Across 15 covered model years from 1976 to 1990, the Yamaha XT 500 motorcycle has supplied wet/running weights ranging from 341.7 lb (155 kg) and dry weights ranging from 308.6 lb (140 kg), depending on model year.
Yamaha XT 500 weight overview
This is middleweight territory: substantial enough to feel planted, but still well short of heavyweight touring and large-cruiser mass.
Middleweight Motorcycle
How heavy is the Yamaha XT 500?
wet weight
Using a model-level wet weight comparison, the Yamaha XT 500 is heavier than about 81.6% of 68 Yamaha enduro/off-road motorcycles with compatible weight data.
Dry vs ready-to-ride weight
Bike + rider total weight
These totals use the model’s representative wet weight. They exclude riding gear, luggage and a passenger.
Yamaha XT 500 weight & related specs
| Model years covered | 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 |
|---|---|
| Wet / running weight | 341.7 lb (155 kg) |
| Dry weight | 308.6 lb (140 kg) |
| Engine displacement | 499 cc |
| Power | 27 hp |
| Torque | 28.9 lb-ft (39.2 Nm) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.38 US gal (9 L) to 3.17 US gal (12 L) |
| Full-tank fuel weight (estimated) | 14.8 lb (6.7 kg) to 19.7 lb (8.9 kg) |
Weight changes by model year
The 1976 model is used as the baseline where data is available. Only later supplied values that differ are shown below. A year pill does not mean every individual weight field was supplied for that year.
Useful weight calculations
| Horsepower per 100 lb | 7.9 hp / 100 lb |
|---|---|
| Pounds per horsepower | 12.66 lb / hp |
| Torque per 100 lb | 8.46 lb-ft / 100 lb |
| Displacement per pound | 1.46 cc / lb |
| Weight per 100 cc | 68.5 lb / 100 cc |
| Fuel weight as % of bike weight | 4.3% to 5.8% |
| Weight with full tank | 323.4 lb (146.7 kg) |
What the weight numbers tell you
Yamaha XT 500 weight FAQ
How much does the Yamaha XT 500 weigh?
For the model years covered here, wet/running weight is 341.7 lb (155 kg), while dry weight is 308.6 lb (140 kg). Do not treat dry and wet figures as interchangeable.
How does the Yamaha XT 500 weight compare with similar Yamahas?
It is on the heavier side. Its representative wet weight is around the 82nd percentile among 68 compatible Yamaha enduro/off-road motorcycles.
Are all Yamaha XT 500 model years the same weight?
The supplied comparable weight values do not show a meaningful change across the 1976-1990 years covered here.
What does a full tank of gas weigh on the Yamaha XT 500?
A full tank works out to about 14.8 lb (6.7 kg) to 19.7 lb (8.9 kg) from the listed 2.38 US gal (9 L) to 3.17 US gal (12 L) capacity. Actual fuel density varies slightly, so treat it as a practical estimate.
What does the Yamaha XT 500 weigh with a 180 lb rider?
The approximate combined total is 521.7 lb (236.6 kg) with a 180 lb rider, based on the representative wet/running weight used on this page.
Is the Yamaha XT 500 strong for its weight?
The calculated range is 7.9 hp per 100 lb. This ratio is usually more informative for acceleration comparisons than horsepower alone. That places it around the 52nd percentile within the compatible Yamaha enduro / offroad power-to-weight comparison.
What is the estimated Yamaha XT 500 weight with a full tank of gas?
The page calculates about 323.4 lb (146.7 kg) with a full tank by adding the listed fuel mass to the dry figure. Treat this as a practical estimate, not an official Yamaha curb-weight number.
How much heavier is the Yamaha XT 500 wet than dry?
Available years with both measurements show about 33.1 lb (15 kg) added between dry and ready-to-ride figures. Fuel explains part of it, while oil, coolant and specification definitions can explain the rest.
What is the Yamaha XT 500 torque-to-weight ratio?
Available data gives 8.46 lb-ft per 100 lb. That ratio helps explain how strong the engine is relative to the bike’s mass, especially at lower speeds.
Motorcycle specifications can vary by model year, market, equipment and the exact dry/curb-weight definition. Calculated fuel-weight and ratio figures on this page are estimates derived from the supplied specifications. Confirm critical figures in the owner’s manual or on the official Yamaha Motorsports website.