1987 Yamaha SR 500 Specifications

Name: 1987 Yamaha SR 500
Brand: Yamaha

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1987 Yamaha SR 500 Overview

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 is a naked bike motorcycle built around 499 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.0:1. 1987 Yamaha SR 500 delivers 31.5 hp @ 6500 rpm of peak power and 36.3 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 95 mph, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 1987 SR 500 tips the scales at 173 kg, carries a 12-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 810 mm and spans a 1405 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 1987 Yamaha SR 500 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1987 SR 500 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 1987 Yamaha SR 500 makes 31.5 hp @ 6500 rpm with 36.3 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.

Considerations

Modest fuel capacity: The 12-litre tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.

Owner Experiences & Common Issues

General ownership notes

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has built a reputation for solid everyday reliability when serviced to schedule. As with any motorcycle of this era, documented service history is the single biggest indicator of long-term reliability when buying used.

SR 500 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 1987 Yamaha SR 500, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained SR 500 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any SR 500. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

1987 Yamaha SR 500 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 have?

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 uses a Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 499 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

What is the top speed of the 1987 Yamaha SR 500?

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has a factory-quoted top speed of 95 mph. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 weigh?

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 weighs 173 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 make?

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 produces 31.5 hp @ 6500 rpm of power and 36.3 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1987 Yamaha SR 500?

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has a 12-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 200-240 km between stops.

Is the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 suitable for shorter riders?

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has a seat height of 810 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.

What brakes does the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 have?

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 uses Single 200mm disc at the front and 150mm drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 use?

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 runs 3.50 S18 front and 4 S18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 have?

The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.

Yamaha SR 500 Spec Evolution

The Yamaha SR 500 was produced across 7 model years (1975-1999). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1975	1977	1979	1983	1987	1992	1999
Engine Detail	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
Top Speed	95 mph / 152.8 km/h	95 mph / 152.8 km/h	152.8 km/h / 95 mph	95 mph / 152.8 km/h	95 mph / 152.8 km/h	95 mph / 152.8 km/h	95 mph / 152.8 km/h
Tyres - Front	3.50 S19	3.50 S19	3.50 S19	3.50 S19	3.50 S18	3.50 S18	3.50 S18
Max Torque	36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm	36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm	36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm	36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm	36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm	36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm	36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm