WOW...what a flashback! I had the 1979 TT500 and the 1981 XT500 back in the day, and I just relived it! Such a sweet time capsule! That tank is remarkable!!!

The TT and XT 500 are my favourite old school dirt squirters this example is just beautiful , keep it and be the envy of your friends !!

without doubt the greatest motorcycle ever built. the looks the lines the sound the feel, nothing will ever match the 79 TT500f

Had an XT500 that I toured the US and Canada on in the summer of ‘76. 8000 miles, 13 states, 2 provenances of Canada. First beard to boot. Went solo. What an experience! Oh the memories.

@toddjacobs5660

Жыл бұрын

Thats very cool, its amazing how well built these little engines are 👍

My dad bought one of these in 1980 from a friend who had 2. They rode them together when I was 5 years old. I still own it all these years later. Thanks for sharing yours and inspiring me to restore mine!

I purchased a brand new TT500, 1980 model for $1100 out the door in 1981. Loved it for hill climbing. Rode for many trouble free years and stopped riding after my son was born and sold it. Self employment and parenthood came first. But..what great memories are spured on by this video. Thank you sir.

I just inherited my dad's TT500. Probably the first bike I ever rode on, sitting on the tank as a toddler while my dad drove it around. Still in decent shape but I plan to give it a nice restoration.

@motodrew295

2 ай бұрын

Thats awesome. Sentimental value for sure.

Run or not,that is bloody mint.What a bike

I wanted one for years. Great score friend

Wow 👌 I put a lot of miles on my old TT500 back in my younger day's ! Great bikes

@oneofmany1087

Жыл бұрын

Best bike Japan ever built.

What a beauty. I bought a TT500 new in 1978. Was one of the most fun bikes I've owned. That brings back great memories. Riding a KTM 950 Super Enduro and 1090R today but would love to have my TT500 back.

Back in 84', I had a choice between a 77' TT500, (yellow /w chrome tank), or a 82' YZ490, (yellow and black). I bought the TT500 as it was in better shape. Loved that bike as we spent 8 years together till my Girlfriend, at the time, convinced me to sell it. I sure miss that girl ... ...The TT500.

@motodrew295

8 ай бұрын

Awesome! 8 years is a good run with a bike... or girlfriend.

@doczed1560

6 ай бұрын

@@motodrew295 My fondest memory of the bike: One of my older brothers came to town to visit and wanted to ride my TT. I told him, "I will have to talk you thru how to start it." He just laughed at me and said, "I own motorcycles, You can not tell me anything different on how to start a bike", (which was his famous last words, as I stood to the side, waiting to catch the bike, as he did not know about the 'Decompression lever', as the bike kicked back and threw him over the handlebars which he then landed on his back.)

Wow beautiful bike. I owned one many years ago.

Nice bike! Always love to see TT500's. I still own a 79 that I bought new. Have certainly ridden it through the years, but it's all original, only having tires, chain, and sprockets changed from time to time.

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

Thats awesome, thats a long time with the same bike. You must take care of it!

In my life, i only owned 0ne bike, the XT500 1981 > now for more than 43 years in service…and still the best bike on earth!

I love the polished aluminum tank 👍

Those bikes used to be magic! That bike is mint !!!!The de compression release sounds insane when you hit it ! What a great Scrambler! Thats what they called it . TT 500 Scrambler. It literally has an engine brake . What a bike !!!! Like the Harley 750 flat trackers.

I had one it was a GREAT RIDE FOR SURE

G'day Drew, I purchased beautifully restored '79 TT 2 yrs ago, it looked almost as mint as yours, however, the 6volt electrics made it very difficult to live with! Also, back in '81, at the age of 14, I had the opportunity to extensively ride a brand new XT500 (Gloss Black in place of the orange or yellow).....it was MAGNIFICENT to ride, so grunty with new bike smoothness compared to my '76 SL125 Honda! Best advice, put your Mint TT in a glass cabinet in the lounge, it will be the star of every dinner party you ever have, preserve this legendary bike for future generations to see for themselves.

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Did the restore start out a pretty nice bike or was it a lot of work? I would love to feel the power on this bike but it might just have to be a showpiece and let my daughter, who just turned one, decide.

