Why this vehicle matters
The SR500 is motorcycling's monk's cell. One cylinder. Kickstart only. No electric gadgets to fail. Yamaha built it as a callback to simpler times, and it became a cult classic for people who wanted to actually ride instead of manage electronics. The big single-cylinder engine has character that multi-cylinder bikes can't match — a rhythmic thump that connects you to every combustion event. It's meditation with handlebars.
Patina notes
Mine has earned every scratch. The SR500 looks right when it's lived-in. Pipes develop that brownish heat tint. The paint shows through wherever your knees grip. Chrome pits gracefully. Cafe racer conversions are common, but the stock bike has its own beauty. The patina of actual use is better than any restoration.
Ownership reality
The kickstart ritual is the whole point. Learn the decompression lever dance — it becomes second nature. Valve adjustments are easy with the engine exposed. The points ignition can be converted to electronic for reliability. The carb needs occasional attention. But there's so little to go wrong. When it doesn't start, you can figure out why in minutes. It's motorcycle maintenance as meditation.
The verdict
Buy if
You want the most honest, simple motorcycle experience. You appreciate that starting the bike is part of the ritual. You're ready to learn the kick-start dance.
Skip if
You need a reliable cold-start every time. You're not willing to learn the kickstart technique. You want something that impresses people at bike nights.
What to look for
- → Kickstart shaft seal leaks
- → Cam chain tensioner condition
- → Valve adjustment history
- → Points condition (or electronic conversion)
- → Fork seal condition
- → Carb cleanliness (ethanol damage)
Common problems
- ⚠ Kickstart shaft seal leaks
- ⚠ Points wear (unless converted)
- ⚠ Cam chain stretch
- ⚠ Carb bowl corrosion from ethanol
- ⚠ Petcock vacuum diaphragm failure
- ⚠ Starter clutch wear (kickstart mechanism)
Parts & community
Parts sources
- MikesXS (excellent SR/XT support)
- PartsNMore
- eBay (used OEM)
- Yamaha dealer (surprisingly good)
- UK suppliers (SR stayed in production there)
Forums & communities
- TheYamahaStarClub.com
- SR500Forum.com
- ADVRider (single-cylinder subforum)
- Reddit r/yamaha
Sources
- Personal ownership · 2026-02-02
Specifications
| Engine | 499cc air-cooled single (SOHC) |
| Power | 32 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 29 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Drivetrain | Chain |
| Weight | 370 lbs wet |
| Wheelbase | 55.3 inches |
| Production | US market 1978-1981, Japan/Europe continued longer |
Notable Features
- • Kickstart only (no electric start)
- • Autodecompression system
- • Single-cylinder thumper character
- • Classic standard/cafe racer geometry
About Yamaha
Pianos to motorcycles to outboard engines. Yamaha builds anything that makes noise or goes fast, usually both.
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