Auto123: Unleash the Power and Glory: Uncovering the Secrets of the Legendary TT500 Yamaha

The TT500 Yamaha is an iconic motorcycle that was first produced in 1976. It was a revolutionary machine for its time, featuring a powerful two-stroke engine and a lightweight chassis. The TT500 quickly became a favorite among motocross racers and off-road enthusiasts, and it remains a popular choice today.

The TT500 Yamaha was a significant motorcycle for several reasons. First, it was one of the first motocross bikes to be mass-produced. This made it more affordable and accessible to riders of all levels. Second, the TT500 was a very successful racing motorcycle. It won numerous motocross championships and helped to establish Yamaha as a major force in the sport. Third, the TT500 was a very influential motorcycle. It helped to popularize the sport of motocross and inspired a generation of riders.

The TT500 Yamaha is a significant motorcycle that has had a lasting impact on the sport of motocross. It is a powerful, reliable, and affordable machine that is still popular among riders today. In this article, we will take a closer look at the TT500 Yamaha, including its history, design, and performance.

TT500 Yamaha

The TT500 Yamaha is an iconic motorcycle that has had a lasting impact on the sport of motocross. It is a powerful, reliable, and affordable machine that is still popular among riders today. Here are nine key aspects of the TT500 Yamaha:

Engine: Two-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement: 499cc
Power: 56 hp
Torque: 35 lb-ft
Weight: 245 lbs
Suspension: Front: telescopic forks, Rear: swingarm with dual shocks
Brakes: Front: single disc, Rear: drum
Wheels: Front: 21-inch, Rear: 18-inch
Price: $2,495 (1976)

These key aspects combine to make the TT500 Yamaha a unique and special motorcycle. Its powerful engine and lightweight chassis make it a thrill to ride, while its reliability and affordability make it a great choice for riders of all levels. The TT500 Yamaha is a true legend in the world of motocross, and it continues to be a popular choice for riders today.

Engine

The TT500 Yamaha's engine is a two-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled design. This type of engine is characterized by its simplicity, light weight, and high power output. Two-stroke engines do not have valves, which makes them simpler to build and maintain than four-stroke engines. They are also lighter than four-stroke engines, which makes them ideal for motorcycles that need to be agile and maneuverable.

Simplicity: Two-stroke engines are simpler to build and maintain than four-stroke engines. This is because they do not have valves, which are a common source of problems in four-stroke engines.
Light weight: Two-stroke engines are lighter than four-stroke engines. This is because they have fewer moving parts and a simpler design.
High power output: Two-stroke engines produce more power than four-stroke engines of the same displacement. This is because they fire twice per revolution, rather than once per revolution like four-stroke engines.

The TT500 Yamaha's two-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine is a major contributor to the bike's performance. It is a powerful, reliable, and lightweight engine that makes the TT500 Yamaha a great choice for motocross racing and off-road riding.

Displacement

Displacement is a measure of an engine's size. It is calculated by multiplying the bore (the diameter of the cylinder) by the stroke (the distance the piston travels up and down the cylinder). Displacement is expressed in cubic centimeters (cc). The TT500 Yamaha has a displacement of 499cc. This means that the engine's cylinders have a combined displacement of 499 cubic centimeters.

Displacement is an important factor in determining an engine's power and torque. In general, larger displacement engines produce more power and torque than smaller displacement engines. However, displacement is not the only factor that affects power and torque. Other factors include the engine's design, the number of cylinders, and the camshaft profile.

The TT500 Yamaha's 499cc displacement gives it a good balance of power and torque. The engine is powerful enough to provide good acceleration and top speed, but it also has enough torque to handle off-road riding. This makes the TT500 Yamaha a good choice for a wide range of riding conditions.

Here are some real-life examples of how the TT500 Yamaha's 499cc displacement affects its performance:

On the motocross track, the TT500 Yamaha's 499cc displacement gives it the power to accelerate quickly out of corners and to jump over obstacles.
On the trail, the TT500 Yamaha's 499cc displacement gives it the torque to climb hills and to power through rough terrain.
On the street, the TT500 Yamaha's 499cc displacement gives it the power to keep up with traffic and to pass other vehicles.

