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1978 Yamaha Sr500 Sr 500 Motorcycle Thumper on 2040-motos

US $1,300.00
YearYear:1978 MileageMileage:30000
Location:

Raleigh, North Carolina, US

Raleigh, North Carolina, US
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1978 Yamaha SR500 SR 500 Motorcycle THUMPER, US $1,300.00, image 1

Yamaha Other photos

1978 Yamaha SR500 SR 500 Motorcycle THUMPER, US $1,300.00, image 2 1978 Yamaha SR500 SR 500 Motorcycle THUMPER, US $1,300.00, image 3 1978 Yamaha SR500 SR 500 Motorcycle THUMPER, US $1,300.00, image 4 1978 Yamaha SR500 SR 500 Motorcycle THUMPER, US $1,300.00, image 5

Yamaha Other tech info

Engine Size (cc)Engine Size (cc):500 For Sale ByFor Sale By:Private Seller

Yamaha Other description

It's time to let my 1978 SR500 go.  I've owned this bike for about 13 or so years and along the way have enjoyed owning such a unique motorcycle.  I've cherished it turning heads when buzzing around town and cursed it when it decided not to kick over.  


I know I'm at least the 3rd owner.  I bought it from a guy in Florida who had bought it for his wife.  She ended up being flustered with the kickstarting so they decided to sell it. They had bought it from a doctor in Florida who undertook a pretty thorough restoration project on it.  I've probably put only around 2000 miles on it over the years, all local mileage around town.  Always been garaged, and it was last registered for the road in 2007.  Since then its been hanging out in the garage, and I make a point of taking out for a quick ride around the neighborhood every few months.  Why am I selling?  I bought another single, a BMW 650GS, and just don't see myself getting this girl on the road anytime soon.  Also have two small children taking up time and space and I'm hoping someone else can enjoy it as much as me and my wife have.

I'll try to be as descriptive as possible as the bike is being sold as-is.  Its not a show bike, but is not a project bike either.  It's ready to run, but will use a little TLC along the way.  

The good
  • Just a really awesome, unique motorcycle that you will be proud to own.
  • Very good cosmetic condition, a few blemishes here and there.  Chrome is beautiful with only one small ding that I can see.  
  • Tires in good shape.
  • Bike runs strong, starts in a few kicks consistently.
  • I added a White Brothers 38 carb kit purchased from Thumperstuff to replace the stock carb.  A great improvement for these bikes.
  • Awesome sound, as you may know.
  • All electrical works good, except for turn signals.  They come on and cancel but do not flash.  
  • Gears shift smooth.

The not so good
  • Needs a new battery due to sitting around the past few years.  Does not affect starting up as its a kick start and lights/indicators powered by a regulator.
  • Could use a tune up, I'm sure.  Runs a little rich, brake fluid has not been changed in a while.  Simple work as it is a single.
  • Leaks a small bit of oil.  Looks like it is from the oil sump or drain plug. Haven't had time to look at it but it looks like a simple fix. 
  • Seat has a few small tears in the stock vinyl seat.
  • Plastic side covers are showing their age and could use a coat of flat black paint.
  • Last time I had the bike inspected, the horn is quiet, they gave me a hard time.  Might have to replace depending on your inspector.
Whats included in addition to the bike
  • Big box of spare parts/gaskets/stock turn signals, etc.
  • Yamaha SR500 Owners Manual, SR500G Assembly Manual, Yamaha Parts Catalog
  • Two repair manuals (Clymer/Haynes)
  • Two cool binders of vintage 1978 era magazines featuring the SR500 and many receipts from the 2000 restoration
  • Tool kit





On Aug-30-13 at 03:54:03 PDT, seller added the following information:

In response to a question, the 2000 restoration included: - painted from red to grey w/new decals - inspection/verification of specs for top end - gasket replacements - new tires - new muffler - high volume oil line - new fork seals - 16 tooth front sprocket - motor covers were polished - new chain - master cylinder overhaul - new shocks - drag bar I have the receipts for all of this work.

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