1976 Yamaha XS500

Highlights

  • Restored in 2005
  • Recommissioned in 2020
  • Pre-facelift model
  • Four-stroke 500 twin
  • Handsome colour scheme

The Appeal

While Yamaha was still producing some fantastic two-stroke motorbikes in the 70s, the writing was on the wall for them, it was clear that four-stroke was the future for large-capacity bikes. The XS500 was four-stroke twin, with a mid-range capacity and smart “British style” design. While it was never as popular as Yamaha wished in its day, it’s now a collectible and desirable machine that would make a great everyday classic.
This example is finished in an attractive period colour scheme, with some lovely brightwork details. Having been restored in 2005 and spending many years as part of a private collection, it is now ready to be used once again, and offers a fine way to enjoy classic motorcycling this summer.

X2qGMKgXhxrZNQdyKQSbGAVvhbkrJLAdr5yIywRn.jpg 1.07 MB

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered in July 1976
  • Late pre-facelift model
  • 695 miles indicated, although this cannot be verified
  • Historic vehicle status - tax and MOT exempt
  • 16 owners from new, current owner since March 2020
  • Declared a total insurance loss in 2003
  • Restored in 2005, then held in a private collection until 2020
  • Purchased and recommissioned by the last registered owner in 2020
  • Complete with the current V5c and a Haynes Workshop Manual

The Condition

  • Smart maroon and gold paintwork, over a black painted frame and swing arm
  • There are some stone chips to the tank and side panels, along with some wear and crazing to the paint at the lower end of the tank
  • Overall, the paintwork and bodywork look to be in decent shape, with a natural patination from use
  • The frame and swingarm are finished in black and appear to be in good order, with no damage we could see, just a couple of small patches of surface corrosion to the swing arm
  • It appears as if the seat is quite newly upholstered, as the black vinyl looks to be in very good order
  • The wheels are traditional chrome spoked items – 19 inch to the front and 18 inch to the rear – and they appear to be in excellent condition
  • All of the brightwork wears a nice lustre, with minimal wear showing
  • The controls, handlebars and instruments show well, with some light wear but no damage we could identify
  • The engine and other mechanicals present well, with some gentle wear and patina commensurate with age

The Mechanics

  • 498cc, 8-valve, DOHC two-cylinder four-stroke engine, with twin carburettors
  • Telescopic front forks, twin dampers and springs to the swing arm
  • Front disc brake and rear drum brake
  • Kickstarter
  • We’re assured that the bike runs very well, with no mechanical issues to report

Summary

As an example of a very usable 70s classic, this XS500 has much to recommend it, from the smart styling to the smooth and torque-laden engine. We think it’s a very handsome machine indeed.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1976
  • Make Yamaha
  • Model XS500
  • Colour Maroon/Gold
  • Odometer 695 Miles
  • Engine size 498
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Town Emsworth
  • Location Hampshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
6 bids
  • ch•••• £2,800 26/03/23
  • NE•••• £2,700 24/03/23
  • HA•••• £2,500 23/03/23
  • Ro•••• £2,000 21/03/23
  • Dr•••• £1,000 21/03/23
  • ex•••• £700 21/03/23
Message C&C Auction Team

The gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.