department, the bike was fitted with a 38 mm air-assisted telescopic fork on the front, offering 201 mm of travel, and an adjustable shock absorber on the rear with 186 mm of travel, delivering optimum suspension performance and handling.

As for the braking power, the XT 550 model relied on a drum braking unit both front and rear, delivering optimum braking performance.

In the performance department, the 1982 Yamaha XT 550 had its soul brought to life by a 558cc four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine managed by a carburetor, delivering 38 hp with maximum strength at 6,500 rpm and 44 Nm (32 lb-ft) torque at 5,500 rpm.

A five-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch handled the bike's power and sent it to the rear end through a final chain drive.