Always liked this Yamaha single

[JJ]

 

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-yamaha-sr500-3/

[80CX100]

     The only bike I ever really regretted selling, and had it returned to my possession a few years ago.

     Wisdom says a bad right ankle doesn't make sense to put it back on the road now. 

     The electric starter kits for them are worth the price of a bike, but at some point, it might make sense. Most of the people interested in the SR, are at an age where kicking one over isn't pleasurable like it once was.

      Curious where this BAT bids to, the price is already up there with lots of time left.

       

[Scout63]

Here’s mine - it’s still wearing the Supertrapp the first owner slapped on it the day he bought it.  I added the second front disk.  I don’t use the compression lever, but if you do, they are easy to kick. It’s not quick or fast, but once up to speed on a mountain road it will corner 5mph faster for me than the Commando or big Guzzi.

[80CX100]

Here’s mine - it’s still wearing the Supertrapp the first owner slapped on it the day he bought it.  I added the second front disk.  I don’t use the compression lever, but if you do, they are easy to kick. It’s not quick or fast, but once up to speed on a mountain road it will corner 5mph faster for me than the Commando or big Guzzi.

     That's a beauty,

      Other than the 2nd disc & exhaust identical to mine, minus a few layers of dust and cobwebs mind you,lol.

      I had an XT as well, never used the decompression on either of them, I usually found them very easy to start.

      I've had surgery on my right ankle, pins in & out, I know I only have so many miles on it, I won't tempt fate even thinking about trying to start it.

     The guy that had my SR it in his care for 35 yrs, wasn't overly mechanically inclined; so when it wet sumped and the oil level went down, he would top it up, again,,, and again,,, and again. 

      I know it wouldn't take much to get it going.

      As you say, very sweet handling bike on a tight back road.

[sdcr]

My first new bike was a 1978 black SR 500. Always tricky to start when hot, but a great deal of fun. IIRC, mine cost about $1300 out the door. Dealer was happy to get it off the floor.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Yeah.. me, too. My Skorpion is a relative.. 

[Bob Wegman]

Mine is a 1980 model.  Have had it since new.  Usually put under a thousand miles each year on it.  Never heard of an electric starter option.  Anyone have information on that?

[9fingers]

I too have always liked that bike and a buddy of mine has a really good one, though converted to cafe racer style. But at 6'1" those were always a little small for me.
Scott

[Scout63]

I too have always liked that bike and a buddy of mine has a really good one, though converted to cafe racer style. But at 6'1" those were always a little small for me.
Scott

The SR is surprisingly roomy in stock setup.  I’m 6-2 and fit it just fine.  As a cafe probably too confining.

[sdcr]

You have to hand it to Yamaha, for taking a chance on these bikes in the US market. Back in 78’, these SR’s sold slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through molasses. Even after importing them through 1981, they returned in 1986, with the increased displacement SRX6. This one was a more modern iteration of a street single, a little more powerful, but still just a kick starter. Only imported for the one model year though, as they also sold very slowly, even at limited numbers.

Even after those commercial disappointments, Yamaha again brought back an SR, this time in 400CC in 2018.

[Joliet Jim]

Bought mine as a back of the warehouse look what we found for $800 brand new. Never should have given it away.

[80CX100]

Mine is a 1980 model.  Have had it since new.  Usually put under a thousand miles each year on it.  Never heard of an electric starter option.  Anyone have information on that?

     There's a company in France that does runs of them, quality kit , but it's pricey $2K+

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

     There's a company in France that does runs of them, quality kit , but it's pricey $2K+

https://nutsandbolts-france.com/?lang=en 1150 Euros.

I sometimes miss my old '77 XT500, then I remember the vibration and marginal front suspension. What I really would like is an XT500 with XT600E engine and front forks. Electric start and counter-balanced. Like this:

[80CX100]

https://nutsandbolts-france.com/?lang=en 1150 Euros.

