Yamaha XS 500 (1973-74)

The Yamaha XS 500 motorcycle was produced from 1973 to 1974 and has a four-stroke parallel twin-cylinder engine with a capacity of 498cc. The engine features DOHC and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. It is cooled by air and lubricated by a wet sump system. Fuel is delivered by 2x 38mm Mikuni carburetors and the ignition is battery and coil powered. The bike has both electric and kick starting options. It produces a maximum power of 48hp at 8500rpm and 4.5kgf-m of torque at 6500rpm.

The transmission is five-speed and the final drive is through a chain. The bike has a full cradle frame that is made of circular steel pipes. The front suspension is telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is dual shocks swing arm with preload adjustability. The brakes consist of a single 267mm disc in the front and a drum in the rear. The front tire size is 3.25-19 while the rear tire size is 3.50-18. The seat height is 812mm and the wet weight is 207.7kg. The fuel capacity is 12.8 liters and the average fuel consumption is 46 mpg.

In terms of performance, the bike has a 0-60mph time of 14.36 seconds and a top speed of 105mph. The braking distance from 60mph is not provided, but the distance from 100mph to 0 is 139 feet. Overall, the Yamaha XS 500 is a classic motorcycle with a powerful engine and full cradle frame, providing a unique and reliable riding experience.


Technical specifications:

Make Model: Yamaha XS 500

Year: 1973 – 74


Engine: Four stole, parallel twin cylinder. DOHC
Capacity: 498 cc / 30.5 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 73 59.6 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Lubrication: Wet sump
Induction: 2x 38mm Mikuni carburetor
Ignition: Battery and coil
Starting: Electric & kick
Max Power: 48 hp / 36.5 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque: 4.5 kgf-m / 32.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Transmission: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Full cradle frame – Duplex type” and is 100% of circular steel pipes!
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork.

Rear Suspension: Dual shocks swing arm, preload adjustable!
Front Brakes: Single 267mm disc
Rear Brakes: Drum
Front Tyre: 3.25-19
Rear Tyre: 3.50-18
Seat Height: 812 mm / 32 in
Wet Weight: 207.7 kg / 458 lb
Fuel Capacity: 12.8 Litres / 3 4 US gal
Consumption Average: 46 mpg
Braking 60 – 0 / 100 – 0: – / 139 ft
Standing 1/4 Mile: 14.36 sec
Top Speed: 105 mph

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