| MODEL | YAMAHA SR 500 1978 - 1979 |
| Year | 1978 - 1979 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves |
| Displacement / Capacity | 499 cc / 30.4 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 87 x 84 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 23.5 kW / 31.5 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | 34 mm Mikuni VM34SS carburettor |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 Speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Half-duplex cradle |
| Front Suspension | 35 mm telescopic forks, 150 mm / 5.9 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks, 5-way adjustable spring preload, 105 mm / 4.1 in travel |
| Front Brakes | Single 200 mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | 150 mm drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | 845 mm / 33.3 in |
| Overall Height | 1155 mm / 45.5 in |
| Seat Height | 810 mm / 32 in |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm / 55.3 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 158 kg / 348 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 173 kg / 381.4 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.50 S19 |
| Rear Tyre | 4.00 S18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 12 Litres / 3.1 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 63 mpg |
| Top Speed | 152.8 km/h / 95 mph |
The SR500 debuted as a street-going development of the XT500 and TT500 dirt bikes, with reworked engine, frame, electrics and suspension for road use. A kick-start-only air-cooled single with a front disc brake, it was light, torquey and charmingly retro even then, but not for everyone.
