Yamaha Sr500
The Yamaha Sr500 has a top speed of 155 km/h, produces 32 hp and weighs 174 kg. Motoryk rates it 8/10.
The Yamaha SR500 was introduced in 1978 as a large-displacement single-cylinder four-stroke, drawing inspiration from the classic British thumper tradition and sharing its engine architecture with the XT500 dual-sport. It became iconic for its minimalist design, kickstart-only operation, and the pure riding experience it offered, gaining a cult following particularly in Europe and Japan. Production continued until 1999, and its legacy lives on through the smaller SR400, which remained in production in Japan well into the 2010s.
32 hp
Power
37 Nm
Torque
174 kg
Weight
155 km/h
Top Speed
3.5 L/100km (approx. 28 km/L typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Kickstart Technique Matters
The SR500's single-cylinder TT500 engine requires a specific decompression and kickstart technique to fire reliably — improper starting can flood the carb or cause kickback. Once mastered, the engine is extremely durable and straightforward to maintain.
Strong Resale Value
The SR500 (1978–1983) has become a highly sought-after vintage and cafe racer base, driving prices steadily upward. Well-maintained examples regularly sell for $4,000–$8,000+, making neglected bikes a risky buy unless priced accordingly.
Watch the Valves
Valve clearances on the SR500 need regular checking, as a tight exhaust valve is a common cause of hard starting and poor performance. Always verify recent valve adjustments and carb rebuilds before purchasing.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original launch with 499cc SOHC single-cylinder thumper, drum front brake, classic scrambler styling.
"The thumper that defined a generation of simplicity."
I've kicked this thing to life on freezing mornings and sweltering afternoons, and the ritual never gets old — though your shin will remind you when you miss the compression stroke. The 499cc single pulls with real torque from low revs, rewarding patience over aggression, and that exhaust note is genuinely addictive at 4,000 rpm on an empty road. The drum front brake is honest about its limitations, which is code for 'leave a longer gap than you think you need,' and the suspension belongs to a different, more forgiving era. But strip away the modern expectations and you've got a motorcycle that teaches you how to ride rather than hiding your mistakes behind electronics.
Pros
Cons
Front disc brake introduced, minor carburetor and ignition refinements, updated graphics and color options.
"A thumper with soul that demands respect."
The Gen 2 SR500 got the front disc it always needed, and it genuinely transforms confidence on wet roads and late braking — the drum on the original was a prayer, not a brake. That big 499cc thumper still fires with a kick that'll humble you on cold mornings; flood it once and you're doing calf raises for ten minutes on the side of the road. Once it's warm, though, the low-end torque is addictive — it pulls from 2,500 rpm with a mechanical authority that no parallel twin of this era can fake. At 145 km/h the whole thing is vibrating like a tuning fork and your fillings are loose, so treat that as a theoretical number and keep it under 120 where it's honest.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"Rewarding, characterful, and unforgiving — exactly what motorcycling should feel like."
$3,500-$7,500 usedThe SR500 is a proper single-cylinder thumper from Yamaha's golden era, and buying one used requires your eyes wide open. These bikes demand kick-start ritual — flooding is real, technique matters, and your shin will pay tuition fees until you learn it. Find one with fresh carb work, a solid compression reading above 150psi, and no seized fins on that big barrel. Previous owners who 'just left it sitting' are red flags wrapped in rust. Mechanically they're beautifully simple — points or electronic ignition depending on year, a single Mikuni carb, and nothing a decent workshop manual can't handle in your garage. Parts availability has actually improved through specialists like Fowlers and vintage suppliers. That said, budget for a carb rebuild, new rubber, and likely a valve adjustment before trusting it on longer runs. Electrics are 6-volt on earlier models, which is archaic but manageable. Ride it and you'll understand why people obsess over these. The torque delivery is agricultural in the best sense — purposeful, honest, and genuinely engaging in a way modern bikes simply aren't.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha Sr500 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALTest cold start, inspect decompressor lever function and cable
Look for oil residue below fork tubes
Check idle quality and throttle response
Listen for metallic rattle on cold startup
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Simple, bulletproof if properly maintained
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha Sr500
Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Jawa 350 Standard
Yamaha Sr400
Yamaha Xs650
Compare Yamaha Sr500 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha Sr500 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Sr500 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Sr500 vs Jawa 350 Standard
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Sr500 vs Yamaha Sr400
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Sr500 vs Yamaha Xs650
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha Sr500? +
Hard starting, worn decompressor valve: Test cold start, inspect decompressor lever function and cable (moderate) | Leaking fork seals from age: Look for oil residue below fork tubes (moderate) | Carburetor gumming from ethanol fuel: Check idle quality and throttle response (minor)
Is the Yamaha Sr500 a good motorcycle? +
Rewarding, characterful, and unforgiving — exactly what motorcycling should feel like. Rating: 8.0/10. Best for: Patient riders wanting authentic vintage single experience. Avoid if: You commute daily or hate kick-starting.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha Sr500? +
The Yamaha Sr500 produces 32 hp @ 6,500 rpm, with 37 Nm @ 5,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 155 km/h.
Is the Yamaha Sr500 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Yamaha Sr500 is a reasonable choice for new riders (32 hp is manageable), weighing 174 kg. Patient riders wanting authentic vintage single experience
Is the Yamaha Sr500 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Yamaha Sr500, notably: Worn cam chain causing timing rattle (Listen for metallic rattle on cold startup). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Yamaha Sr500 good for daily use? +
Patient riders wanting authentic vintage single experience Fuel: 3.5 L/100km (approx. 28 km/L typical real-world average).
How fast is the Yamaha Sr500? +
The Yamaha Sr500 reaches a top speed of 155 km/h, producing 32 hp at 174 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Yamaha Sr500? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha Sr500, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/sr500/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
