Yamaha XT500

Make Model	Yamaha XT 500
Year	1976
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	142 mm / 5.5 in
Front Brakes	Single 160mm drum
Rear Brakes	Single 150mm drum
Front Tyre	3.00-21
Rear Tyre	4.00-18
Dimensions	Length 2185 mm / 86.0 in Width 875 mm / 34.4 in Height 1165 mm / 45.8 in
Wheelbase	1415 mm / 55.7 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	162.2 km/h / 100.8 mph
Road Test	Bike magazine 1977 Bike magazine Group Test 1978 Motorcycling Monthly 1976 Moto Journal 1982

This is the original XT500 made for the U.S. that started the rich XT heritage of reliable 4-stroke enduros. The original XT500 was produced for the USA only and imported into Europe on a limited basis.

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.

Moto Journal 1982