1976 Yamaha TT500

Description

Additional photos of this Yamaha TT500 are available here for your perusal.

Up until the 1970s, dirt riders were pretty limited when it came to their off-road-ready options. On the one hand, you had two-stroke Japanese bikes that were light, rev-happy, and chock full of power. On the other, you had four-stroke British bikes that were old, torquey, and almost tractor-like. In 1972, Honda changed the game with the launch of the XL250, sending other manufacturers into a scramble to get in on the action. Of particular note was the Yamaha TT500: introduced in 1976, it was a single-cylinder thumper with enough grunt to take you pretty much anywhere you wanted to go.

Tipping the scales at a svelte 262lbs, the TT was made only better by its torquey 499cc engine, dual rear coilover shocks, and 21″ front wheel. Though it never made much of an impression on the motocross scene, it excelled in long-distance rally events. For instance, a pair of TT500s won the first two places in the inaugural Paris-Dakar in 1979. The following year, the bike dominated the field, sweeping the first four places in the rally’s second running.

This example is VIN: 583005927, Engine #: 583005927.

There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us modify the right-hand side cover so that it does not touch the exhaust and drill/tap the lower steering stem and add M5 hardware to prevent the forks from contacting the tank.

Modifications:
It has been repainted.

KEDO exhaust with SuperTrapp X-Trapp slip-on silencer.

Headlight with headlight guard.

Taillight.

FMF Racing 909 Velocity grips.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on IRC Volcanduro VE-33 tires.

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title. Have any TT500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!