Yamaha XT 500 Single - [1981] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Yamaha XT 500 Single - [1981]

Yamaha XT 500 Single - [1981] image

Yamaha XT 500 Single - [1981]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Yamaha XT 500 Single
  • Year: 1981 | Type: Off-Road
  • Engine: 499 cc (30.4 ci) 2 Valve
  • Engine Type: V-Twin | Cylinders: 1
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: SOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Air | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 5 speed / Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 0 kgs (0 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 140 kgs (308 lbs)
  • Power: 32 bhp (23 kW) @ 6500 rpm
  • Torque: 28.9 lb-ft (39.1 Nm) @ 5500 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 200.0 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 180.7 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 18.5 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 18.9 secs
  • Top Speed: 101 mph (162.5 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 14.43 secs @ 87 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Yamaha XT 500 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Yamaha XT 500 Single is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1981. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1982 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk and the 1982 Yamaha XS 400 L Maxim.This particular Yamaha XT 500 has a 499cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V-Twin Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.

Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder - [2020] image

An alternative V-Twin engine, Off-Road style motorbike includes the Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder - [2020]

The 1981 XT 500 shares its V-Twin engine and Off-Road style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder and the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the XT 500's Off-Road style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Yamaha XT 500 Single in the same weight category as the 2024 Honda XRE 300 Adventure ABS and Rally or the 2024 Kawasaki Z7 Hybrid, give or take 50kg.

Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025] image

The 1981 Yamaha XT 500 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]

In terms of power the 499cc 2 valve V-Twin 1 cylinder engine produces 32 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 28.9 lb-ft (39.1 Nm) @ 5500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha XT 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Honda NSR 125 SP Rothmans Replica - [1992] image

The 1992 Honda NSR 125 SP Rothmans Replica has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1981 Yamaha XT 500 Single.

The 1981 Yamaha XT 500 Single has a Power to weight ratio of 200.0 bhp per ton and 180.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1981 XT 500 competing with the 1992 Honda NSR 125 SP Rothmans Replica [224.6 bhp\ton] and the 1990 Honda NSR 125 R [224.6 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

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 XT 500 generating around 180.7 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 2020 Kawasaki W 800 Twin Cylinder [205.2 lb-ft per ton] and the 1973 Kawasaki W3 650 [205.1 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 18.5 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 18.9 secs, this makes the Yamaha XT 500 Single similar in acceleration to the 2017 Kawasaki KLX 250 S Single Cylinder (18.5 secs) and the 2015 Kawasaki KLX 250 S Single Cylinder (18.5 secs). This Yamaha XT 500 Single 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).

Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 90�C1500 - [2005] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1981 Yamaha XT 500 Single and the 2005 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 90 C1500

When talking about the performance of the 1981 Yamaha XT 500 Single on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15 secs @ 87 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2005 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 90 C1500 (15 secs) and the 2013 Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM (15 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1981 version of the Yamaha XT 500 Single has a maximum speed of 101mph.

Honda CB 500 Hornet - [2024] image

Top Speed of the 1981 XT 500 equals the 2024 Honda CB 500 Hornet

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1981 Yamaha XT 500 Single then how about a 2024 Honda CB 500 Hornet (112 mph) and the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 DOHC (112 mph).

Related Links:

1981 Yamaha XT 500 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Yamaha

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

Choose a Bike Make for a List of More Performance Figures and Specs.




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More Yamaha Models:

Edition:

AG

BT 100

CS 200

DT 125

DT 175

DT 200

DT 230

DT 250

DT 360

DT 400

DT-1

DT-2

DT-3

DX 250

FJ

FJ-09

FJR

FZ

FZ 150i

FZ 16

FZ 400

FZ 600

FZ 700

FZ 750

FZ-03

FZ-07

FZ-09

FZ-10

FZ-S

FZ1

FZ6

FZ8

FZR 1000

FZR 250

FZR 400

FZR 600

FZR 750

FZS 1000

FZS 600

FZX 250

FZX 700

FZX 750

GTS 1000

GX 250

GX 400

GX 750

IT 125

IT 175

IT 200

IT 250

IT 400

IT 425

IT 465

IT 490

MT-01

MT-03

MT-07

MT-09

MT-10

MT-125

MT-25

MXT 850

MXT 890

NMAX

R1-Z

R5

RD 125

RD 200

RD 250

RD 350

RD 400

RD 500

RS 100

RS 200

RT-1

RX 350

RZ 125

RZ 250

RZ 350

RZ 500

SDR 200

SR 125

SR 250

SR 400

SR 500

SRV 250

SRX 250

SRX 400

SRX 600

Star Raider

SZR 150

SZR 600

T-150

TDM 850

TDM 900

TDR 125

TDR 250

T�n�r�

Tracer

Tracer 7

Tracer 9

Tracer 900

Tricity 125

Tricity 155

Tricity 300

TRX 850

TT 225

TT 250

TT 350

TT 500

TT 600

TT-R 225

TT-R 250

TW 125

TW 200

TW 225

TX 500

TX 650

TX 750

TZR 125

TZR 250

V-Max

V-Star 250

Vixion

VR 300

WR 125

WR 200

WR 250

WR 400

WR 426

WR 450

XJ 1100

XJ 400

XJ 550

XJ 6

XJ 600

XJ 650

XJ 700

XJ 750

XJ 900

XJR 1200

XJR 1300

XJR 400

XMAX 125

XMAX 250

XMAX 300

XMAX 400

XP 500

XP 530

XP 560

XS 1100

XS 250

XS 360

XS 400

XS 500

XS 650

XS 750

XS 850

XS1

XS2

XSR 125

XSR 155

XSR 700

XSR 900

XT 1200

XT 125

XT 200

XT 225

XT 250

XT 350

XT 400

XT 500

XT 550

XT 600

XT 660

XTZ 125

XTZ 250

XTZ 660

XTZ 750

XV 1000

XV 1100

XV 125

XV 1600

XV 1700

XV 1900

XV 250

XV 400

XV 500

XV 535

XV 700

XV 750

XV 920

XV 950

XVS 1100

XVS 125

XVS 1300

XVS 250

XVS 400

XVS 650

XVS 950

XVZ 1200

XVZ 1300

XZ 400

XZ 550

YZF-600

YZF-R125

YZF-R15

YZF-R25

YZF-R3

YZF-R7

YZF-R9

YZF1000

YZF750


More Bikes:

Bike Figures:

Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin

Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin
Engine Capacity: 249cc
Top Speed: 126 mph
Power: 49 bhp


Yamaha RZ 125 Naked

Yamaha RZ 125 Naked
Engine Capacity: 123 cc
Top Speed: 81 mph
Quarter Mile: 17.4 secs @ 0 mph


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Quarter Mile Time
12.1 seconds
10.9 seconds

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