Understanding the connection between displacement and engine performance is important for choosing the right motorcycle for your needs. If you are looking for a motorcycle that is powerful and versatile, the TT500 Yamaha is a good choice.

Power

Power is a measure of an engine's ability to do work. It is calculated by multiplying the torque by the rotational speed. Power is expressed in horsepower (hp). The TT500 Yamaha has a power output of 56 hp. This means that the engine can produce 56 horsepower at its peak power output.

Power is an important factor in determining a motorcycle's performance. A motorcycle with more power will accelerate faster, reach a higher top speed, and climb hills more easily. The TT500 Yamaha's 56 hp gives it good acceleration and top speed, making it a good choice for motocross racing and off-road riding.

Here are some real-life examples of how the TT500 Yamaha's 56 hp affects its performance:

On the motocross track, the TT500 Yamaha's 56 hp gives it the power to accelerate quickly out of corners and to jump over obstacles.
On the trail, the TT500 Yamaha's 56 hp gives it the power to climb hills and to power through rough terrain.
On the street, the TT500 Yamaha's 56 hp gives it the power to keep up with traffic and to pass other vehicles.

Understanding the connection between power and engine performance is important for choosing the right motorcycle for your needs. If you are looking for a motorcycle that is powerful and versatile, the TT500 Yamaha is a good choice.

Torque

Torque is the twisting force that causes an object to rotate. In the context of a motorcycle engine, torque is a measure of the engine's ability to produce power. The TT500 Yamaha has a torque output of 35 lb-ft. This means that the engine can produce 35 foot-pounds of torque at its peak torque output.

Acceleration: Torque is directly related to acceleration. A motorcycle with more torque will accelerate faster than a motorcycle with less torque. The TT500 Yamaha's 35 lb-ft of torque gives it good acceleration, making it a good choice for motocross racing and off-road riding.
Hill climbing: Torque is also important for hill climbing. A motorcycle with more torque will be able to climb hills more easily than a motorcycle with less torque. The TT500 Yamaha's 35 lb-ft of torque gives it good hill climbing ability, making it a good choice for off-road riding.
Power: Torque is one of the two factors that determine an engine's power. The other factor is rotational speed. The TT500 Yamaha's 35 lb-ft of torque, combined with its high rotational speed, gives it good power output. This makes the TT500 Yamaha a good choice for a wide range of riding conditions.
Low-end power: Torque is particularly important for low-end power. Low-end power is the power that an engine produces at low rotational speeds. The TT500 Yamaha's 35 lb-ft of torque gives it good low-end power, making it a good choice for riding in technical terrain.

Understanding the connection between torque and engine performance is important for choosing the right motorcycle for your needs. If you are looking for a motorcycle that is powerful and versatile, the TT500 Yamaha is a good choice.

Weight

The TT500 Yamaha weighs 245 lbs, making it a relatively lightweight motorcycle. This is a significant advantage, especially for motocross racing and off-road riding. Here are some of the benefits of the TT500 Yamaha's light weight:

Acceleration: A lighter motorcycle will accelerate faster than a heavier motorcycle. The TT500 Yamaha's light weight gives it good acceleration, making it a good choice for motocross racing and off-road riding.
Agility: A lighter motorcycle is more agile than a heavier motorcycle. The TT500 Yamaha's light weight makes it easy to maneuver, making it a good choice for riding in tight trails and technical terrain.
Suspension: A lighter motorcycle puts less stress on the suspension. This means that the TT500 Yamaha's suspension will be more effective at absorbing bumps and keeping the tires in contact with the ground.
Handling: A lighter motorcycle is easier to handle than a heavier motorcycle. The TT500 Yamaha's light weight makes it easy to handle, making it a good choice for riders of all skill levels.

The TT500 Yamaha's light weight is one of its key advantages. It makes the bike faster, more agile, and easier to handle. This makes the TT500 Yamaha a good choice for a wide range of riding conditions, from motocross racing to off-road riding to trail riding.

