Lot number	63
Hammer value	£1,400
Description	Yamaha XS500
Registration	GGO 424T
Year	1979
Colour	Blue
Engine size	498 cc
Chassis No.	1H2-200812
Engine No.	142200812

Yamaha's first four-valve 500 motorcycle was the TX500 launched in 1973 and variations on this theme culminated with the Yamaha XS500 of 1976.

This new model was powered by a twin-cylinder 498cc DOHC four-valve per cylinder four-stroke engine producing 48.5bhp at 8,500rpm which transmitted drive by chain to the rear wheel with the aid of a five-speed constant mesh gearbox. While not a lightning fast machine like the two-stroke race replicas on sale, the XS was a very competent touring mount which was still capable of a top speed of 107mph and a 0 to 60 time of 6.5 seconds.

Presented in good used condition, little was known about this machine at the time of cataloguing as there was no paperwork on file, but a check on the DVLA database shows that it was first registered in January 1979. As it is still on the system, a V62 application for a lost V5C should get a new registration document issued within a short time.

On static display at the Stondon Museum for several years, it will doubtless require some recommissioning before use and the rear disc brake caliper appears to have been unbolted, presumably because the disc pads have stuck at some time, so this will need freeing off and refitting .

These 70s Japanese machines have already started to rise in value and are becoming increasingly collectable as the next generation of classic bike enthusiasts start to come on stream. Already 36 years old, it qualifies for classic status under the VMCC ‘25 years or older’ rule.