1978 Yamaha SR500

I bought this bike to part out, but it is WAY too cool to meet that fate. 25,000 miles and well cared for, but has a shifter fork dilemma (broken=bad). No dents, rash, or signs of abuse (other than age). Bike is VERY original and complete ... even has the elusive New York State title. I am tempted by a generous offer that is more than triple the my purchase price, but I think this bike might be worth the hassle and expense of the major transmission repairs it requires. Anyone else have one of these thumpers? If so, any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated. Reminds me of a BSA Goldstar, which sparks fond memories of my childhood.

 

back in the day i had the TT, they made a electronic ignition conversion for it (i think you still have points) could almost start it with your hand
i still have the original carb, push pull type

 

I don't have one but I like 'em, there are several forums dedicated to them like this site is to XJ's , from my reading th engine is very similar to th XT and TT 500's. Don't part it out it's too good for that, they have cult status here in Aus.

 

I had two of them, back in the day. First one lost a fight with a Toyota so I replaced it with another one, both bought brand new.

Are you sure it's the shifter FORK and not just the pawl return spring? Both of mine broke the shift pawl spring, it's an easy fix.

If you do end up splitting the cases, it's a whole lot less fuss than an XJ.

If it's truly a '78, with the disc rear brake then it is worth quite a bit. I would NOT part it out if complete; either sell it whole or fix it and ride it.

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Bigfitz, the previous owner told me he found part of the broken fork when he took the sump plate off.
I haven't even cleaned the bike yet, but I think I did alright for the $100 I paid for it.

 

YEAH you did and you have the FACTORY luggage rack on there too.

(It was an option, I put them on both of mine.)

The disc-brake bikes (only the first year, '78) are beginning to bring some pretty high $$$ definitely worth fixing. And here's the cool part: because the XT/TT was (and still is) such a popular flat-tracker, there are beaucoup parts available.

Old Yamahas never die, they go dirt tracking:


(taken in the pits at Lucky Thumb M/C, Deford, MI TT races last summer)

 

Fitz, now that bike is just cool!

 

With Suzuki front wheel, no less :lol:

I've got a G model XT500 and it is hands down the easiest motor to work on I have ever encountered. The SR's are pretty much identical, except they run a 12v system (the XT is 6v) and they have a stator / reg/rec system instead of a generator. You have to take the motor out to pull the head, but they are seriously light and it is a one man / 6 pack job :lol: .

Was going to sell mine, but I've recently decided she's a keeper :wink:

 

So Fitz, is the luggage rack worth listing on ebay? Not my style, but it must be rather rare today. May well be able to offset my purchase price.