Topic: Yamaha GX 500??? Anyone have any info on these bikes?

[garretcb750]

I saw this bike forsale locally but there doesn't see to be any information online or lack there of. What is a Transverse 3 cyclinder?

[MRieck]

 I've heard of TX500's and XS500's. No GX500

[garretcb750]

looks to be the same motor as the TX... DOHC. but different tank and seat for sure. Just wondering about parts and where to get any?

[bryanj]

If its a 500 twin 8 valve run away very quickly and hide so you cant be found

[MRieck]

If its a 500 twin 8 valve run away very quickly and hide so you cant be found

Bryan...did the TX have cam chain or valvetrain problems?? I remember the twin 750 having no cam chain tensioner.

[bryanj]

750 twin never came to UK only the 500 and any Yamaha dealer mechanic went "sick" as soon as one was booked in for anything!
Valves burnt out
Leaked oil
Pistons bad
Leaked oil
Head gasket
Leaked oil
Ba*!t*^d to work on
Leaked oil
Electrics seemed to have been designed by St Joseph Lucas "Prince of Darkness" using the intermittent electron theory!

Oh and by the way you needed to cary a gallon can of oil cos they leaked

By far the worst ever japanese motorcycle I ever saw--But they did run like a scallded cat for the short time that they did run

[Clyde]

I have two friends who have these bikes.
The main problem was the head design (or lack of it) The heads used to leak as the gasket design was poor and then usually crack!!  Both have had carburretor problems which have been partially fixed by new kits and O-RINGS
They are a very nice bike to ride as they handle very well and the engine is very sweet when behaving.
They do have a terrible reputation though, but the later XS500 seems to be a better engine all round