Across 4 covered model years from 1984 to 1987, the Yamaha RD 500 LC motorcycle has supplied wet/running weights ranging from 438.7 lb (199 kg) to 451.9 lb (205 kg).
Yamaha RD 500 LC weight overview
This is a substantial motorcycle. The weight matters most when stopped, backing it up, parking on a slope or recovering from a lean.
Heavy Motorcycle
How heavy is the Yamaha RD 500 LC?
wet weight
Using a model-level wet weight comparison, the Yamaha RD 500 LC is heavier than about 65.7% of 83 Yamaha sport bikes with compatible weight data.
Ready-to-ride weight range
Bike + rider total weight
These totals use the model’s representative wet weight. They exclude riding gear, luggage and a passenger.
Yamaha RD 500 LC weight & related specs
| Model years covered | 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 |
|---|---|
| Wet / running weight | 438.7 lb (199 kg) to 451.9 lb (205 kg) |
| Engine displacement | 499 cc |
| Power | 88 hp |
| Fuel capacity | 5.81 US gal (22 L) |
| Full-tank fuel weight (estimated) | 36.1 lb (16.4 kg) |
Weight changes by model year
The 1984 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 | 19.47 hp / 100 lb |
|---|---|
| Pounds per horsepower | 5.14 lb / hp |
| Displacement per pound | 1.1 cc / lb to 1.14 cc / lb |
| Weight per 100 cc | 87.9 lb / 100 cc to 90.6 lb / 100 cc |
| Fuel weight as % of bike weight | 8% to 8.2% |
What the weight numbers tell you
Yamaha RD 500 LC weight FAQ
How much does the Yamaha RD 500 LC weigh?
The available wet/running figure is 438.7 lb (199 kg) to 451.9 lb (205 kg). This is more representative of the motorcycle you actually push, park and ride than a dry-only specification.
How does the Yamaha RD 500 LC weight compare with similar Yamahas?
It is on the heavier side. Its representative wet weight is around the 66th percentile among 83 compatible Yamaha sport bikes.
Are all Yamaha RD 500 LC model years the same weight?
There are year-to-year differences in the supplied data. The earliest covered year is used as the baseline, with later changed values shown separately above.
What does a full tank of gas weigh on the Yamaha RD 500 LC?
A full tank works out to about 36.1 lb (16.4 kg) from the listed 5.81 US gal (22 L) capacity. Actual fuel density varies slightly, so treat it as a practical estimate.
What does the Yamaha RD 500 LC weigh with a 180 lb rider?
The approximate combined total is 631.9 lb (286.6 kg) with a 180 lb rider, based on the representative wet/running weight used on this page.
Is the Yamaha RD 500 LC strong for its weight?
The calculated range is 19.47 hp per 100 lb. This ratio is usually more informative for acceleration comparisons than horsepower alone. That places it around the 60th percentile within the compatible Yamaha sport power-to-weight comparison.
What is the Yamaha RD 500 LC displacement per pound?
The model has about 1.1 cc per lb to 1.14 cc per lb in the available data. This simply shows how much engine displacement there is for each pound of motorcycle weight.
What is the Yamaha RD 500 LC weight difference versus the category median?
The representative wet weight is about 37.9 lb (17.2 kg) heavier than the median Yamaha sport bike weight of 414 lb (187.8 kg) in this dataset.
Is the Yamaha RD 500 LC easy to move around by hand?
Yes, the mass is substantial enough to matter at walking speed. Parking direction, slope and secure footing become important because recovering the bike from a lean takes more effort.
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.