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Yamaha XT 500

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Make Model

Yamaha XT 500

Year

1979

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valve

Capacity

499 cc / 30.5 cuin
Bore x Stroke 87 х 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 160 mm / 6.2 in

Front Brakes

Single 160mm drum

Rear Brakes

Single 150mm drum

Front Tyre

3.00-21

Rear Tyre

4.00-18
Dimensions Length  2160 mm / 85.0 in
Width      875 mm / 34.4 in
Height   1165 mm / 45.8 in
Wheelbase 1475 mm / 58.0 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 ¼ Mile  

15.0 sec  /  87.1 mph

Top Speed

100.8 mph
Road Test Bike magazine 1977

Bike magazine Group Test 1978

Motorcycling Monthly 1976

Moto Journal 1982

This model was developed as a desert race enduro machine. Released as a street-legal version of the TT500 enduro machine launched the year before, this model became the pioneer of the big single off-road genre. It was the focus of attention also for the bold adoption for the first time ever of a forward inclining upside-down rear suspension on a trail model. It was on an XT500 that the Sonauto Yamaha team’s Cyril Neveu won the motorcycle division of the 1st Paris Dakar Rally in 1979.

The XT500 is a bike with great resources and it is very fun to ride. The bike handles very well and it also has a satisfying acceleration and great suspension. This is the kind of bike that you would encounter at the entering of a ranch and believe me: it belongs there. The bike was created to be exploited and it will give a very exciting off road experience.

The Yamaha XT500 is an icon and a very enjoyable bike to ride. Many people still put some real miles into their XT500’s and they have a big smile on their faces.