@sevenmilewhite1407

2 жыл бұрын

@@motodrew295 Find yourself a nice beater TT500 to ride so you can resist the urge. Even in 2022 they are great playbikes...heck you could enduro or hair scramble it just fine....powerful old bike- very rideable.

My brother inlaw had that exact bike. I loved it. He could ride a wheelie for a long way

I actually had a brand new 1977 the exact same color and it is and always will be the best motorcycle ever! I would love to find another one just like this one! My dad back in the day owned San Francisco Yamaha.

@motodrew295

7 ай бұрын

Wow that would have been awesome to grow up around bikes at the family's dealership! It's very tempting to ride, but so far I've held off.

I have one of these old girls. I used to race CCM's against a couple of friends who had these they were awesome and took some keeping up with. You have inspired me to get on with the resto of mine. Would be even better if you would sell me this beauty

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, these bikes are only getting cooler. I think I'm going to hang onto it for now though!

@mikekilbride

Жыл бұрын

@@motodrew295 cheers if ever you do fancy selling please let me know would love to have 2 side by side 👍

Lucky to have the best bike builted ever

Gorgeous, boy I’d love to have one. I used to watch a neighbor wheelie out of sight on the same bike 79’ that orange and chrome is stunning

I as a kid had this very same TT 500 brand new. I would love to have another one, if you sell it I would love to buy it.

Porcelain is brittle brand new ok? Get yourself a decent sparkplug socket and a new NGK B7ES or BR7ES. That's what broke the plug, your wrench. Yamaha test fires their engines, then the dealer probably ran, rode it slightly after setup. Think they had points don't remember for sure, but if so that's why they ran a tight spark plug gap about .022 thousandths if I remember and keep the points adjusted so it won't kick back. I had a TT500 long time ago, Found new genuine yamaha lighting kit for it too. Great bike wish I'd have kept it!

You can pick it apart all you want....it's a great bike! Best color combo. Love it!

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I do like the silver/orange the best.

@yeldog11

Жыл бұрын

@@motodrew295 I have a 87 XL600R that I love but I'm jealous of your Yamaha. Enjoy it!

My buddy just picked one up in remarkable condition, couple of hours of carb massage and a pull start and we were ripping up my yard.

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

Thats awesome. Nice Find and easy to get running thats a score.

Dude, that thing is awesome. I wanted to hear you start it up. If you did, a follow-up video would be awesome.

Gorgeous bike, let's see it running

Hi. The bike would have been tested before leaving the factory, however the folding gear lever is not standard factory issue. Try not to use cleaners or oils on paint. The TT is in great condition. I have owned same model for 30 years, mine has lights and road legal TT500f. Enjoy, you have a nice bike

@goletajim

2 жыл бұрын

As a owner of a 79 TT you are wrong about the shift lever they did come with folding ends.

@johnwaldon8808

2 жыл бұрын

@@goletajim hi. I have owned nine for 49 years and you might be right but I replaced non-folding gear shifter with a folding one in 1980

@johnwaldon8808

2 жыл бұрын

40 years.... should use my reading glasses more often

Real nice! As a owner of one I did notice that the grips are not Original.

@justinheard5954

11 ай бұрын

Pump it up a little bit it's pretty

we ran them after assembly adjusted the carb. drove them to packaging. then drained the oil and removed our temp. fuel tank.

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know! Thank you for commenting to help with my understanding.

Ésas motos me traen buenos recuerdos! Saludos cordiales desde Medellín Colombia.

My very first motorcycle I was in heaven!

Excellent bike, my brotherbought a brand new 1982, XT500 pretty sure it was an 82

Ride it it’s what it was made for

Awesome

I think without a doubt it’s a new bike that has been started by the dealer which they should be, I guess the guy meant that it’s a new bike which it is.

@motodrew295

6 ай бұрын

That's my conclusion as well. It for sure has never seen dirt. Paint is all in tact on the contact points. Showroom condition for sure, but not straight from the crate.

JEWEL

Hi Drew , I’m still looking!!!

You should know they run all those bikes at the factory so the muffler and plug would show signs of use. The tire well it might have been rode at the plant as well

Excellent bike

If you still have it, you should sell it to me, lol. Seriously though, if you have and are interested in selling it I would love the opportunity to buy it. I had this very year model and color when I was in high school. Been looking for one for a long time. Had to sell mine when I went into the US Navy.

