The Yamaha SXR 500 was the smallest member of the SXR family, marketed from 2000 through 2001. Like its 3-cylinder brothers, the SXR 600 and the SXR 700, this sled was powered by a single-piped, 2-stroke engine. If you want to find out more about this entry-level sled, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha SXR 500 review!
Yamaha SXR 500 Review
Yamaha marketed the trail-performance SXR family from 2000 through 2003. This model line consisted of three different sleds, which were as follows:
- Yamaha SXR 700 triple (SX700R)
- Yamaha SXR 600 triple (SX500R)
- Yamaha SXR 500 twin (SX500R)
It’s a lesser-known fact that the official names of these models were SX 500 R, SX 600 R, and SX 700 R, but they were known as “SXRs”.
These sleds shared the same chassis but had different power sources.
The engine of the Yamaha SXR 500 was a single-piped, 494cc, 2-stroke, 2-cylinder engine that cranked out about 88 HP at 7750 RPM. This liquid-cooled power source featured two Mikuni TM36 carbs and a manual starting system.
The engine powered a 15” wide, 121” long rubber track, which utilized 0.92” lugs for the perfect bite.
Unlike the sporty SRX family, the SXR 500 featured a more comfortable chassis and a long-travel rear suspension.
Standard features included the hydraulic brake, adjustable grip and thumb warmers, a mechanical parking brake, slide-rail suspensions, and the unique Throttle Override System (T.O.R.S.).
Thanks to these features, the sled was very comfortable and handled like a dream. Besides its great comfort and handling, riders appreciated the sled’s durability, reliability, and low maintenance costs.
Yamaha SXR 500 Problems
Let’s face it, every snowmobile has its weak points, and the SXR 500 was no exception.
According to SnowGoer, the biggest drawback of the Yamaha SXR 500 was its low-performance engine.
This cylinder-reed 494cc power source was slightly outdated in its day, so the SXR 500 was not in the same league as its competitors the Polaris XC 500 and the Arctic Cat F5.
Many riders say that this Yamaha was among the slowest 500’s snowmobiles in the early 2000s.
This is why the competitor 500cc sleds and the more powerful SXR models were far more popular. Therefore, if you are looking for a Yamaha SXR 500 for sale, you should consider 600 or 700s instead.
Another common problem with the SXR 500 was the T.O.R.S. malfunctions, but this feature can be fixed relatively easily.
Finally, don’t forget that this model was designed to carry one rider and came without a reverse, which is a definite disadvantage.
Yamaha SXR 500 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the Yamaha SXR 500 into these charts:
Yamaha SXR 500 Engine Specs
| Engine type | Sinlge-piped, 2-stroke, 7-port |
| Cylinder arrangement | Parallel 2-cylinder |
| Engine stroke | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid cooled |
| Bore x Stroke (“) | 2.68 x 2.68 |
| Displacement (cc) | 494 |
| Horsepower | 88 |
| Idle speed (rpm) | 1600 +/- 100 |
| Starting system | Manual with recoil starter |
| Carburetor | Mikuni TM36 x 2 |
| Turbocharged | No |
| Engine oil type | YAMALUBE 2-cycle oil |
| Fuel type | Unleaded gasoline. Pump octane (R+M)/2; 88 or higher |
| Starting system | Manual with recoil starter |
| Fuel tank capacity (gal) | 11.7 |
| Oil tank capacity (qt) | 3.2 |
Yamaha SXR 500 Dimensions
| Dimensons | SXR 500 |
| Length (“) | 108.7 |
| Width (“) | 47.2 |
| Height (“) | 48.4 |
| Ski tread (“) | 42.1 |
Yamaha SXR 500 Weight Chart
| Dry weight (lbs) | 2000 | 2001 |
| Yamaha SXR 500 | 472 | 474 |
Yamaha SXR 500 Track Features
| Track type | Molded rubber, fiber glass rod reinforced |
| Length (“) | 121 |
| Width (“) | 15 |
| Track deflection (“) | 0.98-1.18/100 N {22lbs} |
| Length on ground (“) | 29.6 |
| Suspension type | Slide rail suspension |
| Drive sprocket | Double polyethylene, 9 teeth |
Yamaha SXR 500 Electric Features
| Ignition system | CDI |
| Spark plug type | BR9ES (NGK) |
| Spark plug gap (“) | 0.028 – 0.031 |
| Headlight | 12 V 60/55 W x 1 |
| Tail/brake light | 12 V 8/23 W x 1 |
| Meter light | 10 V, 1.7 W x 2 |
| Indicator light | 10 V, 1.7 W x 3 |
Yamaha SXR 500 Features
| Clutch | CVT |
| Primary Drive | Belt |
| Drive chain | Silent chain enclosed in oil bath |
| Reverse | No |
| Front suspension type | Independent double wishbone |
| Break type | Hydraulic disc brake (ventillated) |
| Break operation | Handle lever (left hand) |
| Throttle operation | Handle lever (right hand) |
| Chassis material | Aluminum |
| Body Material | Plastic |
| Rider capacity | 1 |
Source: Yamaha Owner’s Manuals. These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
Yamaha SXR 500 Top Speed
The top speed of the Yamaha SXR 500 was about 95 mph under ideal conditions. In contrast, the more powerful high-performance SRX 600 reached speeds of up to 105-110 mph, while the most powerful SRX 700 topped out at about 110-115 mph.
