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Yamaha XT 500

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.

Yamaha XT 500

Moto Journal 1982