Era Context:
The RD500LC was Yamaha's flagship sportbike in the mid-1980s, a homologation special for racing, directly competing with Suzuki's RG500 Gamma.
Competitors:
Suzuki RG500 Gamma, Kawasaki KR250/KR350, Honda NS400R
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, V4
Performance Focus:
High-performance road-legal racing replica, renowned for its aggressive power delivery and handling.
Engine:
Complete Engine Overhaul, Carburetor Tuning, Cooling System, Exhaust System
Transmission:
Clutch Assembly, Gearbox Disassembly & Assembly, Shift Mechanism
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting, Charging System, Wiring Diagrams, CDI Unit
Brakes:
Hydraulic System, Pad Replacement, Disc Inspection, Bleeding Procedure
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Lines, Fuel Pump, Carburetor Identification and Service
Cooling System:
Radiator, Water Pump, Hoses, Thermostat
Maintenance:
Periodic Maintenance, Lubrication Schedule, Adjustments (e.g., Carburetor Sync, Chain Tension)
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Problems and Solutions, Symptom Analysis
Repair:
Step-by-Step Disassembly and Reassembly of all major components
Installation:
Component Installation Guides, Special Tool Requirements
Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic adjustments to full engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics
Detail Level:
Bumper-to-bumper coverage with detailed explanations, pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and photos
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, V4
Displacement:
499 cc (30.5 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
54.0 mm x 54.0 mm (2.13 in x 2.13 in)
Intake System:
Reed valve induction
Horsepower:
95 hp (70.8 kW) @ 9,500 rpm (Approximate, depending on market regulations)
Torque:
52 lb-ft (70 Nm) @ 8,500 rpm (Approximate)
Carburetors:
4 x Mikuni VM26SS (Butterfly type)
Fuel Induction:
Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) on exhaust ports
System:
Yamalube 2-stroke oil injection
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle, no standardized ratings as per cars)
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, Single rear disc brake with hydraulic actuation
Suspension Damping:
Adjustable front forks (preload, compression, rebound), Adjustable rear monoshock (preload, compression, rebound)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, Tail light, Turn signals
Oil Change:
As per periodic maintenance schedule, typically every few thousand miles or annually. Check manual for exact intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended at specific mileage intervals or based on plug condition. Manual will specify type (e.g., NGK BR9ES).
Top End Rebuild:
Recommended at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 10,000-20,000 miles) due to the high-strung nature of 2-stroke engines. Manual will provide detailed procedures.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (mix of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water). Manual specifies capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual specifies capacity and bleeding procedure.
2-Stroke Oil:
Yamalube 2-stroke oil or equivalent high-quality synthetic 2-stroke oil recommended for racing applications. Manual specifies oil injection reservoir capacity.
Ypvs Problems:
Sticky or seized Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) due to carbon buildup, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance. Manual details YPVS service.
Carburetor Sync:
Frequent need for carburetor synchronization due to the four-cylinder setup and sensitivity to tuning. Manual provides detailed sync procedures.
Overheating:
Can be prone to overheating if cooling system is not meticulously maintained. Manual covers cooling system checks and flushing.
Reed Block Wear:
Wear or damage to reed valve blocks can affect performance. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Yamaha Two Stroke:
Yamaha has a rich history of high-performance two-stroke motorcycles, particularly in Grand Prix racing, with the RD series being a direct lineage to their racing efforts.
Rd Lineage:
Successor to the RD350LC and RD400, the RD500LC was Yamaha's attempt to bring Grand Prix technology (inspired by the YZR500) to the street.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Homologation Special:
Developed to homologate Yamaha for motorcycle racing series, allowing Yamaha to compete at the highest level.
