Old Faithful

I have owned many bikes but the SR500 holds a special place. It was my first road bike, the one my parents never knew about, the one I could barely afford and the one that carried me safely through my initial years on the road. First released in 1978, the SR500 was destined to become a legend as one of the most reliable and easy-to-maintain motorcycles ever built. It sold more units in Germany than any other Yamaha and in Japan the SR holds cult status. Produced for over 30 years the SR500 applied the same power plant as its brothers’, the remarkable XT500 and TT500. Its featherbed inspired frame also proved successful and what was even better was the fact you could
bolt on a further 20 HP without having to rework the bottom end, which made the SR a wildly popular candidate for anyone looking for a solid café racer. Unfortunately new noise and emission regulations signalled the end for this big air-cooled single in 1999. The SR subsequently transformed into the smaller, more environmentally compliant SR400. However, what remains is a huge subculture dedicated to non-corporate designed motorcycles.
For a quick glance at this contemporary movement go to the ultra-cool www.deus.com.au. This team of hipsters blend the heart of the SR and custom built rides into something between 1950 and the year 3000.
This SR is a personal favourite of mine. Over the years, it’s been a wildly reliable ride and has traced some of the best miles I’ve travelled in New Zealand. And yes, I am feeling a bit sad about seeing this one go.