@motodrew295

8 ай бұрын

Whats your email?

If the bike went through P.D.I at the dealer the seat and tank would have been installed I would take a boreascope and look in the cylinder that sparkplug could be from an other bike Very nice motorcycle

QUÉ HERMOSURA DE MÁQUINA ESLA DE MIS DUEÑOS...UNA LOCURA...OKEY...TELODISE TONY COLOMBIA ❤❤❤😇😇😇

This bike is absolutely beautiful. But I agree, certainly a few clues to it being ran. The plug also looks like the electrode strap is pressed in/squished. Maybe it was removed and dropped, cracking the porcelain? Also it appears to have a chain guide around the front sprocket, which is a very common and good mod to do, though it wouldn't have been factory installed as far as I know. Normally i'm 100% a "ride it ,don't hide it" kinda guy but damn...this is something special. I would be real tempted to keep the miles to a minimum on this one.

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

I’m usually a ride it don’t hide it guy as well but this may be an exception to that. Thanks for the Info on the chain guid, I’ll have to look into that. The porcelain cracked when I was loosening it. Hopefully that’s not an indicator it overheated and it was just old and brittle.

Keep it . Lucky you. That's a bike like I saw brand new in 1979 climbing a slate dump in W Va with pipe modified booming from the bottom to the top of the hill. I feel so good whenever I think of the sound of that thing.

@russellking9762

Жыл бұрын

yeah back in the day you could put a ‘Supertrap Silencer’ on those in place of the standard muffler….made a hell of a racket but freed up a few more horsepower…the neighbours hated us and the cops chased us but couldn’t touch us….good days great bike

Wouldn't care less about the details or whether it had or hadn't been fired-up a few times. I'd just be grateful I'd managed to get such a nice example. Course, you now have the dilemma as to whether or not to ride it. That's really tricky. I'd want to ride it.

Love these bikes had one year's ago these would fly. They need a compression release or it will kick back and bruise your legs 🦵 lol. Great piece love it.

@deborahchesser7375

2 жыл бұрын

Especially pre 78’ models, my brother has a 76 XT500 first year and kicked wrong will definitely throw you over the bars or break your leg

@robertcox7220

2 жыл бұрын

@@deborahchesser7375 yes it will. Had a few bruises because of these old TT 500's and XT' 500's.

@markclark1605

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome hill climbing bikes. I wish I never would have sold it.

@markclark1605

2 жыл бұрын

I was young and stupid and cranked mine in the dark bare footed. Never kicked on me at all. Just made sure I went through with the kick starter and left it there until the engine started or not.

Nice bike bro 😍

Possibly someone needed a new plug for another bike so instead of buying a new one they exchanged plugs and put the bad one on the TT500 just to protect the chamber

I'm in a similar predicament as you but your TT is 1000x rarer than my bike. I just come across a very low hour 99 KX125 and I don't know whether to ride it or let it stay as a carpet queen or lounge lizard as they say.. If I'm having trouble making up my mind, I'd hate to make the decision that you have to make.. In my situation I'm leaning towards enjoying it but not going too hard. If something were to happen to me where l couldn't ever ride again, I'd be kicking myself that I didn't get to enjoy it. But yours having basically no hours and mine having about 10hours makes it easier for me to ride it. As I typed this I've gone back and forth about 5 times whether I'd ride it or not. If you do ride it can you please wear a GoPro and upload the footage ?? Thanks and good luck !

Back in the day I had two XTs and one TT.......LOVED 'EM! Are there any really nice ones out there for sale?

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

I'm located in WA state and they pop up from time to time. They are timeless, great machines

Noice

Me and a friend got 78 xt 500's silver..another friend got a 79 tt500 looked like this one. his bother got a dick man framed tt 500 and one more friend got a 76 tt 500 that one was white..the trick back then was to get 1979 yz 400 clamps and forks from a yamaha delear back then was about $400 bolted right up to goose neck..and after market aluminum swing arms and better shocks

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

That would be awesome. those bikes look cool and fun to ride!

