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Post by unhinged on Mar 30, 2007 8:16:36 GMT -5
Gday guys, just bought a nice SR in restored condition but there are a few things i would like to know. The shop owner told me it was an 81 model but the serial number starts with 2j2. Does this indicate an earlier model. Also, the engine serial number starts with 1e60, so is there any of telling when this was made. He told me it was an almost new motor and i believe him because it is spotless and runs sweetly. I paid 4750 au and it is a very attractive bike with custom paint etc. It has a drum rear, did all SRs come like that or did some have discs front and rear.
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wolle
New Member
Posts: 16
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Post by wolle on Mar 30, 2007 12:27:19 GMT -5
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Post by StewRoss on Apr 1, 2007 5:18:08 GMT -5
Hi mate, The SR's that came to Aus through the normal dealer route all had mag wheels...E('78), F('79), G('80) and H('81) models...the Aust E and F models had discs front and rear..the G and H had disc front and drum rear. The Japanese market, UK market and some others had wire wheels with front discs and rear drums from the start...although a couple of models in these markets also had mags as well...H model and perhaps some others. Yamaha now lists the mags again as an option from the factory in Japan! See here: www.ysgear.co.jp/mc/special/srcustom/In Japan there were a number of different configurations including drum front and rear and there is a yearly listing on the Yamaha Japan site for their models with pictures. My E model serial numbers start with 2J2...1E6 sounds a little like an XT number...what ignition system does the engine have...? My '81 starts with 4F3... In my opinion none of this really matters in any case as the bike is what's important. Pretty well all of mine end up cafe'd. Ah, one day I'll manage to leave one alone... In any case a good bike is a good bike... Hope this assists. SR
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Post by unhinged on Apr 1, 2007 6:11:05 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, one thing that intrigues me is the reason behind SR owners turning their bikes cafe style, What is the great attraction? I reckon they look great stock.
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Post by davedunsboro on Apr 1, 2007 6:34:12 GMT -5
I recon that is that is an each to their own thing they look great either way ! I mean check out Hoppy's steed or that one that sold the other week for 11grand , Both are shinny & awesome , or if you just see one that is on a ride you still go & check it out & have a chat don't you ? My theory is ,you've got to have a spare SR to even think about it or you may regret having done such a thing & I'm no guru Cheers from Dave.
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Post by StewRoss on Apr 1, 2007 16:48:32 GMT -5
Hi, Yes I agree that the SR looks great stock...if only I could leave one that way...no self control I guess. Heh, heh... There are also a lot of guys here who leave their bikes immaculately stock, roughly stock, make their bikes into choppers, track bikes, dirt track replicas etc... I have loved cafe racers ever since I started riding...a little while ago now, and I saw the SR as a perfect bike for my ideas...Still do...the fact that they still make them indicates that they have a reasonable market for them as well...each to his own as you say... One of the reasons for modification of the SR is the large and now well established aftermarket parts situation for the bike. They are now imported into Aus and other parts again and the aftermarket parts are now readily available here too. See Deus or Vanem as a start. One of the nicest SR's I've seen for a while is a standard one at Deus...metallic red and silver with a silver frame. Beautiful little machine. www.yamaha-motor.jp/mc/lineup/sportsbike/sr400/cafe/history/index.htmlThe new ones are nice as well... www.yamaha-motor.jp/mc/lineup/sportsbike/sr400/color/index.htmlI'm sure you'll enjoy your bike however you have it. SR
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Post by milkman on Apr 2, 2007 5:55:35 GMT -5
Everyone is on the money here.
I saw a stock SR slip past me onto the Anzac Bridge today. Silver tank with black pinstripe. I want one (though the L plate owner should get rid of the stock pipe, I couldn't even hear the motor!).
But then I ride my Manxed sr500, and cant beat that feeling either.
They're great stock, and so easily transformed, even with just some ace bars and a seat change.
Best of both worlds really.
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Post by davedunsboro on Apr 2, 2007 7:43:11 GMT -5
Yeah oh what a feeling just do it and ride !
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Post by colinjay on Apr 2, 2007 23:15:53 GMT -5
Hi,
In regards to the serial numbers, 1E6 is definitley a XT500 engine number prefix. Yamaha bikes normally have matching engine and frame numbers, so the engine definitly didn't start its life in that frame.
As to why people turn them into cafe racers? I think it is because it is so easy to do and SR are so easy and cheap to hot-up, one hi comp piston is far more affordable than 4 hi comp pistons etc.
My solution to the STD v's Cafe racer is too have more than one SR! I currently have one near stock, one cafe'd, one being turned into a classic racer, one being made into a Supermotad, 3 TT 500's a XT500 and a SR engine in a Husky MX frame, and I have just arranged to buy the leftover engine and cycle parts form a XT500 a friend is using the frame and forks from to build a Kenny Roberts replica flat tracker with a TZ750 engine!
CJ
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Post by StewRoss on Apr 3, 2007 3:28:46 GMT -5
Yee ha! SR
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Post by fivehundredgermany on Apr 3, 2007 6:23:51 GMT -5
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digiroc
Junior Member
1978 SR500E
Posts: 85
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Post by digiroc on Jul 29, 2007 9:18:54 GMT -5
According to serial numbers I have two 1978 SR500E models, they both have the alloy wheels and rear disc brake, but my parts bike is in red trim. It could be that a former owner was getting parts from other SRs, and in the case of the engine a dirt bike variant is in the frame (the original SR engine also came with it). I don't think he ever got it running because it also had an aftermarket muffler that appeared unused (which is now on my rider SR). My running SR is pretty stock, it has a classic look that I find appealing. That has not stopped me from modding it to attain better handling (fork brace, Fox shocks), a more comfortable riding position (Honda 400 handlebars), more stopping power (dual front discs), and I recently added an oil cooler (not shown below). I'm very happy with the bike as it is now. Power output was helped, and a sweet sound obtained, from the aftermarket muffler. Future re-builds may search for a bit more HP, but nothing radical. Reliability and longevity are my primary interests with this bike. Now my "parts" bike on the other hand...
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Post by canucksr on Jul 29, 2007 11:17:20 GMT -5
Riding the SR off road? I've done that before a few times. One time a buddy and I went off-roading on our street bikes...my SR and his BMW R600. We were stopped when his beemer's jugs couldn't get between a couple of closely spaced tree's.
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Post by marlon on Jul 29, 2007 13:20:45 GMT -5
Haha.
Jugs.
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digiroc
Junior Member
1978 SR500E
Posts: 85
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Post by digiroc on Jul 29, 2007 14:51:11 GMT -5
Actually not far from the first photo, I had to go back to get my passenger, she had gotten stuck to a tree I came a little close to:
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