Naked Motorcycles
1988Yamaha SR 500
25 fields on record
The 1988 Yamaha SR 500 is a classic air-cooled thumper for riders who value simplicity and character over outright speed. Its 499 cc single delivers 31.5 hp through a 5-speed gearbox, with a light 158 kg dry weight that makes it easy to handle around town. It remains best known as an honest, kick-start naked that's a favourite base for custom and café-racer builds.
- Capacity
- 499.0 ccm
- Engine
- Single, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 158.0 kg
- Seat height
- 810 mm
- Power
- 31.5 HP (23.5 kW)
What’s new for the 1988 Yamaha SR 500
vs the 1987| Spec | 1987 | 1988 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 6000 RPM | 31.5 HP (23.5 kW) |
| Wet weight | 167.0 kg (368.2 pounds) | 173.0 kg (381.4 pounds) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- A lightweight, minimalist retro roadster meant for relaxed street riding, short jaunts, and enjoying the mechanical simplicity of a big-bore single rather than outright performance.
- Built for
- Charming, characterful, and old-school, this bike delivers a raw, thumping single-cylinder feel with modest performance but big personality and simplicity.
- Not ideal for
- Not suited for riders seeking high-speed touring, long highway distances, passenger comfort, or any serious off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 499.0 ccm
- Power
- 31.5 HP (23.5 kW)
- Engine type
- Single, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1994 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 87.0 x 84.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.0:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Starting
- Kick
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 142.0 km/h (88.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1405 mm
- Seat height
- 810 mm
- Dry weight
- 158.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 173.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 12.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 105 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.50-18
- Rear tyre
- 4.00-18
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1983 | 1987 | 1988 | 1991 | 1995 | 1999 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 499 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc |
| Dry weight | 158 kg | 158 kg | 158 kg | 158 kg | 170 kg | 154 kg |
| Seat height | 810 mm | 810 mm | 810 mm | 810 mm | 810 mm | 810 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 12 L | 12 L | 12 L | 12 L | 14 L | 14 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Yamaha SR 500?
The 1988 Yamaha SR 500 has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha SR 500 have?
The 1988 Yamaha SR 500 has a Power of 31.5 HP (23.5 kW).
How many gears does the Yamaha SR 500 have?
The 1988 Yamaha SR 500 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Yamaha SR 500 weigh?
The 1988 Yamaha SR 500 has a Dry weight of 158.0 kg (348.3 pounds).
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