They start the bike at the end of the factory production line/,test everything is all good

I have a few bikes like that it’s a shame because they can’t be used. To good to cold table after surviving40+ years could be the one who wrecked one of the very few that’s left I actually have more that ten bikes like this. You become its caretaker For the next generation I noticed the right hand shock must have been off. The decal is the wrong way around. I have a xt500 I bought from Japan in the same condition. Lovely bike to have but hard to look after best thing to do is put it in a wooden crate and watch it go up in value. Beautiful bike.

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

Wow 10 like this, that awesome. Pretty hard not riding it. I guess I have others for that. Good eye I’ll have to fix that shock. Thanks for the input, they’re not making any more!

@kyntyckykobra3300

2 жыл бұрын

Mine sits in my xtra room that one needs shined up

Doesn't matter mate u r so fff lucky

Best sounding bikes ever!

Owned a ton of bikes and actually they hold up really well . My problem with Yamaha is parts are very slow and I mean slow and they cost more . The Japanese make very good products but they lack a little cool factor and quality of workmanship.

@lawrenceatkinson5884

6 ай бұрын

I am surprised that your comments. In South Africa we can still buy a large amount of parts for the XT and TTs, OEM from Yamaha. That's not true for a similar vintage Honda or Suzuki. And the street cread and attention they get on the road and at shows is head and shoulders above similar period bikes..

It looks like an XT gas tank. The tt had a smaller cap Just thought I would let you know Otherwise very nice

Hi, if you were ever serious about selling , I’d be very interested, regards Tony

Do you still have this TT500? I would be interested in buying it.

@motodrew295

2 ай бұрын

I do. Maybe we could make a deal but I probably want to much. My email is my YT username at Hotmail.

@fringeminority150

4 күн бұрын

@@motodrew295 I think Im gonna grab one for maybe an ok price its a 77 tt500 for $1300 , its been sitting for 10 years but it did run when stored ,a good carb clean and shed fire up and its in excellent cond ...looks like was ridden as tires got some wear and grips, but def NO rust,dents ,rips,cracks etc. looks original still,is this worth grabbing? What do these go for as I don't know prices on these vintage bikes ?thnx

i think all motocycle started in the fractory assembly line

I maybe wrong but I don't think they came with aluminum swing arm from factory 🤔 oh yeah absolutely beautiful bike!

@James-dt7ky

2 жыл бұрын

@dc440-4

2 жыл бұрын

Oh ok I didn't know that,mine is a 76, do you happen to know if a 78 tt500 front-end will work on a 76 tt? Someone put a yz triple tree ,forks and wheel on mine and I want to go back original and have found a 78 tt500 front end. Also was there a difference in xt and tt handle bars?because I need them too.

@dc440-4

2 жыл бұрын

@@James-dt7ky I didn't know that

@James-dt7ky

2 жыл бұрын

@@dc440-4

@James-dt7ky

2 жыл бұрын

@@dc440-4

Cam runs on roller bearings - TAKE THAT HONDA

Well at least the swing Arm is not original. But hey a beauty nevertheless!

@lawrenceatkinson5884

6 ай бұрын

The swing arm is original. The TT had aluminium swing arm from 1979.

@JoeWolsing

6 ай бұрын

@@lawrenceatkinson5884 o.k. didn't know that ...

Museum piece or in your lounge room

That plug looks like it's been used quite a bit ! I'm no expert but it really looked grubby !

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve seen worse, I’ve seen better.

@mervynhosking4970

2 жыл бұрын

@@motodrew295 the idea was that this bike had never been run/used ! That plug looks like it's been from here to eternity...

@rodchristian1363

2 жыл бұрын

@@mervynhosking4970 nah ,choke will blacken the plug especially if run for short time

@mervynhosking4970

2 жыл бұрын

@@rodchristian1363 fair enough , anyway it's someone else's problem...

I would put a light kit on it & ride it........

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

Luckily I have an XT500 for that

I would trade a nice Ford truck for this motorcycle straight up.

you have plenty to ride I would sell it and make money tt 500 is rare

does it run?--- would be great to hear that thumper!

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

As far as I know it should run! I haven't ran it though. As far as I can tell this tank hasn't had fuel in it. Maybe someday I'll get the impulse try and go kick it over.

Did you end up keeping it?

@motodrew295

9 күн бұрын

@@jeffstabler9250 Nope, still have it

@jeffstabler9250

9 күн бұрын

@motodrew295 Good on you. Such a awesome bike. I'm looking for one to rebuild

como esta esoooooo

I want to buy the TT500. Would you sell it? How much?