Suspension

The TT500 Yamaha's suspension system is a key component of its overall performance. The front suspension consists of telescopic forks, while the rear suspension consists of a swingarm with dual shocks. This type of suspension system is commonly used on motocross motorcycles and off-road vehicles. It provides a good balance of comfort and performance, making the TT500 Yamaha a good choice for a wide range of riding conditions.

The telescopic forks on the front of the TT500 Yamaha are designed to absorb bumps and impacts. They are also adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension to their own riding style and the terrain they are riding on. The swingarm with dual shocks on the rear of the TT500 Yamaha provides additional support and stability. The shocks are also adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension to their own riding style and the terrain they are riding on.

The TT500 Yamaha's suspension system is an important part of its overall performance. It provides a good balance of comfort and performance, making the TT500 Yamaha a good choice for a wide range of riding conditions.

Brakes

The TT500 Yamaha's braking system consists of a single disc brake on the front wheel and a drum brake on the rear wheel. This type of braking system is commonly used on motocross motorcycles and off-road vehicles. It provides good braking power and modulation, making the TT500 Yamaha a good choice for a wide range of riding conditions.

Single disc front brake: The single disc front brake on the TT500 Yamaha provides good braking power and modulation. This is important for motocross racing and off-road riding, where riders need to be able to brake quickly and precisely.
Drum rear brake: The drum rear brake on the TT500 Yamaha provides additional braking power and stability. This is important for hill climbing and other situations where riders need to be able to brake hard.
Overall braking performance: The combination of a single disc front brake and a drum rear brake gives the TT500 Yamaha good overall braking performance. This makes the TT500 Yamaha a good choice for a wide range of riding conditions.

The TT500 Yamaha's braking system is an important part of its overall performance. It provides good braking power and modulation, making the TT500 Yamaha a good choice for motocross racing, off-road riding, and trail riding.

Wheels

The TT500 Yamaha comes equipped with a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel. This wheel combination is commonly used on motocross motorcycles and off-road vehicles. It provides a good balance of handling, stability, and ground clearance.

The 21-inch front wheel provides good handling and stability. It is also less likely to sink into soft terrain, such as sand or mud. The 18-inch rear wheel provides good traction and power delivery. It is also more agile than a larger rear wheel.

The combination of a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel gives the TT500 Yamaha good overall performance. It is a good choice for a wide range of riding conditions, from motocross racing to off-road riding to trail riding.

Price

In 1976, the TT500 Yamaha was priced at $2,495. This was a significant price point for a motocross motorcycle at the time. However, the TT500 Yamaha offered a number of features that made it worth the price, including a powerful engine, a lightweight chassis, and a reliable suspension system. As a result, the TT500 Yamaha quickly became a popular choice for motocross racers and off-road enthusiasts.

The TT500 Yamaha's price played a significant role in its success. The $2,495 price point was competitive with other motocross motorcycles on the market, but the TT500 Yamaha offered a number of advantages over its competitors. For example, the TT500 Yamaha had a more powerful engine and a lighter chassis than many of its competitors. This made the TT500 Yamaha a more desirable choice for riders who wanted a high-performance motocross motorcycle.

The TT500 Yamaha's price also helped to make it a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts. The $2,495 price point was affordable for many riders, and the TT500 Yamaha's rugged construction and reliable performance made it a good choice for riding in rough terrain. As a result, the TT500 Yamaha became a popular choice for riders who wanted a versatile motorcycle that could be used for both motocross racing and off-road riding.

Today, the TT500 Yamaha is still considered to be one of the best motocross motorcycles ever made. Its combination of power, agility, and reliability make it a popular choice for riders of all skill levels. The TT500 Yamaha's $2,495 price point was a significant factor in its success, and it helped to make the TT500 Yamaha one of the most iconic motorcycles of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions about the TT500 Yamaha

The TT500 Yamaha is an iconic motorcycle that has been around for over 40 years. It is a popular choice for motocross racers and off-road enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the TT500 Yamaha:

Question 1: What is the TT500 Yamaha?

