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Edition:
Yamaha SR 500 SOHC - [1984]
This edition of the Yamaha SR 500 SOHC is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1984. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S.This particular Yamaha SR 500 has a 499cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Suzuki GS 500 E - [1989]
The 1984 SR 500 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E and the 1966 Norton Dunstall 750. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the SR 500's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E | 1989cc.2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid | 2024cc.
Weighing in at 173 kgs (381 lbs) this makes the Yamaha SR 500 SOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE, give or take 50kg.
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]
In terms of power the 499cc 2 valve Wankel 1 cylinder engine produces 31.5 bhp (23 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 26.7 lb-ft (36.3 Nm) @ 5500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm] and the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha SR 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 400 R has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 SOHC.
The 1984 Yamaha SR 500 SOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 182.0 bhp per ton and 154.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1984 SR 500 competing with the 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 400 R [206.8 bhp\ton] and the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Limited Edition [206.8 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Yamaha SR 500 generating around 154.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1968 Norton 650 SS [179.8 lb-ft per ton] and the 1968 Norton Mercury 650 [179.8 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 20.3 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 20.8 secs, this makes the Yamaha SR 500 SOHC similar in acceleration to the 2020 Suzuki DL 1050 V-Strom XT Adventure (20.3 secs) and the 2020 Suzuki DL 1050 V-Strom XT (20.3 secs). This Yamaha SR 500 SOHC also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 SOHC and the 1995 Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan Classic
When talking about the performance of the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 SOHC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.3 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1995 Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan Classic (15.3 secs) and the 1999 Kawasaki VN 1500 Vulcan Classic (15.3 secs).
The 1984 version of the Yamaha SR 500 SOHC has a maximum speed of 95mph.
Top Speed of the 1984 SR 500 equals the 2020 Yamaha XVS 950 V-Star Bolt R Spec
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1984 Yamaha SR 500 SOHC then how about a 2020 Yamaha XVS 950 V-Star Bolt R Spec (106 mph) and the 2018 Yamaha XVS 950 V-Star Bolt (106 mph).
