In an attempt to repeat the success of the SR500, Yamaha placed a more modern engine derived from the XT600 into a light, sporty street bike.

While still being an air-cooled, overhead-camshaft single-cylinder like its predecessor, the new engine featured a four-valved cylinder head, a two-staged carburetor, a balance shaft, and various improvements.

Nimble handling, light weight, and unique styling did not compete well with the heavier, faster multi-cylinder bikes available for a similar price.

[2] In the US, the SRX was officially sold only in 1986; in Germany, sales continued until 1990; while in Japan the model was produced up until 1997.

When the international marketing of the SRX stopped, in Japan there was a new production line 3VN; it received an engine derived from the newer XT600E, equipped with an electrical starter.