After the tremendous success of their XT500 dual-sport, Yamaha thought it would be a good idea to create a dedicated street bike around the 500cc single thumper. They were right, and the resulting SR500 won “Moto of the Year” twice from Motorrad magazine.
Atsushi Ishiyama was in charge of styling, and he said: “Our choice was to design the new SR500 with a strong family image and a strong link to our first four stroke, the XS 650 twin, which was also inspired by British design.”
Approximately 15,000 examples of the SR500 were built between 1978 and 1981. Top speed was just shy of the ton thanks to 33 horsepower and a 353 pound dry weight. For more on the SR, check out this article on Motorcycle Classics.
This example is VIN: 4R8000698, Engine #: 4R8000698.
The odometer shows 3,599 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and detail the bike. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Unknown, failed to open.
Engine Oil Level: Fail
Engine Oil Quality: Fail
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Fail
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Fail
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Dirty
Headlight High Beam: Unknown
Headlight Low Beam: Unknown
Passing Light: Unknown
Parking Light: Unknown
Turn Signals: Unknown
Tail Light: Unknown
Brake Light (Front Switch): Unknown
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Unknown
Plate Light: Unknown
Horn: Unknown
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: PDC
Tire Date Code Rear: PDC
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: Flat
Tire Press. Rear: Flat
Battery Standing Voltage: None
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: No Crank, No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Chain Dirty
-Tires are out of date spec and cracking
-No battery
-Light rust around frame
-Front brakes are stuck/non-functional
-Handlebars are loose
Recommendations:
-Fluids
-Battery
-Tires
-Chain Service
-Tighten critical hardware
-Diagnose front brakes
Front brake caliper is currently not mounted, the front brake is not functional.
Modifications:
Oil temperature gauge.
Inside of the tank:
We were unable to open the gas tank to take a photo of the interior condition.
It is riding on Bridgestone tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
It is missing the left side cover.
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in May 2000.
Per the California DMV website, it would cost $309 to make registration current through May 2027.
Have any SR500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