I sometimes miss my old '77 XT500, then I remember the vibration and marginal front suspension. What I really would like is an XT500 with XT600E engine and front forks. Electric start and counter-balanced. Like this:

     Tks for that link Charlie.

     That bike is sweet

      Iirc, there's a hardcore conversion that's been done using the Yamaha 660 engine w electric start, possibly found in bikes in other countries or Yamaha atv's etc idk?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

     Tks for that link Charlie.

     That bike is sweet

      Iirc, there's a hardcore conversion that's been done using the Yamaha 660 engine w electric start, possibly found in bikes in other countries or Yamaha atv's etc idk?

The 660 is water-cooled and I'd rather have the simplier 600 in an XT chassis. Used in the Yamaha XTZ660, SZR660 and MuZ/MZ Skorpion 660. From what I've read, the ATV 660 is a bit different.

Next month I am supposed to drive up to Philly to pick this up.


 

[john fish]

The 660 is water-cooled and I'd rather have the simplier 600 in an XT chassis. Used in the Yamaha XTZ660, SRX660 and MuZ/MZ Skorpion 660. From what I've read, the ATV 660 is a bit different.

Next month I am supposed to drive up to Philly to pick this up.

The Skorpion is a blast.  Love mine.  I was surprised that once I got it home and opened it up, it's got screw/locknut adjusters on those 5 valves.  It is worth looking up the archived Skorpion group on Facebook, if only for the documents section which includes the owner's manual in PDF form. 

Crappy photo of mine:

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The Skorpion is a blast.  Love mine.  I was surprised that once I got it home and opened it up, it's got screw/locknut adjusters on those 5 valves.  It is worth looking up the archived Skorpion group on Facebook, if only for the documents section which includes the owner's manual in PDF form. 

I've found four different groups but only one in English. Link possibly? I'm a member of the MZRiders.com forum already from my past ownership of the Saxon Country and Silver Star Classic.

[nc43bsa]

I have a Yamaha XT600 (air  cooled) and an MuZ Skorpion (660cc watercooled). 

What I would be interested in finding is a Yamaha SZR660.  I don't remember if they were ever imported to the US, but I have seen them for sale here occasionally.

[Roebling3]

 I've always felt If you like the motorcycle enough you'll ride it and enjoy it. Most all of my bikes have had clip-ons. Currently, at my advanced age, I ride 3 two stroke 125cc's - the most fun is an '09 Aprilia RS. It's always been a hoot, plus I can still pick it of, if needed.
     R3~

[john fish]

I've found four different groups but only one in English. Link possibly? I'm a member of the MZRiders.com forum already from my past ownership of the Saxon Country and Silver Star Classic.

MZ Skorpion Appreciation Society.  It's not an active page anymore but the files are still good.  I downloaded the owner's manual:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/163349670363902/files

The following are general MZ groups, not Skorpion specific; they include a lot of two stroke MZ stuff:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1053646554669338

MZ parts and bikes for sale:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/211607340243424

MZ 4 stroke group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mz660

Best place I found for parts.  He even had a new OEM bottom triple tree for me:
https://www.guesi-motorradteile.de/index.php/eng/_/_/_/_/side205b6c87f5e03b0b127b5e3e05d9a5c/?_

[SIR REAL ED]

I have a Yamaha XT600 (air  cooled) and an MuZ Skorpion (660cc watercooled). 

What I would be interested in finding is a Yamaha SZR660.  I don't remember if they were ever imported to the US, but I have seen them for sale here occasionally.

A man after my own tastes! 

Itmight be just where I live, but a single is a hard bike to beat. 

The SR500's were super clean looking & the SRX600's were a nice mix of modernish tech and organic curves.

The SZR660 was never imported into either the US or Canada, to the best of my knowledge.  Most of what I know about them I learned from the internet or Practical Sportbikes magazine from the UK.

I suspect if I ever ride one I will be very disappointed based on reviews I have read from the UK.

