The predecessor of the RD series, the Yamaha YDS-3 was highly regarded for its giant-killing performance. The 250cc engine produced 27 horsepower, good for a top speed of 82 miles per hour. As noted in this profile on RealClassic, period reviews from magazines like Cycle World had lots of praise for this little Yammie: ‘a comfortable riding position, a fine ride in addition to the fine handling, and a quality of finish and construction that is really remarkable.’
Yamaha also offered up a street scrambler variant with a focus on the US market named after a famous California race – the Big Bear Scrambler. The US debut was in 1966, and it was differentiated from the street bike by taller/wider handlebars, higher exhaust, off-road tires, more ground clearance, skidplate, and revised gear ratios.
This example is VIN: YDS3C16013.
The odometer shows 6,477 miles.
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: Fail (Very dirty with Internal Rust)
Engine Oil Level: Low
Engine Oil Quality: Dark (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: None Showing
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Rusted
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Non-Functioning
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: N/A
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum Ok
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: PDC/Dry Rotted
Tire Date Code Rear: 30/04
Tire % Remaining Front: 30%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 15%
Tire Press. Front: 13.5 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 11 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 0V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: Crank No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Spark present only on the left hand cylinder
-Left Cylinder has 150 PSI
-Right Cylinder has 120 PSI
-Headlight Ring is Damaged
-Engine Cover is scratched
-Pipe Covers are Dented
-Tank has potential leaks on Right Hand Side
-Shocks are stuck
Recommendations:
-Tank Clean and Pressure Test
-Oil Change (Trans)
-Fill 2T Injection Oil
-Replace Chain
-Replace Front and Rear Tires and Tubes
-Replace Battery
-Carb Clean
Modifications:
This Yamaha appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Cheng Shin tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key, which has snapped.
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 Yamaha is offered on a clean Idaho title.
Have any Big Bear Scrambler stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
