Yamaha XT 500 (1981)

The Yamaha XT 500, produced in 1981, is a four-stroke, single-cylinder motorcycle with a 499cc capacity. It has a compression ratio of 9.0:1 and an induction of a 32mm Mikuni carburetor. With a maximum power of 32 hp at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 4.0 kgf-m at 5500 rpm, it is equipped with a 5-speed transmission and a wet multiplate clutch.The front suspension is a leading axle coil spring fork, while the rear is a swing arm with adjustable preload. The bike has a single 160mm drum for the front brake and a single 150mm drum for the rear brake. The dimensions of the bike are Length 2160 mm / 85.0 in Width 875 mm / 34.4 in Height 1165 mm / 45.8 in Wheelbase: 1475 mm / 58.0 in Seat Height: 840 mm / 33.0 in Ground Clearance: 215 mm / 8.4 in with a weight of 140 kg. The bike has a fuel capacity of 8.8 litres and an average consumption of 59 mpg. It can reach a top speed of up to 100.8 mph and can complete a standing 1/4 mile in 15.0 seconds at 87.1 mph. The Yamaha XT 500 was tested in various bike magazines, including Bike Magazine in 1977 and Motorcycling Monthly in 1976. Additionally, it was part of a group test in Bike Magazine in 1978 and Moto Journal in 1982.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Yamaha XT 500

Year: 1981

Engine: Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valve

Capacity: 499 cc / 30.5 cuin

Bore x Stroke: 87 84 mm

Cooling System: Air cooled

Compression Ratio: 9.0:1

Induction: 32mm Mikuni VM32SS carburetor

Ignition: Magneto, CB/coil

Starting: Kick

Max Power: 32 hp / 23.5 kW @ 6500 rpm

Max Torque: 4.0 kgf-m / 39.2 Nm @ 5500 rpm

Clutch: Wet multiplate

Transmission: 5 Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Frame: Half-duplex cradle

Front Suspension: Leading axle coil spring fork

Front Wheel Travel: 195 mm / 7.6 in

Rear Suspension: Swing arm adjustable preload

Rear Wheel Travel: 160 mm / 6.2 in

Front Brakes: Single 160mm drum

Rear Brakes: Single 150mm drum

Front Tyre: 3.00-21

Rear Tyre: 4.00-18

Dimensions: Length 2160 mm / 85.0 in Width 875 mm / 34.4 in Height 1165 mm / 45.8 in

Wheelbase: 1475 mm / 58.0 in

Seat Height: 840 mm / 33.0 in

Ground Clearance: 215 mm / 8.4 in

Dry Weight: 140 kg / 308.6 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 8.8 Litres / 2.3 US gal

Consumption Average: 59 mpg

Standing 1/4 Mile: 15.0 sec / 87.1 mph

Top Speed: 100.8 mph

Road Test: Bike magazine 1977 Bike magazine Group Test 1978 Motorcycling Monthly 1976 Moto Journal 1982