Naked Motorcycles

1994Yamaha SR 500

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The 1994 Yamaha SR 500 is a lightweight, air-cooled single-cylinder motorcycle ideal for riders seeking simplicity and classic styling. Known for its reliability and manageable power delivery, this bike excels as a practical commuter and entry-level platform. Its modest 23.5 horsepower and accessible seat height make it approachable for novice riders.

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 170.0 kg
Seat height: 810 mm
Power: 23.5 HP (17.3 kW) @ 6000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1994 Yamaha SR 500

vs the 1993

Spec	1993	1994
Engine capacity	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)
Power	31.5 HP (23.5 kW)	23.5 HP (17.3 kW) @ 6000 RPM
Torque	37.27	36.3 Nm (3.7 kgf-m or 26.8 ft.lbs)
Top speed	—	132.5 km/h (82.3 mph)
Weight	158 kg (348.3 pounds)	170.0 kg (374.8 pounds)
Fuel capacity	14.00 litres (3.70 gallons)	14.00 litres (3.70 US gallons)
Wheelbase	—	1405 mm (55.3 inches)
Cooling	—	Air
Compression	—	9.0:1

Other years 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail20%

Cornering55%

City riding65%

Daily riding55%

Touring30%

Two-up25%

Track15%

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 810mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1994 Yamaha SR 500, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 499.0 ccm
Power: 23.5 HP (17.3 kW) @ 6000 RPM
Torque: 36.3 Nm (3.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1382 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 87.0 x 84.0 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Starting: Kick
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Performance

Top speed: 132.5 km/h (82.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1405 mm
Seat height: 810 mm
Dry weight: 170.0 kg
Wet weight: 171.5 kg
Fuel capacity: 14.00 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 3.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 150 mm
Rear wheel travel: 105 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Expanding brake
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	1991	1994	1995	1999
Capacity	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)	499.00 ccm (30.45 cubic inches)
Dry weight	—	—	—	170.0 kg (374.8 pounds)	170.0 kg (374.8 pounds)	—
Seat height	—	—	—	810 mm (31.9 inches)	810 mm (31.9 inches)	810 mm (31.9 inches)
Fuel capacity	12.00 litres (3.17 gallons)	12.00 litres (3.17 gallons)	12.00 litres (3.17 gallons)	14.00 litres (3.70 gallons)	—	14.00 litres (3.70 gallons)