Yamaha XS 500 Specs (Top Speed | Horsepower | Weight)

The Yamaha XS 500 motorcycle specifications include a 499 cc (30.45 cu in) engine, a 5-speed gearbox, and a listed weight of 210 kg (463 lb).

Key specifications

1976-1979Model years
499 ccDisplacement
210 kgWet weight
15 LFuel tank
Model years covered
1976197719781979
Year-specific specification changes

The 1976 model is treated as the standard specification. Only later model years with a different supplied value are shown below.

Top speed
1978118.0 km/h (73.3 mph)

How the Yamaha XS 500 compares

This compares the motorcycle with all Yamaha models in this specifications database. The blue marker is this model and the grey line is the Yamaha database average.

Displacement499 cc
Low 49 ccAverage 550 ccHigh 1,852 cc

About 9% lower than the Yamaha database average. Around the 54th percentile across Yamaha models.

Wet weight210 kg
Low 72.1 kgAverage 186.3 kgHigh 348.7 kg

About 13% heavier than the Yamaha database average. Around the 65th percentile across Yamaha models.

Fuel capacity15 L
Low 4 LAverage 13 LHigh 24 L

About 15% larger than the Yamaha database average. Around the 61st percentile across Yamaha models.

This model Yamaha database average

Yamaha database percentile rankings

Percentiles show where this motorcycle sits across the Yamaha specifications database. They are descriptive database rankings, not performance ratings.

Displacement54th

499 cc — larger displacement than about 54% of Yamaha models.

Wet weight65th

210 kg — heavier than about 65% of Yamaha models, or lighter than about 35%.

Fuel capacity61st

15 L — larger than about 61% of Yamaha fuel tanks in this database.

Mechanical overview

Engine layout snapshot

Twin, four-stroke • 499 cc • Air cooled
Chassis snapshot

5-speed • Chain (final drive) • 3.25-19 front / 4.00-18 rear

Additional useful specifications

Front tire size 3.25-19
Rear tire size 4.00-18
Bore/stroke ratio 1.22:1 (Oversquare)

Model information

Category Classic

Engine specifications

Engine type Twin, four-stroke
Displacement 499 cc (30.45 cu in)
Bore × stroke 73.0 x 59.6 mm (2.9 x 2.3 inches)
Compression ratio 8.5:1
Valves per cylinder 4
Cooling system Air
Fuel control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Transmission and drivetrain

Gearbox 5-speed
Final drive Chain (final drive)

Brakes, wheels and tires

Front brakes Single disc
Rear brakes Single disc
Front tire 3.25-19
Rear tire 4.00-18

Dimensions and weight

Wet weight 210 kg (463 lb)

Fuel and emissions

Fuel capacity 15.00 L (3.96 US gal)

Performance

Top speed 178.0 km/h (110.6 mph)

Disclaimer: Specifications may vary by market, trim, production date and optional equipment, and scraped or historical data can contain errors. Comparison and percentile values are calculated from Yamaha models in this specifications database. Always double-check important specifications against the motorcycle owner’s/service manual and official Yamaha information before relying on them. Visit the official Yamaha website.