1978 Yamaha XS500
Frame no. 1J3-300519 Engine no. 1J3-300519

Collectors' Motorcycles and Motorcars at the Barber Museum|10 October 2020, 13:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1978 Yamaha XS500
Frame no. 1J3-300519
Engine no. 1J3-300519

Previewing in Toronto, Ontario by Appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

Honda had been the first Japanese manufacturer to offer a large-capacity four-stroke -the seminal CB750 of 1968 - leaving the rest of the 'Big Four' struggling to catch up. Bucking the trend towards multi-cylinder motorcycles, Yamaha's early efforts - the XS1, TX750 and XS500 - were all twins. Introduced in 1975, the latter was one of the most advanced half-litre models then available: boasting twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, 'Omni Phase' balancer shaft, electric starting and excellent twin front disc brakes. Bike magazine recorded a top speed of 110mph with theirs and reckoned it one of the best-handling Japanese motorcycles around.

The XS500 presented here belongs to a large collection of motorcycles located in the surrounds of Toronto. The bike appears to be in original condition with paint and decals that seem to be in good condition.

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