[{"id": 16542481, "authorName": "65ACODE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/65acode/", "bidAmount": 1000, "content": "$1,000 bid placed by 65ACODE", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736436809, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16542506, "authorName": "SDCR", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sdcr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nicely preserved SR500. This is the twin to the one I bought from Zeke at Cycle Villa way back in 1979. Pure fun machine.\r\nI have to hand it to Yamaha, for taking chances with the US market, with motorbikes like these. Never big sellers, but they found a niche with some riders.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1736437126, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16542555, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had one of these for my first bike. I had a 1980 model which was a different color and had a rear drum brake instead of a disk. \r\n\r\nIt was fun to amaze people with one kick starting and it was a good beginner bike for me. Always fun to see these on BaT.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1736437552, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16542658, "authorName": "ToddTCE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/toddtce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Looks like a nice survivor. The early bikes had the disc rear, whereas the last couple of years were drum. And most early bikes were black, later silver. They're a great sporty riding bike. They vibrate a bit so long touring is not it's strong point. The only elephant in the room is the starting...no electric starter here. All manpower. And a somewhat finicky system of spotting TDC when you go to kick it. Takes some experience before you get it down. *Not a good getaway for bank robbing....lol", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1736438453, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16542722, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The 1980 models were a beautiful burgundy metallic. Also, I could start mine by feel. \n\nhttps://www.bobrk.com/yamaha/", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736438910, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16542985, "authorName": "SDCR", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sdcr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Truth be told, these never really needed a disc on the rear, drum brake did fine. The 78\u2019 and 79\u2019s had the disc, which can be considered a bonus.\n @ToddTCE, I always found the cold start easy. But try to kick it after warm, and it could be a bit cantankerous. \nWonderful, under appreciated thumpers.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1736441093, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16543097, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "100% agree about the rear brake. As far as long distances are concerned, I cannot recommend it, the vibration is real. But they are awesome little canyon carving machines.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1736441879, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16543184, "authorName": "Dobb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dobb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "One of my favorite thumpers for the road here. Beautiful design. Very well cared for considering the mileage.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736442545, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16543360, "authorName": "ToddTCE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/toddtce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@SDCR Totally agree. A selling gimmick. And when they didn't sell....go to drum. A cost savings tactic !", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1736443739, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16544295, "authorName": "SDCR", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sdcr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As a past owner of these singles, including a couple SRX6 machines, here are a few tips for new owners. \nFirst, the front exhaust valve can benefit from additional oiling. Here is a kit to upgrade the oil lines. https://www.thevintagespoke.com/shop/Upgraded-Cylinder-Oil-Lines.htm\nAfter 47 years, some bikes may exhibit pin hole leaks in the fuel tank. These usually show up around the rear seam, where the seat covers it. I\u2019ve sealed these with careful application of a quality, two part epoxy. The tank on this bike does not show any deterioration that I can see from the provided photos.\nOtherwise, the drive train is very solid, and the same mill that Yamaha used on the XT scrambler. Just an entertaining, lightweight backroad burner.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1736448462, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16544833, "authorName": "sshbsn", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sshbsn/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "funny how times\u2014and expectations\u2014change with each new decade. back when you could still buy these new, i was in school. i rode an SR500 all over texas. one of my friends was on a cm450, another on a kz400. \nwe didnt think anything of long trips on these bikes and they did just fine. reliable, fuel efficient, fun, and comfortable enough for us. this one would make an epic fly-n-ride trip back home!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1736450232, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16545071, "authorName": "PhilO", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/philo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yamaha single-cylinder dry-sump 4-stroke engines are simply beautiful to behold.\r\n\r\nWRT to starting: There's a small compression release lever on the left handlebar that made the process much easier (and virtually eliminated kick-back).\r\n\r\nI owned a Suzuki GN400 (also a 'thumper') in the mid-80's and car attest to the joy of riding this kind of bike. Simple, light, nimble, torque-torque-torque, easy and inexpensive to use and maintain, and so much fun to ride.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1736450934, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16545422, "authorName": "ToddTCE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/toddtce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As a teen shopping my first New bike in '81 this was one of them. I settled on the XS650 with it's King/Queen seat, electric start and more cubes. The 500 just didn't have the muscle for two up in Colorado. Happy with that choice but now have one of both. lol", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1736452231, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16547763, "authorName": "OldAnything", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/oldanything/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I own this same bike, with lower handlebars and a Supertrapp. Not a beast on power but a lot of fun solo on twisty canyon roads. It'll carve under three Electraglides at a time.