SR 500

1985 Yamaha SR 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1985 Yamaha SR 500 classic motorcycle, Yamaha features a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 34 HP (24.8 kW) at 6,600 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 68.1 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the SR 500 measures 167 kg (368 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 HP/kg (4.91 kg per horsepower). The 12-liter (3.2 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 161 km/h (100 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Yamaha archive, this model family spans 14 indexed model years from 1978 to 1999, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.