Yamaha SXR 500 vs. SXR 600 vs. SXR 700
Let’s compare the iconic SXR trail performance sleds head-to-head!
| Model | SXR 500 | SXR 600 | SXR 700 |
| Length (“) | 108.7 | 108.7 | 108.7 |
| Width (“) | 47.2 | 47.2 | 47.2 |
| Height (“) | 48.4 | 48.4 | 48.4 |
| Ski tread (“) | 42.1 | 42.1 | 42.1 |
| Engine type | Sinlge-piped, parallel 2-cylinder | Single piped, parallel 3-cylinder | Single piped, parallel 3-cylinder |
| Cylinders | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Engine stroke | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid cooled | Liquid cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Bore x Stroke (“) | 2.68 x 2.68 | 2.56 x 2.35 | 2.78 x 2.35 |
| Displacement (cc) | 494 | 593 | 698 |
| Horsepower | 88 (Approximately) | 98 (Approximately) | 115 (Approximately) |
| Turbocharged | No | No | No |
Yamaha SXR 500 For Sale
Surprisingly, the SXR 500s are still prevalent in the second-hand market, and with good reason. These old machines are much cheaper than the newest models and also much easier to maintain.
Sure, the SXR 500 won’t win any drag races, but it’s a great sled for beginners and younger riders who are on a budget. What’s more, its easy handling makes this sled a perfect choice for female riders as well.
If you’re considering buying one, you can find a Yamaha SXR 500 for sale on Craigslist, eBay, Snowmobilesoup, Sledswap, Snowmobiletrader, and other snowmobile ad sites.
Also, you can’t go wrong by visiting some Yamaha SXR snowmobile forums and FB groups!
Takeaway – FAQs About Yamaha SXR 500
What year did the Yamaha SXR 500 come out?
The Yamaha SXR 500 was introduced in 1999 and was available from the 2000 model year.
What years was the Yamaha SXR 500 made?
The Yamaha SXR 500 was only manufactured from 2000 through 2001.
What size was a Yamaha SXR 500?
The Yamaha SXR 500 was 108.7 inches long, 47.2 inches wide, and 48.4 inches high.
What size track did the Yamaha SXR 500 have?
The stock track size of the Yamaha SXR 500 was 121” x 15” x 0.92”.
How much did a Yamaha SXR 500 weigh?
The 2000 Yamaha SXR 500 weighed 472 pounds, while the 2001 model was 474 pounds.
What kind of engine was in a Yamaha SXR 500?
The power source in the Yamaha SXR 500 was a single-piped, 494cc, 2-stroke, 2-cylinder engine (with no power valves) featuring two flat side Mikuni TM36 carburetors.
How much horsepower did a Yamaha SXR 500 have?
Powered by the 494cc, 2-stroke, 2- cylinder engine, the Yamaha SRX 500 offered about 88 HP.
How fast did a Yamaha SXR 500 go?
The top speed of the Yamaha SXR 500 was about 95 mph under ideal conditions.
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