Yamaha XT500 (1976)

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The Yamaha XT 500, released in 1976, has a four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a capacity of 499 cc. It has a compression ratio of 9.0:1 and is powered by a Mikuni VM32SS carburetor. The kick-started engine provides a maximum power of 32 hp at 6500 rpm and 4.0 kgf-m of maximum torque at 5500 rpm. The motorcycle has a wet multiplate clutch and a 5-speed transmission with a chain final drive. The half-duplex cradle frame suspension features a leading axle coil spring fork for the font wheel and swing arm adjustable preload for the rear wheel, providing a front wheel travel of 195 mm and a rear wheel travel of 142 mm. The bike has single drum brakes with a 160mm brake in the front and a 150mm brake in the rear. It comes with a 3.00-21 front tyre and a 4.00-18 rear tyre. The bike has a length of 2185 mm, width of 875 mm, height of 1165 mm, and a ground clearance of 215mm. The dry weight of the bike is 140 kg with a fuel capacity of 8.8 litres, and an average consumption of 59 mpg. Its standing 1/4 mile is recorded as 15.0 seconds at 87.1 mph, while its top speed is 162.2 km/h or 100.8 mph. The Yamaha XT 500 was tested and reviewed by numerous magazines, including Bike magazine in 1977, Bike magazine Group Test in 1978, Motorcycling Monthly in 1976, and Moto Journal in 1982.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Yamaha XT 500

Year: 1976


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: 142 mm / 5.5 in
Front Brakes: Single 160mm drum
Rear Brakes: Single 150mm drum
Front Tyre: 3.00-21
Rear Tyre: 4.00-18
Dimensions: Length 2185 mm / 86.0 in Width 875 mm / 34.4 in Height 1165 mm / 45.8 in
Wheelbase: 1415 mm / 55.7 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: 162.2 km/h / 100.8 mph
Road Test: Bike magazine 1977 Bike magazine Group Test 1978 Motorcycling Monthly 1976 Moto Journal 1982

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