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

You'll probably think I'm crazy but the wife said $12,000

@tonywentworth3225

2 жыл бұрын

@@motodrew295 would like to buy it !

I got one for you to ride . You should put that old girl in a air tight clear case and just pretend to ride it . You can ride the blue bikes they probably 3-4 times smoother anyways. Crazy seeing a 43 year old new bike or sell it for the 8-10 grand that it’s worth and go buy a new GAS Gas or a Husqvarna or even a KTM .

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with everything you stated, other than selling it for an Austrian bike.

Hi again, How can I contact you? Regards Tony .UK

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Tony. I’m in Washington State. Motodrew295@hotmail.com

Where’s the bike from?

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

Spokane, Washington

@TheBggrnford

3 ай бұрын

It was owned by Dave Hardin. He owned Empire cycle.

This is my dream how much you sell it

Would you sell it

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

I'm probably going to hang onto it. I am probably too proud of it for anyone to want to make a deal.

What did you pay for it if you don’t mind my asking

@kyntyckykobra3300

2 жыл бұрын

If anyone asking prices I would say 8500.00 is its worth if not more.utube orange tt500 at auction😁

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

Almost the new bike budget for the year.

@kyntyckykobra3300

2 жыл бұрын

@@motodrew295 Honda CLR 450 $9999.00 in indiana,I gave 2700.00 t A 10mm colt gun feel lucky😁 1800miles collectors condition💪🙏🤘🐍

Qué tengo Qye aser para comprarla

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

Not sure I want to sell it.

How much did you pay for it?

@motodrew295

6 ай бұрын

I'll I had and then some.

U must be dreaming 10 grands

had an F and still kick myself everyday for selling it, sell it to me!

That's an XT tank on that bike. It was probably a freight damaged bike and they replace the parts and damaged it but since it didn't have an original tank they couldn't sell it

@429thunderjet2

Жыл бұрын

No, it's an original tank. I owned one long time ago, great bike, wish I'd have kept it!

Ride it and enjoy it

А по русски можно?

Your bike is a beautiful bike but there's a couple things I know it's right away I've owned over 70 tt's and xt's over my life the grips are not Factory and there's a chain guard that's mounted inside your around your chain that's not factory but it's a beautiful bike 👍

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Would the chain guard be a Yamaha part or an aftermarket company?

@jondoe9753

2 жыл бұрын

@@motodrew295 the guard that goes around the chain is called a case saver so if the chain were to come off it won't get bound up and break the case the bike is very beautiful I've had a few 79's the only one I've never had is an 81 TT

@jondoe9753

2 жыл бұрын

I just started restoring a77 tt hopefully I'll get it done over this cold Iowa winter

@MB-xz1gh

2 жыл бұрын

@@jondoe9753 had that happen had to buy new case halfs..not that hard of a job really. Pull upper end split the case open switch over the parts..did it twice really blew 3rd gear once had to open it up again

How much?

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

Priceless. I'm going to hang onto it

Donde está esa moto yo la compro

@motodrew295

Жыл бұрын

It's in washington state

No fun if you don't drive it! What a waste! Use it for what's it's meant for. Not a museum.

@motodrew295

2 жыл бұрын

Conflicting for sure! I'm curious to see what a almost 45 year old new dirt bike feels like. Everything that old is worn out.

No bike should sit.

If U don't ride that bike your just another hourder.

Nice though not all original, top triple tree, tank fuel fitting, swingarm/ rear brake & seat (way to thick), case protector @ sprocket. You can check oil with bike cold & off, there should be oil showing on dipstick. This ones brand new, not original kzread.info/dash/bejne/c2Zlz8hmqdWxd9Y.html not brand new, nor original kzread.info/dash/bejne/c6hpm7ONqtndnJM.html

Bikes are made to ride, put some gas in it and move on with life!

I owed the exact model here in NZ until it kicked back, so she had to go.

@xlrider1565

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I owned(2) XT-500, a '78, and a '77 for parts. Bike kicked back when I would try to start it, per the factory starting drill. Learned to bring it up to TDC on compression stroke, then kick it. Much better! My friends saw when it kicked back, none of them ever dared to try start it, lol! And I'm the smallest of the lot!