Target User Profile:
Owners and DIY enthusiasts looking for professional-level repair and maintenance guidance for their Yamaha SR500.
Manual Competitiveness:
Provides the depth of information typically found in authorized dealer service manuals, enabling owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance themselves, saving on labor costs.
Information Reliability:
Stated to provide the most reliable information, mirroring dealer service department resources.
Value Proposition:
Aims to help owners get the best value from their SR500 by facilitating informed maintenance and repairs.
Safety Emphasis:
Highlights the importance of safety equipment and precautions, including the use of torque wrenches.
Warning Symbols:
Utilizes specific wording and symbols (WARNING, CAUTION, NOTE) to denote critical information.
Covered Years:
1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual
Primary Audience:
Mechanical Technicians
Delivery Method:
Electronic (Email)
Engine:
Complete repair and overhaul, including disassembly and assembly of engine components.
Transmission:
Complete repair and overhaul, including disassembly and assembly of transmission components.
Fuel System:
Detailed procedures for repair, adjustment, and diagnosis of the fuel system.
Ignition System:
Coverage of ignition system maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
Lubrication System:
Information on lubrication system maintenance and repair procedures.
Exhaust System:
Maintenance and repair procedures for the exhaust system.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the electrical system, including wiring diagrams and component diagnosis.
Bodywork:
Procedures related to the body, including removal and installation of body panels.
Routine Maintenance:
Detailed instructions for routine maintenance and servicing.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving issues.
Repair Procedures:
In-depth repair procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Overhaul:
Detailed overhaul procedures for major mechanical components.
Assembly Disassembly:
Instructions for the assembly and disassembly of various components and systems.
Tune Ups:
Specific procedures for performing tune-ups on the Yamaha SR500.
Proprietary Components:
Includes instructions for proprietary components, referencing manufacturer guidelines.
Special Tool Usage:
References and illustrations for Yamaha-specific tools required for adjustments and repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage suitable for professional technicians, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Focus:
Emphasizes special aspects of the product for accurate diagnosis and repair.
Engine Type:
Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC
Displacement:
499 cc (30.4 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 78.0 mm (3.54 in x 3.07 in) - *Typical for this model, confirm with manual*
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 8.4:1 - *Confirm with manual*
Horsepower:
Approx. 32-33 hp at 6,500 rpm - *Specific figures may vary by year/market, manual will clarify*
Torque:
Approx. 28.7 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm - *Specific figures may vary by year/market, manual will clarify*
Carburetor:
Single Mikuni VM34SC (or similar Mikuni model) - *Manual will specify exact model and jetting*
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Oil Type:
Yamalube SAE 20W-40 or equivalent motorcycle oil - *Manual will provide specific viscosity and API service classification*
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.0 liters (2.1 US qt) - *Manual will confirm capacity and filter change amount*
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Safety Features Overview:
The manual emphasizes safety precautions and the use of proper equipment, such as torque wrenches, indicating a focus on safe repair practices.
Braking System Front:
Single disc brake - *Manual will detail specifications and maintenance*
Braking System Rear:
Drum brake - *Manual will detail specifications and maintenance*
Lighting System:
Coverage of headlight, taillight, and turn signal system maintenance and repair.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 km (2,000-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first - *Manual will provide definitive schedule*
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended at 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) - *Manual will specify plug type and gap*
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Typically at 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) - *Crucial for single-cylinder engines, manual is essential for correct procedure and specs*
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 - *Manual will specify exact type and replacement interval*
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamalube SAE 80W API GL-4 or equivalent - *Manual will provide specific type and capacity*
Common Issues Overview:
While generally robust, common areas of attention can include carburation tuning, occasional electrical gremlins (especially on older, unrestored models), and wear on wear-prone components like clutch plates or cam chains. The manual is critical for addressing these.
Kickstarter Reliability:
The SR500 famously features a kickstart-only system, which requires specific technique. The manual will provide guidance on its operation and maintenance.
Yamaha Motorcycles Legacy:
Yamaha has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented motorcycles, with the SR series being a significant part of their heritage, known for its classic styling and robust engineering.
Sr500 Development:
The SR500 was introduced as a more road-oriented, single-cylinder machine, a contrast to the sportier twin-cylinder models, appealing to riders who appreciated simplicity, torque, and a classic riding experience. It was developed to cater to a growing segment of riders seeking a traditional motorcycle feel.
Production Period:
1978-1999 (though this manual covers the initial 1975-1983 period, which includes the early and most popular iterations of the SR500 and its international variants).
Key Markets:
The SR500 was popular in North America, Europe, and Japan, with variations in specifications and styling across different markets.