Yamaha XT500

YAMAHA XT 500 H - 1981
Concourse condition being probably the best available.

Well, what can I say? This is a very rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic Japanese Enduro motorcycles ever made. Famous for winning the Paris Dakar rally in the 70's with it's technically advanced and ground breaking design. the 499cc 4-stroke single-cylinder single overhead cam shaft engine with 32hp to hand. This particular model is a genuine UK bike registered in the UK from new. I have the V5 document in my name, and I have owned this bike since 20/07/2013. I had to endure a long and arduous search to find the right bike with the gold anodised wheels and alloy tank. Most were American or European imports or had many previous owners. I sourced this bike from Halifax in Northern England, and paid the full asking price of £3,400 over the phone before travelling to collect it. The bike was complete, with a fresh MOT, and in good useable condition. It was an ideal bike to base a full rebuild from. An interesting point was that the it was one of the last XT 500's ever being manufactured, being part of the final production run in the last quarter of 1981. The bike was registered on the 15/12/81. This was shortly before the model was replaced by the XT550 and XT600.

The XT is a matching numbers bike, with frame and engine numbers being 150277. It has had 3 previous owners prior to me. This tells it's own story for a bike approaching 40 years old. This will make it a Historic Vehicle meaning tax and MOT exempt this December. The mileage shows 17,437 miles, which the former owner believed genuine. I have no history confirming the mileage.

RESTORATION
20/07/15 – 21/01/18

Griff's Reality Motor Works, Woodland Way, Kingswood, Bristol. - Full restoration, rebuilding of wheels, powder coating frame, re-chroming forks, powder coating lower fork legs, seat restoration, petrol tank and side panels, decals, vapour blast / powder coating of crankcase's, head and barrels. Sump guard stripped and powder coated.

DL Auto Services (Bristol): Undertook full strip down, full mechanical overhaul of engine, gearbox, new cam chain, full gasket set, clutch, refurbishment of carburettor with new jets, and complete rebuild. Head race bearings converted to taper bearings. New oil dipstick, new petrol tank cap with vent tube. Re-chromed kick starter and gear lever.

Both researched the bike at great length before and during the restoration.

Where possible, genuine Yamaha NOS parts fitted, including handle bars, grips, levers, cables, cable boots, side panels, rear and front mudguard, rear shock absorbers, chain and sprockets, chain guard, genuine rear foot rests sourced and fitted, toolbox, helmet lock, steering lock and chrome mirrors.

Wheels completely stripped, hubs shot blasted and powder coated, rims re-anodised to the original Yamaha colour code, wheels rebuilt with British stainless steel spokes. New wheel bearings, seals and brake shoes. Fitted new Pirelli trials tyres.

Where possible, all nuts and bolts replaced with stainless steel supplied by Avon Stainless Fasteners, St Annes, Bristol.

Genuine full exhaust system and silencer sourced from Falmouth, Cornwall. Purchased in tired state, and fully restored by Griff's. Cosmetic work and stainless steel inserts for silencer covers.

Seat refurbished and covered with new centre seat strap sourced and fitted with stainless steel fasteners. Full tool kit present under seat.

Particular attention to rebuilding and restoration of speedo and rev counter. Headlamp and rear light bracket taking considerable time to source.

Upgrades; The following practical and sympathetic upgrades have been carried out; Complete new wiring loom / 12 volt conversion / 12 volt Gel battery / CDI pointless ignition. Carburettor rebuilt.

This is a once in lifetime opportunity to own this iconic Thumper, either for to join part of a collection, a show bike, or to enjoy rides out on sunny afternoons, or even join and ride with the Thumper Owner's Club. My wife and I met the members of the club back in May '18 in Hereford, and they are a really pleasant crowd of individuals. We had an amazing weekend meeting some lovely friendly people and relishing their XT's.

The many hours of research and engineering skill to get this motorcycle to the remarkable finish it is in is a true testament to DL Auto and Griff's Reality taking hundreds of hours to complete. I have photos of every stage of the mechanical works, with a comprehensive folder containing many receipts with the restoration alone costing upwards towards £10k. The bikes starts first or second kick, and runs as new. I have ordered a new battery which will be fitted prior to any viewings or collection. The existing battery was fitted nearly four years ago. Bike has always been stored in our heated garage.

The reason for the reluctant sale is that I have the opportunity to re-purchase a treasured classic sports car which I parted with in 2008, and which will be of more use for myself and my wife. I am in no rush to sell the bike, as the car won't be available until at least December. I have slowly whittled my collection of classic bikes down from 8 to 5. I will be advertising a concourse early Suzuki Beamish later this year to help make space for the car.

Due to the nature of the outstanding condition of this XT500, I strongly recommend a viewing before purchase, so any potential buyers are fully aware of the clinical condition it is in along with the outstanding provenance. ANY INSPECTION welcome. There has been an immense effort by all to get this bike correct. I don't think you will find another one like this any where. Please don't think its been over done, it's just been done correctly to the highest standards with sympathetic upgrades making it more user friendly.

The best Yamaha XT 500 in the best colour combination available anywhere in my (and the restorer's opinion). Best year, genuine UK registered bike (not import), low owners and mileage, nice reg and concourse. First to see will buy.

Please feel free to contact me by calling me with any questions.
Sold as seen and tested. No warranty given or implied.

I would like to clarify that the bike has been fully tested on the bench at the restorer's and works in every way, but would like to say that since it was delivered to me from the restorer, I have not attempted to start the engine or ride it, as I wanted to maintain it in showroom condition. I have regularly cranked the kick starter by hand, operated the clutch, brakes and throttle. I've also maintained the tyre pressures. The bike has been covered in my heated garage.
I am fitting a new battery this weekend, and it was my intention to fuel it up to start it ready for any potential purchaser, but am reluctant to, so as not to damage the finish any way. I have many receipts covering every aspect of the engine and gearbox rebuild by my fully trained competent motorcycle technician.