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Edition:
Yamaha TX 500 Twin - [1977]
This edition of the Yamaha TX 500 Twin is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1977. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 E and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special.This particular Yamaha TX 500 has a 498cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Suzuki GS 500 E - [1989]
The 1977 TX 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 TX 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 207.7 kgs (457 lbs) this makes the Yamaha TX 500 Twin in the same weight category as the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC, give or take 50kg.
The 1977 Yamaha TX 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]
In terms of power the 498cc 8 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 48 bhp (35 kW) @ 8500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 32.5 lb-ft (44.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 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 TX 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1991 Suzuki DR 800 S Big has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1977 Yamaha TX 500 Twin.
The 1977 Yamaha TX 500 Twin has a Power to weight ratio of 231.1 bhp per ton and 156.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1977 TX 500 competing with the 1991 Suzuki DR 800 S Big [256.0 bhp\ton] and the 1990 Suzuki DR 800 S Big [256.0 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 TX 500 generating around 156.4 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 1981 Suzuki GS 650 GL [181.2 lb-ft per ton] and the 2017 Yamaha XP 530 T-Max [181.1 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 16.0 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 16.4 secs, this makes the Yamaha TX 500 Twin similar in acceleration to the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 V-Star (16.0 secs) and the 2013 Yamaha XVS 1300 V-Star (16.0 secs). This Yamaha TX 500 Twin 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 1977 Yamaha TX 500 Twin and the 1984 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma
When talking about the performance of the 1977 Yamaha TX 500 Twin on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.4 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1984 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma (14.4 secs) and the 1985 Yamaha XS 500 Twin (14.4 secs).
The 1977 version of the Yamaha TX 500 Twin has a maximum speed of 105mph.
Top Speed of the 1977 TX 500 equals the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-25 R Ninja SE
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1977 Yamaha TX 500 Twin then how about a 2022 Kawasaki ZX-25 R Ninja SE (116 mph) and the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-25 R Ninja (116 mph).
