XS 500

1979 Yamaha XS 500 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Yamaha for the sport touring motorcycle segment, the 1979 Yamaha XS 500 relies on a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) air-cooled twin, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 49 HP (35.8 kW) at 8,250 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 98.2 HP per liter, the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the XS 500 measures 210 kg (463 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.23 HP/kg (4.29 kg per horsepower). The 15-liter (4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 178 km/h (111 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Yamaha archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1976 to 1979, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.