Yamaha TX500

Last updated
Yamaha TX500
1977 Yamaha XS500.jpg
1976 Yamaha XS500
Manufacturer Yamaha
Also calledYamaha XS500
Class Standard
Engine 498 cc (30.4 cu in) DOHC parallel twin
Bore / stroke 72.9 mm x 59.6 mm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Top speed180 km/h (110 mph) [1]
Power 36 kW (48 bhp) @ 8,500 rpm [2]
Torque 32.6 ft⋅lb (44.2 N⋅m) @ 6,500 rpm [2]
Ignition type battery and coil [1]
Transmission 5-speed fully meshed
Frame type Double-downtube full-cradle steel
Brakes 1x270 mm (10.5 in) disk Front
179 mm (7.06 in) drum Rear [1]
Tires 3.25-19-4PR Front
3.50-18-4PR Rear
Rake, trail 26.5°/120 mm (4.6 in)
Wheelbase 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
DimensionsL: 2,150 mm (84.6 in)
W: 840 mm (32.9 in)
H: 1,130 mm (44.5 in)
Weight185 kg (408 lb) [2]  (dry)
Fuel capacity13 L; 2.8 imp gal (3.4 US gal) [2]
Fuel consumption6.7–5.9 L/100 km; 42–48 mpg‑imp (35–40 mpg‑US) (Highway) [2]
Related Yamaha TX750

The Yamaha TX500 is a two-cylinder standard motorcycle built by Yamaha and sold in 1973 and 1974. Early models closely resembled the Triumph Bonneville in style. In 1975 the bike was renamed XS500 and then continued to be updated until 1978 when sales ended in the USA. In Europe, the model was available through 1980.

Contents

History

The TX500 debuted in Tokyo in October 1972. [3] It arrived in most markets in 1973, along with the larger TX750. Like Yamaha's earlier XS650, both the TX500 and TX750 were four-stroke air-cooled twins. While the TX500 and TX750 were released at or near the same time, there were significant differences between their engines. The short production life of the TX500 was due in part to problems with engine leaks and failures. The TX750 experienced similar problems, which were in part attributed to aeration of the engine oil caused by the operation of the anti-vibration system. [4] Yamaha attributed the problem to excessive heat build-up in the engine and a lack of machine durability. [5] In the TX500 excessive heat build-up promoted warped valve seats and cracked cylinder heads. [6] Its exhaust ports were re-shaped on later engines to improve heat dissipation.

1973

1974

1975

1976

1977

1978

Engine and drivetrain

The TX500 was powered by a transverse air-cooled parallel twin engine which had a 180° crankshaft. In contrast to the dry-sumped TX750, the TX500 had a wet sump. [7] [3] The valvetrain used double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder, which were operated by rocker arms for each pair of valves. Yamaha claimed this was the world's first mass-produced four-valve motorcycle engine. [3] The TX500 was also claimed to be the first motorcycle to use an integrated circuit-based voltage regulator. [8] The air/fuel mixture was delivered by two 32 mm Keihin constant-velocity (CV) carburetors in early models and by 38 mm Mikunis beginning in 1976.

The TX500 and TX750 twins both featured a vibration control technology that Yamaha called an "Omni-phase balancer". In the TX750 two chain-driven shafts with bobweights counteracted vibrations generated in the engine, while the balancer in the TX500 was a simpler version with just a single balance shaft. The chain driving the balance shaft was hidden behind the alternator, making manual adjustment difficult.

The transmission was a 5-speed fully meshed unit that drove the rear wheel through a #530 chain and a 17/43 sprocket set. The drive cogs were later changed to 16/42. The bike came with both kick and electric start.

Chassis and suspension

The frame was a steel double-downtube cradle. The front suspension was a telescopic fork from Kayaba until 1976, when it became a Showa part. Rear suspension was by dual shock-absorbers and swing arm with adjustable pre-load. On early bikes the front brake was a single 270 mm (10.5 in) disk, while in back was a 179 mm (7.06 in) drum. [1] In 1976 the front disk was increased in size to 298 mm (11.7 in), and the rear drum was converted to a single 267 mm (10.5 in) disk. 1976 was also the year that alloy wheels were substituted for the traditional wire spokes previously mounted. The front tire size was 3.25-19-4PR and the rear was 3.50-18-4PR. Rear tire size rose to 4.00H-18-4PR on later bikes.