The TT500 Yamaha is a two-stroke, single-cylinder motocross motorcycle that was first produced in 1976. It is known for its powerful engine, lightweight chassis, and reliable suspension system.

Question 2: How much did the TT500 Yamaha cost when it was first released?

The TT500 Yamaha was priced at $2,495 when it was first released in 1976.

Question 3: What kind of engine does the TT500 Yamaha have?

The TT500 Yamaha has a two-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 499cc.

Question 4: How much horsepower does the TT500 Yamaha have?

The TT500 Yamaha produces 56 horsepower.

Question 5: What is the top speed of the TT500 Yamaha?

The top speed of the TT500 Yamaha is approximately 90 mph.

Question 6: Is the TT500 Yamaha still in production?

No, the TT500 Yamaha is no longer in production. Yamaha discontinued production of the TT500 Yamaha in 1982.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the TT500 Yamaha. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact your local Yamaha dealer.

Summary of key takeaways:

The TT500 Yamaha is a two-stroke, single-cylinder motocross motorcycle.
It was first produced in 1976 and was discontinued in 1982.
It has a powerful engine, lightweight chassis, and reliable suspension system.
It is a popular choice for motocross racers and off-road enthusiasts.

Transition to the next article section:

Now that you know more about the TT500 Yamaha, you may be wondering how it compares to other motocross motorcycles on the market. In the next section, we will take a look at some of the TT500 Yamaha's competitors and see how it stacks up.

Tips for Riding the TT500 Yamaha

The TT500 Yamaha is a powerful and versatile motorcycle that can be enjoyed by riders of all skill levels. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to get the most out of your TT500 Yamaha. Here are five tips for riding the TT500 Yamaha:

Tip 1: Start with a low gear.

The TT500 Yamaha has a powerful engine, so it's important to start with a low gear when you're first learning to ride it. This will help you to control the bike and avoid getting into trouble. Once you're more comfortable with the bike, you can start using higher gears.

Tip 2: Use the clutch and throttle smoothly.

The TT500 Yamaha has a two-stroke engine, which means that it's important to use the clutch and throttle smoothly. If you're too aggressive with the clutch or throttle, you can easily stall the bike or lose control. Be gentle with the controls and you'll be able to ride the TT500 Yamaha smoothly and efficiently.

Tip 3: Keep your weight centered.

When you're riding the TT500 Yamaha, it's important to keep your weight centered. This will help you to maintain control of the bike and avoid getting into accidents. If you find yourself leaning too far forward or backward, adjust your position until your weight is evenly distributed.

Tip 4: Be aware of your surroundings.

When you're riding the TT500 Yamaha, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. This means paying attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians. Be prepared to react quickly to any hazards that may arise.

Tip 5: Have fun!

The TT500 Yamaha is a great motorcycle to ride, so make sure to have fun! Get out there and enjoy the ride.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

Starting with a low gear will help you to control the bike and avoid getting into trouble.
Using the clutch and throttle smoothly will help you to ride the TT500 Yamaha smoothly and efficiently.
Keeping your weight centered will help you to maintain control of the bike and avoid getting into accidents.
Being aware of your surroundings will help you to avoid hazards and stay safe.
Riding the TT500 Yamaha is a great way to have fun, so make sure to enjoy the ride!

Transition to the article's conclusion:

The TT500 Yamaha is a powerful and versatile motorcycle that can be enjoyed by riders of all skill levels. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your TT500 Yamaha and have a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

Conclusion

The TT500 Yamaha is a legendary motocross motorcycle that has had a lasting impact on the sport. It is a powerful, reliable, and versatile machine that is still popular among riders today. In this article, we have explored the TT500 Yamaha's history, design, and performance. We have also provided some tips for riding the TT500 Yamaha safely and effectively.

The TT500 Yamaha is a true classic motorcycle. It is a machine that is both powerful and reliable, and it is capable of handling a wide range of riding conditions. If you are looking for a motocross motorcycle that is both fun and functional, the TT500 Yamaha is a great choice.