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.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.