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Dual-Sport Motorcycles

1989Yamaha XT 500 S

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The 1989 Yamaha XT 500 S is a lightweight single-cylinder adventure bike suited for novice and intermediate riders seeking affordable, reliable dual-sport capability. Known for its simple air-cooled engine, minimal maintenance requirements, and nimble handling on mixed terrain, this machine excels as an entry-level exploration tool with genuine off-road credentials.

Capacity
499.0 ccm
Engine
Single
Gearbox
5-speed
Wet weight
155.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
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Power
27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 5900 RPM
Other years 1989 1990

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 29Agility 67Comfort 40Off-road 75Touring 35Road manners 45
Off-road & trail75%
Cornering50%
City riding45%
Daily riding40%
Touring35%
Two-up20%
Track15%
Best for
It is built as a rugged, simple allround machine best suited to light off-road exploration, trail riding, and unhurried backroad journeys rather than outright speed or comfort.
Built for
It has the honest, no-frills character of a classic air-cooled trail bike, rewarding a relaxed, mechanically-engaged riding style over aggressive or high-speed use.
Not ideal for
This bike is not for riders seeking modern comfort, high-speed touring capability, or a passenger-friendly, feature-rich motorcycle.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
499.0 ccm
Power
27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 5900 RPM
Engine type
Single
Power/weight ratio
0.1742 HP/kg
Bore x stroke
87.0 x 84.0 mm
Compression
9.0:1
Cooling system
Air
Valves per cylinder
2
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
132.0 km/h (82.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
155.0 kg
Fuel capacity
12.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Ground clearance
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Expanding brake
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Front tyre
3.25-21
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 19891990
Capacity 499 cc 499 cc
Fuel capacity 12 L 12 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Yamaha XT 500 S?

The 1989 Yamaha XT 500 S has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Yamaha XT 500 S have?

The 1989 Yamaha XT 500 S has a Power of 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 5900 RPM.

How many gears does the Yamaha XT 500 S have?

The 1989 Yamaha XT 500 S has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the Yamaha XT 500 S weigh?

The 1989 Yamaha XT 500 S has a Wet weight of 155.0 kg (341.7 pounds).

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