1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1984 - 87 | - |
| Colours | - | Vivid Orange/Raven, Team Yamaha Blue/White, Raven |
| Make Model | Yamaha SR 500 | - |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 810 mm / 32 in | 851 mm / 33.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm / 55.3 in | 1,379 mm / 54.3 in. |
| Height | 1155 mm / 45.5 in | 1,100 mm / 43.3 in. |
| Length | - | 2,040 mm / 80.3 in. |
| Width | 845 mm / 33.3 in | 701 mm / 27.6 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Oil Capacity (l) | - | 3.40 litres |
| Oil Capacity (Quarts) | - | 0.22 quarts |
| Dry Weight | 158 kg / 348 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 12 Litres / 3.1 US gal | 17.41 litres / 4.60 gallons |
| Oil Capacity | 2.4 Litres | - |
| Wet Weight | 173 kg / 381.4 lbs | 187.8 kg / 414.0 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 95 mph / 152.8 km/h | - |
| Max Power | 31.5 hp / 23.5 kW @ 6500 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm | - |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 15.3 sec | - |
| Engine |
| Fuel Control | - | DOHC |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 2.6 x 1.7 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 67.0 x 42.5 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 599.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 36.55 cubic inches |
| Stroke | - | 4 |
| Engine Type | - | In-line four |
| Displacement | 499 cc / 30.4 cu-in | - |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. | - |
| Fuel System | - | Injection. Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I |
| Bore x Stroke | 87 х 84 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 13.1:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled | - |
| Fuel Consumption | 63 mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 34mm Mikuni VM34SS carburetor | - |
| Ignition | CDI | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
| Starter | Kick | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Gearbox | - | 6-speed |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Half-duplex cradle | - |
| Suspension - Front | 35mm telescopic forks | 41mm inverted fork |
| Suspension - Rear | Dual shock, 5-way adjustable spring preload. | Single shock |
| Rake | 27.5° | 24.0° |
| Trail | 117 mm / 4.6 in | 97 mm / 3.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 150 mm / 5.9 in | 102 mm / 4.0 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 105 mm / 4.1 in | 102 mm / 4.0 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | - | 8.7 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | - | 12.2 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | - | 310 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | - | 220 mm |
| Brakes - Front | Single 200mm disc | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | 150mm drum | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 3.50 S18 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 4.00 S18 | 180/55-ZR17 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 and the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
1987 Yamaha SR 500 - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 810 mm vs 851 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 102 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - Advantages
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 and 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder., while the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 is powered by In-line four.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has the lower seat at 810 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 sits higher at 851 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
Both are strong choices. The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has the edge in lower seat height and higher front wheel travel, while the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 stands out for fuel injection and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.