XV 500 SE

1985 Yamaha XV 500 SE Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Yamaha's touring motorcycle lineup, the 1985 Yamaha XV 500 SE features a 494 cc (30.1 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 49 HP (35.8 kW) at 8,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 99.2 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 XV 500 SE measures 190 kg (419 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.26 HP/kg (3.88 kg per horsepower). The 11-liter (2.9 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 152 km/h (94 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Yamaha archive, this model family spans 5 indexed model years from 1984 to 1988, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.