Naked Motorcycles
1996Yamaha SR 500
26 fields on record
The 1996 Yamaha SR 500 is a classic kick-start-only single with a loyal following. Its air-cooled 499cc four-stroke single makes 23.5 hp and 36.3 Nm through a five-speed gearbox. An 810 mm seat, 171.5 kg wet weight and a 14-litre tank make it a simple, characterful retro roadster.
- 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
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
- 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 (dry)
- 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
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
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 1995 | 1996 | 1999 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 499 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc | 499 cc |
| Dry weight | 158 kg | 158 kg | 158 kg | 170 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 | 14 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 1996 Yamaha SR 500 has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha SR 500 have?
The 1996 Yamaha SR 500 has a Power of 23.5 HP (17.3 kW) @ 6000 RPM.
How many gears does the Yamaha SR 500 have?
The 1996 Yamaha SR 500 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Yamaha SR 500?
The 1996 Yamaha SR 500 has a Torque of 36.3 Nm (3.7 kgf-m or 26.8 ft.lbs).
How much does the Yamaha SR 500 weigh?
The 1996 Yamaha SR 500 has a Dry weight of 170.0 kg (374.8 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.