Yamaha were credited by many with the re-invention of the big single when they introduced the TT500 in 1975, following it with the release of the road equipped XT500. Both models came about as a result of a request made by Yamaha US who believed that there was a market for a machine capable of covering the great open spaces of the States in a manner not addressed by the then available two-strokes. Built to be rugged, reliable and handsome the TT and XT500's proved an instant success in both the States and Europe. Although not intended for competition use both variants of Yamaha's new four stroke trail bike quickly found themselves being used on the track and in enduros. In recent years the XT has been in the vanguard of the rise in interest in classic trail bikes with good examples such as the one offered being highly sought after.

This machine, dating from 1980 is one of the later variants and displays what is arguably the most attractive livery employed by the XT with the polished alloy tank panels being complimented by black paintwork, a livery that had first appeared on the US market machines in 1978. It also benefits from rubber mounted indicators, a feature added for the previous season and a kickstart indicator that considerably aided starting. It is described by the vendor as being in good running condition and all original except for an aftermarket silencer. It is offered Vat and Duty paid in the UK with only 11,074 showing on the odometer.