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 Yamaha - 500 XS ( GX )
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Yamaha XS  ( GX ) motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
2716

Capacity : 500
Model : XS ( GX )
Production : 1976 - 1978
Category : (R) Street Bike

Yamaha

XS500 ·1976

Two-strokes bad, four-strokes better

The 1973 fuel shortage and the first antipollution measures enacted in the US sounded the death-knell of dirty, gas-guzzling two-strokes.

Yamaha Strikes Back

Yamaha, which up to then had specialized in two-stroke bikes, reacted swiftly. From 1976 it offered a coherent, yet diverse, upper range with single- (XT500), twin- (XS500) and three-cylinder (750) four-stroke power units. The XS5OO was an extension of the famous RD350, epitome of the mid-range sports bike. It incorporated a number of refinements rarely seen at that time, such as an eight-valve head. This oversquare twin was mounted in a frame of classic construction. with disc braking and the novelty of cast light-alloy wheels.

A Successful First Attempt

With good handling, a natural riding position and comfortable suspension, the Yamaha had a well-balanced ride. Its precise, fast cornering allowed for full enjoyment of the

engine's power. Though it suffered from poor pickup at low speed, plus a slight mid-range flat spot, the engine could quickly spin up to a spectacular rate of rotation thanks to its low inertia, and was powerful and quicktempered when the heat was turned up. For a first attempt, Yamaha had done really well, and the XS5OO established itself from the outset as a medium-displacement machine that was both well-balanced and brilliantly executed. Sadly, it was not always totally reliable.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 498cc (73x59.6mm) twin-cylinder four-stroke; internal balance shafts

Power Rating: 48 hp @ 8500 rpm

Valves: twin overhead-camshafts; 8 valves

Fuel System: two 38mm carburetors

Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: disc (front & rear)

Wheels: 19 inch (front); 18 inch (rear)

Weight: 430 lb

Maximum Speed: 100 mph

 

With its angular lines, satin paint work and cast aluminum wheels, the Yamaha XS500 set new styling standards for high-perfomance twin-cam sports bikes.

 





Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.