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1736459992, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16550004, "authorName": "1150EML", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/1150eml/", "bidAmount": 1100, "content": "$1,100 bid placed by 1150EML", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736491048, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16550022, "authorName": "rofandofy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rofandofy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have owned 2 SR500's and they are great bikes and lots of fun. Hard to find in unmolested condition. Currently, have a1978 just like this one :-)", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1736492299, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16550498, "authorName": "Blueslover", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/blueslover/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have owned bigger, faster, prettier and more expensive bikes in my life, but this was the funnest motorcycle I have ever owned. Torque for days - just twist and go. A pure joy to ride on back roads. I rode it as hard as I was capable, but it would always just look over it's shoulder and say 'Is that all you got?' Once the new owner figures out the starting drill, they will be very happy with this bike.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1736517519, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16550517, "authorName": "KentuckyEd", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kentuckyed/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yikes, shipping quote to Kentucky is $2,334.73. Might restrict my bidding.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1736517744, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16551163, "authorName": "65ACODE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/65acode/", "bidAmount": 1200, "content": "$1,200 bid placed by 65ACODE", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736524063, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16551460, "authorName": "ponyrider", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ponyrider/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@KentuckyEd I had a Honda FT500 shipped from Sequim Washington to Boerne Texas for $1k. About 2200 miles, about the same distance from California as you are. Good lookin' Yamaha! :)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736526801, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16552018, "authorName": "berfinroy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/berfinroy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@SDCR. @bobrk. @ToddTCE. Many fond memories here! Me, too, having owned a left over '81 since '82. Several mods are in order to make this \"Gold Star\" clone quite a bit better, to wit: wire wheels, fork brace, progressive fork springs, Mikuni 36mm carb, free flow intake, down pipe and Gold Star style muffler, short bars, and a slightly larger primary sprocket to stay below the primary vibration range for most road conditions. True, they didn't sell well in the coddled US market, but they did just about everywhere else and were continuously produced for the next 40 years! \nStill own it. Still love it.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1736530821, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16552539, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I believe the only mod I did to mine was to put Yamaha Seca 650 bars on it. I didn't enjoy riding with those cow horns on it.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1736532776, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16554564, "authorName": "Dynamic1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dynamic1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wish you would do a cold start and running video, essential for me to possibly bid.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1736538752, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16554982, "authorName": "czmx", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/czmx/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@KentuckyEd. Check with Haulbikes.com. Anywhere in the country for 650.00 to 850.00. I have used them for years. Very professional. No complaints.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1736540248, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16557997, "authorName": "Cyclehouse (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cyclehouse/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi\nBike runs ,I have surgery on both legs ( bike accidents) so it\u2019s hard for me to kick start it,", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736560467, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16559030, "authorName": "Bzeh3843", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bzeh3843/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Probably one of the most satisfying motorcycles to ride on twisty roads. Remarkably easy to start if kept in good tune and if you don\u2019t touch the throttle when kicking. I sent mine over to a friend in Tuscany when I quit riding. You can add a second disk to the front easily with an XS400 caliper. Unnecessary but a fun mod. Good luck with the auction.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1736602245, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16562874, "authorName": "AnyDayDave", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/anydaydave/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "These are just really fun bikes. I have owned mine (a '79 which is nearly a twin to this bike) since '82. I made a few of the preferred modifications (carb, exhaust, countershaft sprocket) and was able to ride it (relatively) comfortably from BC to California and around the PNW. Don't be concerned about the kick-start procedure. Once the buyer gets the knack, they will find it straightforward.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1736625955, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16573259, "authorName": "1150EML", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/1150eml/", "bidAmount": 1325, "content": "$1,325 bid placed by 1150EML", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736795622, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16586356, "authorName": "ToddTCE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/toddtce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This ones creeping up....not surprised. Everyone wants to grab it cheap! lol Right now I'll guess we're 1/3 the going rate. Come on people...somebody throw the seller a bone and step up to something realistic here!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736901073, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16587659, "authorName": "Ricardo404", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ricardo404/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "New to BAT, but interested in this bike. Does \"clean California title\" always mean what it seems?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736922057, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16589151, "authorName": "65ACODE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/65acode/", "bidAmount": 1425, "content": "$1,425 bid placed by 65ACODE", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1736957969, "type": "bat-bid"}]