SR400/500 - (78 - Current)

The Yamaha SR500 is a popular thumper. It first started production in 1978, as a road-going version of the popular Yamaha XT500. It experienced good sales throughout the US, Europe and Australia. The SR500 is no longer sold in any market worldwide, but its sister bike, the SR400, was manufactured in Japan until 2008 when emissions restrictions halted production. In 2010 Yamaha is reintroducing the SR400 with a fuel injection system replacing the carburetor. The SR400 is essentially the same bike as the SR500, but with a shorter stroke and heavier muffler to pass tighter emission restrictions.

The SR500 was well received on conception, largely due to its contemporary styling and reliable Yamaha single-cylinder 500 cc power-plant. The chassis and engine has served as a popular basis for many café racers, street trackers and even bobbers. SR500's are raced competitively in historic class across the world.