| MODEL | YAMAHA XS 500 1975 |
| Year | 1975 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC |
| Displacement / Capacity | 498 cc / 30.5 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 73 x 59.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 36.5 kW / 48 hp @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 4.5 kgf-m / 32.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
| Ignition | Battery and coil |
| Induction | 2x 38 mm Mikuni carburettors |
| Start System | Electric & kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Gear Box | 5 speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Full cradle, duplex type, circular steel pipe |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks, swing arm, preload adjustable |
| Front Brakes | Single 267 mm disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 812 mm / 32 in |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | — |
| Wet Weight | 207.7 kg / 458 lb |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.25-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 3.50-18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.8 Litres / 3.4 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 46 mpg |
| Top Speed | 169 km/h / 105 mph |
The 1975 model was the first to carry the XS500 name, a DOHC four-valve twin with a balance shaft. A Cycle road test found it sluggish below about 6000 rpm and somewhat jerky at low speed, but good in the handling and gearbox departments.