Reviews and riding impressions

Early reviews of the TX500 complimented the bike's handling, crediting the Omni-phase system with smoothing out the engine's inherent vibration. [2] The brakes were also highly rated. A problem with sticking carburetor slides was experienced. Other reviewers found that power came on strongly and suddenly, especially in lower gears. There was also strong engine braking when the throttle was backed off. [3] The transmission got high marks in other tests, but the carburetors were criticized. [9] Other testers found fault with the push-pull throttle cable arrangement, and commented on slack in the drivetrain causing some jerkiness. [10] The bike was described as being heavy for its displacement but not feeling the weight on the road. Some wheel skip was induced on a high-speed decreasing-radius downhill turn. [11] Reviews of the revised XS500 indicated that the touchy throttle, carburetor issues and transmission lash of the TX500 had been addressed. [12]

Related Research Articles

The Honda XR series is a range of four-stroke off-road motorcycles that were designed in Japan but assembled all over the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda CX series</span> Series of motorcycles

The Honda CX series motorcycles, including the GL500 and GL650 Silver Wing variants, were developed and released by Honda in the late 1970s, with production ending in most markets by the mid 1980s. The design included innovative features and technologies that were uncommon or unused at the time such as liquid cooling, electric-only starting, low-maintenance shaft drive, modular wheels, and dual CV-type carburetors that were tuned for reduced emissions. The electronic ignition system was separate from the rest of the electrical system, but the motorcycle could only be started via the start button.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha YZF-R1</span> Sport motorcycle

The Yamaha YZF-R1, or simply R1, is a 998 cc (60.9 cu in) sports motorcycle made by Yamaha. It was first released in 1998, undergoing significant updates in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2018 and 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha XS 650</span> Yamaha motorcycle

The Yamaha XS650 is a mid-size motorcycle that was made by the Yamaha Motor Company. The standard model was introduced in October 1969, and produced until 1979. The "Special" cruiser model was introduced in 1978 and produced until 1985. The XS650 began with the 1955 Hosk SOHC 500 twin. After about 10 years of producing 500 twin, Hosk engineers designed a 650 cc twin. Later Showa Corporation acquired the Hosk company, and in 1960 Yamaha acquired Showa, with Hosk's early design of 650 cc twin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha SRX</span> Type of motorcycle

The Yamaha SRX is a motorcycle that was manufactured from 1985 to 1997 by the Yamaha Motor Company. Not to be confused with the Yamaha Sidewinder SRX, which is a snowmobile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha XZ 550</span> Type of motorcycle

The Yamaha XZ550 'Vision' is a 550 cc V-twin, shaft-driven sport touring motorcycle produced by Yamaha in 1982-1983. It was powered by a 4 stroke 70° liquid cooled 4 valve DOHC engine, and featured a trailing front axle and monoshock single swingarm rear. With a range of innovative technology for its class, nimble handling, and bold styling, it was widely celebrated by the motorcycle press on its introduction as a bike ahead of its time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R90S</span> Type of motorcycle

The BMW R90S is a 900cc sport motorcycle produced by BMW from 1973 to 1976. BMW commissioned designer Hans Muth to oversee the R90S, which became the flagship of the boxer engined "/6" range. Sporting distinctive two-tone paintwork, a bikini fairing and a new tail, the R90S was intended to shrug off the enduring image of BMW bikes as staid and utilitarian.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suzuki GSX-R750</span> Sports motorcycle

The Suzuki GSX-R750 is a sports motorcycle made by Suzuki since 1984. It was introduced at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in October 1984 as a motorcycle of the GSX-R series for the 1985 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kawasaki KZ400</span> Street motorcycle that was produced by Kawasaki between 1974 and 1984

The Kawasaki KZ400/Z400 is a street motorcycle that was produced by Kawasaki between 1974 and 1984. The 398cc displacement of the twin cylinder engine was increased to 443cc for the KZ440/Z440. The later KZ400-J used a 399cc four cylinder engine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha XS750</span> Type of motorcycle

The Yamaha XS750 and XS850 was a line of inline three cylinder motorcycles produced by the Yamaha Motor Corporation from 1976 to 1981 for the worldwide motorcycle market. It was publicly-voted by readers as the 1977 Motorcycle News Machine of the Year, ousting the sitting-winner of four-years, the Kawasaki Z1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha XS Eleven</span> Type of motorcycle

