MotoSpecs

1984 Yamaha SR 500 Specifications

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1984 Yamaha SR 500 Overview

For 1984, Yamaha offers the SR 500 as a naked bike motorcycle with 499 cc on tap. The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 is built around a Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.0:1. Out on the road, the SR 500 delivers 31.5 hp @ 6500 rpm of peak power and 36.3 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 95 mph. In everyday use, the 1984 SR 500 tips the scales at 173 kg, carries a 12-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 810 mm and spans a 1405 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 35.5 kg lighter than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1984 Yamaha SR 500 spec sheet below.

1984 SR 500 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: Peak output on the SR 500 is 31.5 hp @ 6500 rpm and 36.3 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.

Considerations

  • Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
  • Modest fuel capacity: A 12-litre tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.
  • Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the SR 500 keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.

Carburetor maintenance

Being carbureted, the SR 500 is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.

Brake disc and pad wear

Single 200mm disc up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by 35mm telescopic forks up front and Dual shock, 5-way adjustable spring preload at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the SR 500 means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Half-duplex cradle chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

SR 500 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept SR 500 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a SR 500's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A SR 500 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

1984 Yamaha SR 500 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 have?
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 uses a Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 499 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1984 Yamaha SR 500?
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 has a factory-quoted top speed of 95 mph. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 weigh?
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 weighs 173 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 make?
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 produces 31.5 hp @ 6500 rpm of power and 36.3 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1984 Yamaha SR 500?
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 has a 12-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 200-240 km between stops.
Is the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 suitable for shorter riders?
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 has a seat height of 810 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 have?
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 uses Single 200mm disc at the front and 150mm drum at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 use?
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 runs 3.50 S18 front and 4 S18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 have?
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.

Yamaha SR 500 Spec Evolution

The Yamaha SR 500 was produced across 7 model years (1975-1999). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification 1975 1977 1979 1983 1987 1992 1999
Engine Detail Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
Top Speed 95 mph / 152.8 km/h 95 mph / 152.8 km/h 152.8 km/h / 95 mph 95 mph / 152.8 km/h 95 mph / 152.8 km/h 95 mph / 152.8 km/h 95 mph / 152.8 km/h
Tyres - Front 3.50 S19 3.50 S19 3.50 S19 3.50 S19 3.50 S18 3.50 S18 3.50 S18
Max Torque 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm 36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.

Power

31.5 hp / 23.5 kW @ 6500 rpm

Torque

36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm

Top Speed

95 mph / 152.8 km/h

Weight

173 kg / 381.4 lbs

Fuel Capacity

12 Litres / 3.1 US gal

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Full 1984 Yamaha SR 500 Specifications

Year 1984 - 87
Make Model Yamaha SR 500
Seat Height 810 mm / 32 in
Wheelbase 1405 mm / 55.3 in
Height 1155 mm / 45.5 in
Width 845 mm / 33.3 in
Dry Weight 158 kg / 348 lbs
Fuel Capacity 12 Litres / 3.1 US gal
Oil Capacity 2.4 Litres
Wet Weight 173 kg / 381.4 lbs
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
Displacement 499 cc / 30.4 cu-in
Engine Detail Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke 87 х 84 mm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Cooling System Air cooled
Fuel Consumption 63 mpg
Fuel Induction 34mm Mikuni VM34SS carburetor
Ignition CDI
Starter Kick
Final Drive Chain
Transmission / Drive 5 Speed
Frame Type Half-duplex cradle
Suspension - Front 35mm telescopic forks
Suspension - Rear Dual shock, 5-way adjustable spring preload.
Rake 27.5°
Trail 117 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front 150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 105 mm / 4.1 in
Brakes - Front Single 200mm disc
Brakes - Rear 150mm drum
Tyres - Front 3.50 S18
Tyres - Rear 4.00 S18

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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