The road-going SR500, which followed the
XT500, used the same engine with larger
valves and carburettor internals, a disc brake
at the front and 12 volt electrics rather than
the 6 volt system fitted to the XT. It seemed
like a nod to those who mourned the passing
of the last of the great British singles, the
BSA Gold Star in 1962, and the Velocette
Venom in 1971. The fact the SR500 remained
in production from 1978 until 1999 is perhaps
evidence that the motorcycling public, or
at least a loyal portion of them, were still
looking for a ‘big thumper’ to enhance their
two-wheel adventures.
While the motorcycle industry scrambled to
satisfy the growing demand for ever faster
multi-cylinder superbikes, the SR was quietly
developing an enthusiastic following that
endures to this day. Enduring loyalty to the
SR500 is apparent in Australia where there is
an SR500 Club. Old Bike Australasia Magazine
said that, “The SR500 Club has in its ranks
members who have taken the basic machine
and created highly individualistic renditions
of the 500-single theme”. The magazine
went on to say, “Despite the demise of the
SR500 in 1999, the SR400 soldiered on with
various updates, including new forks, a twin
piston front brake caliper (with the disc on
the right-hand side), a new style front disc,
and wire wheels on new hubs. In the face of
increasing restrictions on exhaust emissions
The new breed of singles began with the
Yamaha XT500 Start of a new era. The Yamaha SR500
SR500 Yamaha (picture Australasian
Old Bike magazine) SR500 promotional advert
Sharing your passion
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