The Yamaha XS Eleven motorcycle, also called XS 1100 and XS 1.1, is a Japanese standard produced from late 1977 (MY1978) to 1983, powered by an air-cooled 1,101 cc (67.2 cu in) 4-stroke, DOHC inline four-cylinder engine mounted transversely in a duplex cradle frame with swingarm rear suspension, shaft drive, and telescopic forks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha FZR1000</span> Motorcycle model produced by Yamaha

The Yamaha FZR1000 is a motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1987 to 1995. Classed as a sports motorcycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha DT200</span>

The Yamaha DT200 is a dual-purpose motorcycle manufactured during the 1980s, 1990s, and continues into the 2000s (decade) by the Yamaha Motor Company. Though never imported into the US, the rest of the world, including Canada, received some of these models. The DT200LC began production in 1983bc. It also was very similar to the DT125LC. This model continued production until 1988.Then, in 1989 a totally new model was introduced, DT200R (3ET), as well as a similar DT125R. In Canada, the DT125LC/R was never imported.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha RD500LC</span> Type of motorcycle

The Yamaha RD500LC is a high-performance, two-stroke sports motorcycle, also known as the RZ500 in Canada and Australia. A lightened but detuned version known as the RZV500R was developed for the Japanese home market. Strict United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations meant that the RZ500 was not available for sale in that country. Produced for a short period between 1984 and 1986 it has become a sought after collector's machine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha FZ750</span> Japanese motorcycle produced 1985 to 1991

The Yamaha FZ750 is a sports motorcycle produced by Yamaha Motor Corporation between 1985 and 1991. The FZ750 is notable for several reasons, perhaps the most radical being the 5-valve cylinder head with a radial arrangement. This became something of a Yamaha trademark. The FZ750 would be the first bike in the Genesis design concept.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha TX750</span> Two-cylinder standard motorcycle built by Yamaha

The TX750 is a two-cylinder standard motorcycle built by Yamaha. The bike was released in 1972. Significant reliability problems affected the engines in early bikes. Yamaha made several changes to solve the problems but the bike was withdrawn from most markets after 1974 and production stopped in the home market after 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha TMAX</span> Series of maxi-scooters

The Yamaha TMAX series of maxi-scooters has been manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company for the European market since its debut at July 2000 press events in Naples, Italy and Iwata, Japan, combining motorcycle performance with the convenience and flexibility for commuting of a scooter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kawasaki KR-1/KR-1S</span>

The Kawasaki KR-1 and KR-1S are road-orientated 249 cc (15.2 cu in) two-stroke sports bikes introduced between 1988 and 1992 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda CB400SF</span> Japanese motorcycle

The Honda CB400 Super Four is a CB series 399 cc (24.3 cu in) standard motorcycle produced by Honda at the Kumamoto plant from 1992 to the present. The CB400 embodies the typical Universal Japanese Motorcycle produced through the 1970s, updated with modern technology. To this end, the bike has a naked retro design, paired with a smooth inline-four engine. Originally a Japan-only bike, it was later also available in SE Asia, and from 2008 in Australia.

Yamaha IT175 belongs to the 'International Trial' family of motorcycles, produced during the 1970s and 1980s. The machine is derived from the Yamaha YZ range of competition motocross bikes with modifications for use in competition enduro, hare and hounds and trail riding.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "1973 Yamaha TX500". Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hill, Ray (November 1973). "Yamaha TX500: Super-Engineered for Super Performance". Popular Science.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Crichton, Brian (December 1989 – January 1990). "Yamaha TX500/750: A Question of Balance". Classic Mechanics.
  4. ↑ "Phil Hall looks at the Yamaha TX750". www.mcnews.com.au.
  5. ↑ "Struggles with the TX750 and TX500 Bring a Return to the TX650". global.yamaha-motor.com.
  6. ↑ "Yamaha XS500". RealClassic.co.uk.
  7. ↑ Laverty, Peter; Tingate, Rod (December 2018). "Yamaha TX500 — A Troubled Birth — A shorter Life". Old Bike Australia. p. 59.
  8. ↑ "THE HISTORY OF YAMAHA TECHNOLOGY" (pdf). scootergrisen.dk.
  9. ↑ Smith, Robert (November–December 2010). "The Yamaha TX500". Motorcycle Classics.
  10. ↑ "Yamaha TX500". Cycle World. September 1973.
  11. ↑ "Yamaha TX500". Motor Cycle World. December 1973.
  12. ↑ "Half-Liter Holdout: 1978 Yamaha XS500E". Motorcycle Classics. November–December 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.