In the early 70s, John Taylor of Schenectady, New York started building the Yankee Z500, an American dual-sport designed to compete with the best bikes coming out of Europe. Yankee Motor Company started by importing machines from OSSA, the Spanish off-road powerhouse, and then moved to modifying OSSA engines in their own custom frames. Eventually, they combined two OSSA 250cc thumpers to form the 500cc two stroke twin that powers this rare American legend.
Unfortunately, the Yankee Z500 was out of the market almost as soon as it got in. Production delays meant that it was already too heavy to be competitive in serious competition the day it was released. But it had some interesting features, like a 6-speed gearbox (with the ability to lock out 1st), a quick-release seat, and a large air filter. But the quirkiest thing of all? This was the first production motorcycle to utilize a rear disc brake. What makes that quirky is that Yankee kept a drum brake up front!
They’re big, they’re rather brutal, and they look like a ton of fun to ride. Only 760 were built, so you won’t have many opportunities to snag one nowadays. Want to learn more? Check out this article on Motocross Action Mag.
This example is engine number: 11-00-523.
This Yankee does not have an odometer or use any keys.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Need cleaning
Engine Oil Level: Not visible
Engine Oil Quality: Unknown
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: FAIL
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NO FLUID PRESENT
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: RUSTY
Headlight High Beam: TBD
Headlight Low Beam: TBD
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light (Front Switch): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: N/A
Kill Switch: N/A
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: DRUM
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: MISSING PADS
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 167 AGED
Tire Date Code Rear: PDC AGED
Tire % Remaining Front: 80
Tire % Remaining Rear: 70
Tire Press. Front: 0
Tire Press. Rear: 0
Battery Standing Voltage: N/A
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: CRANK NO START
Test Ride Completed: NO
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
All cables bad
No oil visible
No rear pads or hydrualic fluid
Carbs need to be rebuilt
Fuel hoses rotten/ missing
No coils present
No front brake stay arm
Chain rusty
Headlight bulb present but no wiring or switches
Recommended repairs:
Replace cables (throttle and compression release)
Replace oil
Replace rear pads, rebuild rear master
Bleed rear brake
Replace link bar from rr pedal to master cyln.
Service and rebuild carb(s)
Replace fuel hoses
Replace coils
Replace front brake stay arm
Replace chain
Elec diag for headlight issues
Engine diag for no start but crank
Replace tires
Fuel tank cleaning
Replace trans oil
Modifications:
The seller states: “The Yankee is missing some parts like the dash, tail light, wiring, but nearly complete”.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Roadmaster tires with outdated codes of 167.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yankee is offered on a Bill of Sale only.
Have any Z500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
