Recent changes: with the K12
joining the stable, the SR can return to weekend warrior for backroad blasting.
Meaning, the touring "stuff" all comes off, leaving a very stock, period
looking SR indeed (photos soon, I need to take a nice, photogenic ride).
No rear rack, no shield, etc. so it's looking more like the photos
on the "Additional Photos" link above. I'll need a original Bell helmet
and Vanson jacket to complete the "look", I guess.
Second set of mods: Throttlemeister cruise control, SuperTrapp exhaust, seat rebuilt by Sargant's, back to 16/42 gearing (for the hills of eastern Missouri!)
First Set of Modifications: new Bridgestone tires, Progressive springs and shocks, replace drag bars with low rise, convert back to single front disk, convert back to stock airbox, Kedo Commando-style exhaust, new chain and sprockets (17/42), gel pad seat, luggage rack, braided front brake hose, National Street Shield, Saeng edging.
About SR500's in general:
Yamaha began producing the SR500 in late 1977, based largely on the success of their XT500 dual-purpose and TT500 off road bikes. Yamaha tried very hard to capture the appeal of the early-60's British sporting singles such as the BSA Gold Star, BSA Victor, Matchless G80, Norton Manx, and others. They largely succeeded, while adding modern touches such as disc brakes and electronic ignition.
SR's were sold in the United States from model year 1978 through model year 1981. No marketing research was done that indicated an overwhelming desire for this model; in fact, sales of the SR were never more than "slow and steady". In its market space, the SR competed with any number of multi-cylindered bikes that offered more performance, electric starting, at the same price or lower. Yet, the SR did resonate with some buyers, and has a loyal following now these 20 years later. Additionally, the SR was continued in production until 1998 for the European and Japanese markets. An abundance of custom and performance parts are thus still available for the SR.
This may have been one of the rare occasions where Yamaha's product development engineers were let loose to produce a concept bike "just to see what happened". That so many SR's remain as satisfying rides in their owner's garages is their legacy.
I sent the seat off
to Sargant's in 1/99 to be rebuilt...griptex, atomic foam throughout, and
widened by 1.5 inches. Much more comfy now, and still stock appearance
(mostly so).
