Yamaha RD500 YPVS 500

Had an egihty six model back in the day and it was brilliant. Well almost if you ride it in the rain, water would get onto the coil for the rear cyclenders and it would cut out and oil the up the plugs. In the summer because of the pipes crossing over under the seat you would be uncomfortable because your bum would get hot even with all the heat shielding. The carbs had to be balanced a lot and the special two stroke oil cost an arm and a leg to buy but it was so much fun.The power would come in at about 6000 rpm and then at 8500 it would take off again like a cat with a firework up its ass, I had mine for two years and wish I had kept it.

I have been riding bikes for 25 years and always supersports. The one that i always remember is the Yamaha RD500. I loved them so much that when smashed my first one up bought another. You cant beet the whole experience. With the sounds the smells and the sight of 4 smoking exhausts on a cold morning getting ready for an afternoon of adrenaline. I just wished i had kept mine. I have never had anything close to the feeling that i got with those old 2 V4 strokes. Only downside is working on the bike. I had a £2 rear crank bearing fail and took a week to strip down and replace.

The Yamaha RD500 accelerates really hard then when you think its all over it belts you in your back like being hit with a cricket bat. So the engine is the best bit 500 two stroke wheelies at any speed just like a grand prix bike.

you have got to ride one once as just standing looking at it parked up frightened me, but in a good way. Only had it for 2 weeks. But like any good love affair you remember it forever.