Made from 1975 to 1989 the TT-500 was the off-road version of the XT-500 street bike, utilising the same twin valve, single cylinder, four stroke 499cc engine. This bike was purchased as a purely off-road bike that was imported from the US state of California from a bike dealer in Warwickshire. The bike has been used mainly off-road on a farm, but the owner is downsizing their collection to focus on other projects.
The bike comes with its current owner’s receipt of sale, a parts invoice for some service items and a California ‘off highway’ sticker. The bike was purchased from Huggy’s Speed Shop in Atherstone for use on a farm and has not been road registered.
Rugged appearance but reported to be structurally sound
Small tear in seat leather but easily repairable
Aggressive off-road tyres
The exterior of the bike is a typical look for an off-road exclusive farm bike but also looks to have been cared for during its time and judging by the way the owner spoke of the bike they were clearly fond of it.
The bike is very much substance over style and that shows, if you want a show bike this is not for you but if you wanted a bike you could use all purposefully and not worry about scratching it whilst green lane-ing then surely this has to be one of the best purchases.
The orange fairings are a little tatty but not broken or missing, the steel tank has a small dent at the front but is otherwise in good condition.
The frame has some surface rust but it is reported to be purely aesthetic, the suspension is reported to be working well and no leaks could be seen at the time of the photoshoot, the same can be said about the engine in terms of operation and leaks.
The bars and front forks look to be in good condition also with the owner showing their sense of humour with a bicycle bell on the front.
Twin valve, single cylinder 499cc, 4 stroke engine
5 speed transmission
21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear
Straight through exhaust
The bike started well and drove as you’d expect, it looked to be very controllable and predictable off road as the bike was driven from its barn to the lane, we were photographing in.
The engine sounded strong and healthy with the owner reporting there to be no known issues with the bike.
Any off-road bikers will know of the Yamaha TT-500 as it had successes in the African rallies that saw a rise in the late seventies, the Paris-Dakar rally being one of the ones the Yamaha came first in, for a farm bike this might be a little overkill then but if you’re wanting a hugely capable off-road machine then this example surely warrants your attention.
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As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1978 Yamaha TT 500
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