I suspect a well sorted DR650 would be a much more satisfying ride, even if the SZR is sexier.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

MZ Skorpion Appreciation Society.  It's not an active page anymore but the files are still good.  I downloaded the owner's manual:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/163349670363902/files

The following are general MZ groups, not Skorpion specific; they include a lot of two stroke MZ stuff:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1053646554669338

MZ parts and bikes for sale:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/211607340243424

MZ 4 stroke group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mz660

Best place I found for parts.  He even had a new OEM bottom triple tree for me:
https://www.guesi-motorradteile.de/index.php/eng/_/_/_/_/side205b6c87f5e03b0b127b5e3e05d9a5c/?_

Thanks for the links, but I can't download the manual, all I get is this: "This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted."

[john fish]

Charlie:

check your PMs

[Chuck in Indiana]

I suspect if I ever ride one I will be very disappointed based on reviews I have read from the UK.

If it is anything like the Skorpion..and I suspect it is.. you may be surprised. The Skorp on Road Attacks is on another level.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If it is anything like the Skorpion..and I suspect it is.. you may be surprised. The Skorp on Road Attacks is on another level.

Ought to be on "another level" for $350 a pair! 

[SIR REAL ED]

If it is anything like the Skorpion..and I suspect it is.. you may be surprised. The Skorp on Road Attacks is on another level.

Hopefully, you would be right.  Magazine testers are famous for picking knits most riders will never experience.

But since I already own a well sorted DR790, and a 2016 KTM Duke 690 the bar of my expectations is set pretty high.  Both are overkill on a twisty road since my testicles have shrunk in my old age.....  Then again unique is unique, and I have drooled over the SZR660 (and the Scorpion) since they came out. 

It would be an interesting experiment to see which set of keys was reached for most often.

If anyone wants a copy of a neat article from Practical Sportbikes on a highly modified SZR660, send me a PM with your email address, and I will send you a pdf.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Hopefully, you would be right.  Magazine testers are famous for picking knits most riders will never experience.

But since I already own a well sorted DR790, and a 2016 KTM Duke 690 the bar of my expectations is set pretty high.  Both are overkill on a twisty road since my testicles have shrunk in my old age.....  Then again unique is unique, and I have drooled over the SZR660 (and the Scorpion) since they came out. 

It would be an interesting experiment to see which set of keys was reached for most often.

If anyone wants a copy of a neat article from Practical Sportbikes on a highly modified SZR660, send me a PM with your email address, and I will send you a pdf.

Maybe sometime this Summer I'll have my Skorpion, make it roadworthy and will ride it down to a Virginia lunch. You're welcome to ride it if I do.

[sdcr]

Charlie,

The one you are picking up in Pa. will make a nice roadster. The 660 makes good power, and is better suited to hiway riding, than say an SR500. I rode my Skorpion Sport up to the London races many years ago, with several full liter bikes in our group. I had no problem keeping up.

I think you’ll enjoy it.

Maybe sometime this Summer I'll have my Skorpion, make it roadworthy and will ride it down to a Virginia lunch. You're welcome to ride it if I do.

[SIR REAL ED]

Maybe sometime this Summer I'll have my Skorpion, make it roadworthy and will ride it down to a Virginia lunch. You're welcome to ride it if I do.

I appreciate that.  I'll gladly return the favor.  You can pick either or both bikes to try out.

I suspect that just do to economics alone, I would prefer the Scorpion over the SZR.  I came really close to buying a Scorpion two or three years ago......  If I had more garage space it would have been a no-brainer purchase!

What prompted you to get the Scorpion?  Isn't water cooling a big switch for you?   

I mean a 1990's machine.... what have you done with the real Charlie?

[SIR REAL ED]

Slightly off topic, there is a Husaberg FE600E that I have been eyeing in Charlottesville.

270 lbs, 60 HP!!!

but the last time I bought a high performance exotic, I realized it did not really suit my sedate riding style.

Not to mention my short legs are an eternal impediment.....