1978 Yamaha SR500 SR 500 - thumper

This is a 1978 Yamaha SR500. It is mostly stock but stripped down a bit with the seat very slightly modified for simplicity. It has been kept covered with a vinyl cover and under a carport for the past few years when I have not been riding it. THE GOOD: It starts and runs every time and I have been riding it somewhat regularly for a the past few years. Everything works as it should (lights, ignals, reaks, tc.) and the bike runs and responds well. It is an absolute joy to ride. It has torque for days - good compression. THE BAD: Well, ts an old bike and it smokes a bit when it starts and fouls out the spark-plug on occasion. I'm not much of a mechanic but I have friends that have helped me out. The battery is dead but it runs fine with a dead battery. It could use a tune up I'm sure. Years ago, here was a leak in the engine case but it was professionally repaired with an aluminum patch and there has not been a problem since. Apparently this problem was common and the standard way of fixing this has been proven to be more robust than the original state. THE UGLY: Look at it. I think it's beautiful but we all have different tastes. The tank and the side covers have been rattle canned flat white. It's a bit dusty but not dirty. Paint on the engine and wheels are chipping. There is rust in places but nothing is weakened or compromised. The seat has been recovered/reconditioned and the plastic part on the back has been painted black. The center stand broke at some point and I had it welded together with some reinforcement. That is stronger than before. It's just not a shiny bike. It reminds me of a well used hammer. It's a cool kind of ugly to me but there is no accounting for my taste, 'm sure. Email me with any questions and I'll answer them to the best of my ability (and to my own amusement). I can send you a video of me starting the bike after it had been sitting a week.