Yamaha XT500 (1978)

The Yamaha XT500 was a 1978 motorcycle with a four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC engine, and 2 valves. Its capacity was 499cc with a 9.0:1 compression ratio, and it was cooled by air. The bike had a 32mm Mikuni VM32SS carburetor and a magneto CB/coil ignition, and was started with a kick. It had a 5-speed transmission and a wet multiplate clutch, and its final drive was via chain. The frame was half-duplex cradle, and the front suspension was a leading axle coil spring fork with front wheel travel of 195mm. The rear suspension was swing arm with adjustable preload, and the rear wheel traveled 160mm. The front brakes were a single 150mm drum, and the rear brakes were single 150mm drum. The front tyre was 3.00-21 and the rear tyre was 4.00-18. The bike’s dimensions were 2160mm x 875mm x 1165mm (L x W x H), and its wheelbase was 1475mm. The seat height was 840mm, and the ground clearance was 215mm. The dry weight was 140kg, and it had a fuel capacity of 8.8 litres with a consumption average of 59 mpg. Its standing 1/4 mile time was 15.0 sec with a top speed of 160km/h. It was featured in road tests by Bike magazine in 1977, Bike magazine in a group test in 1978, Motorcycling Monthly in 1976, and Moto Journal in 1982.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Yamaha XT 500