The Yamaha TX500

By Robert Smith
Published on October 20, 2010
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The Suzuki T500 was a half-liter rival to the Yamaha TX500.
The Suzuki T500 was a half-liter rival to the Yamaha TX500.
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The 1973-1978 Yamaha TX500 is an
The 1973-1978 Yamaha TX500 is an "under the radar" classic Yamaha motorcycle.
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The Triumph T100R was another half-liter rival to the Yamaha TX500.
The Triumph T100R was another half-liter rival to the Yamaha TX500.

Yamaha TX500
Years produced:
1973-1978
Claimed power: 48hp @ 8,500rpm (claimed)
Top speed: 98mph (period test)
Engine type: 498cc air-cooled DOHC 8-valve parallel twin
Transmission: 5-speed
Weight: 456lbs (wet)
MPG: 40-55
Price then/now: $1,395 (1973)/$1,000-$2,500

In 1973, the motorcycle market hadn’t yet gone cubic inch crazy, and 500cc was still considered a generous size for a street bike. At the time, the lion’s share of motorcycles in the half-liter class were 2-strokes. While Yamaha had enjoyed considerable success with its RD250s and 350s, it needed a new machine to place between these and the TX650 twin (as the 650 had just been renamed), and their new flagship counter-balanced TX750 twin. The resulting Yamaha TX500 was Yamaha’s first foray into midsize 4-stroke territory, and while initial impressions were highly favorable, the TX500 proved less than easy to live with, perhaps because it was a little too high-tech for its time.

On paper it looked promising and bristled with innovation. The 180-degree, short-stroke parallel twin boasted dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder for high-revving, class-leading power. Following in the footsteps of its big brother, the TX750, the TX500 twin used Yamaha’s “Omni-phase” balance shaft to quell the inevitable parallel twin buzzing. Mated to a 5-speed transmission with electric start and equipped with a front disc brake, this thoroughly modern engine made Triumph’s pushrod, 4-speed, kick start, drum-braked Daytona 500 look positively archaic.

TX500 styling was modern, too, with smoothly integrated engine castings, one-piece dash, sleek gas tank, upswept mufflers and plenty of chrome. The TX500 was comprehensively equipped, with an up-to-date electrical system well able to cope with the electric starter. Testers liked that a single key worked the ignition, steering lock, seat lock and gas filler cap. Yet with all its seeming improvements, the TX was a leap into uncharted territory.

Period test reports, while noting a relative lack of torque at low to mid revs, noted “a good blast of power” from the revvy engine and praised the bike’s slick-shifting transmission. The TX’s handling inspired confidence too; good ground clearance and overall balance made it easy to maintain a chosen line. However, testers found that cornering above 70mph could induce mild steering wobble, which while never dangerous could be a little disconcerting. Brakes, borrowed from the RD350, worked perfectly well, though the front disc required a firm pull and the rear was perhaps a little too powerful.

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