Yamaha SR500 Gallery
The SR500, in true Japanese fashion,
is a well engineered bike and in most places the toil
of owning such a machine has been developed out: like
leaks, dubious electrics and general lack of reliability.
The machine is powered by an oversquare engine of
499cc with valve actuation by a single overhead camshaft.
Essentially the same alloy unit as the XT off roader,
the SR differs in valves size and port shape so is
a little more potent. A maximum power figure of 33bhp
at 6500rpm is not a lot for a 500, but peak torque
is just over 281b ft at 5500rpm, and indeed the torque
curve is remarkably flat from 2000rpm to that figure.
A five-speed gearbox is used and the bike will reach
a top speed of 90mph. Fuel consumption is a bonus
feature of such a bike and the SR500 should have no
difficulty in producing an overall figure of well
over 50mpg.
Rather than try to get a starter to turn over a 500cc
cylinder with a 9:1 compression ratio, Yamaha decided
to leave firing to a hefty rider, although they do
make it as easy as possible. A compression release
lever is fitted and the engine is turned carefully
so that the piston is at the top of its stroke. A
little window on the camshaft cover indicates when
this point has been reached. The bike should then
fire at the first kick. A vacuum automatic advance
and retard system (like that of the XS1100) also helps.
Also dispensing with an electric starter helps save
weight as again a plus point of a single is that it
is quite light. Dry weight of the machine is 3481b
so a single disc brake at the front and drum rear
ably stop it. Handling is good, too, and the narrow
bike instils a lot of confidence in the rider to make
full use of it.
| Bike |
Image |
Description |
| 1978 Yamaha SR 500 |
 |
- Air cooled, four stroke, single cylinder,
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
- 95mph
- 63mpg
- 5 speed
- 32bhp @ 6500rpm
|
| 1978 Yamaha SR 500 |
 |
|
| 1979 Yamaha SR500 |
 |
|
| 1979 Yamaha SR500 |
 |
|
| 1979 Yamaha SR500 |
 |
More Yamaha
SR500 info |
| 1979 Yamaha SR500 |
 |
Picture privided by Rex's Speed Shop. |
| 1979 Yamaha SR500 |
 |
|
| 1981 Yamaha SR500 |
 |
|
| 1984 Yamaha SR500 |
 |
- 18 inch front wheel
- 2.15 inch rear rim
- Narrow sports type handlebar
|
| 1999 Yamaha SR 500T |
 |
|
Please e-mail the webmaster if you have a picture
worth adding to our database, e-mail: webmaster@motorbike-search-engine.co.uk
|
|
