| MODEL | YAMAHA RD 500LC YPVS 1985 |
| Year | 1985 |
| Engine Type | Two-stroke, 50-degree V4, reed valve, YPVS power valve |
| Displacement / Capacity | 499 cc / 30.3 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 56.4 x 50 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 63.9 kW / 88 hp @ 9500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 65.7 Nm / 48.4 lb-ft @ 8500 rpm |
| Ignition | Digital CDI |
| Induction | 4 x 26 mm Mikuni carburettors |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multiplate, cable operated |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Steel twin downtube |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm air-assisted telescopic forks, 4-way spring preload, variable anti-dive, 140 mm / 5.5 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock, spring preload and rebound damping, 120 mm / 4.7 in travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 267 mm discs, 2-piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2085 mm / 82.1 in |
| Overall Width | 705 mm / 27.7 in |
| Overall Height | 1145 mm / 45.0 in |
| Seat Height | 780 mm / 30.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 1375 mm / 54.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 180 kg / 397 lb |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 120/80 V16 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/80 V18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 22 Litres / 5.8 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 27.5 mpg |
| Top Speed | 238 km/h / 148 mph |
The 1985 RD500LC kept the same 499 cc liquid-cooled V4 two-stroke as the launch year, essentially two RD250LC-type engines geared together with a balancer shaft. Its powerband arrived around 6000 rpm, handling and brakes were praised, but fuel use, vibration, finish and price hurt sales; it did win the Castrol Six-Hour production race in Australia.
