Effectively the grandfather of the modern off-road adventure motorcycle, Yamaha changed the whole enduro scene when they launched their new 500cc single, the XT 500.
The XT500 seemed unbeatable in endurance races like the Paris-Dakar Rally and its reputation for reliability and performance was firmly cemented for ever during its reign over this crippling race, its simplicity of design and engineering making it virtually unstoppable.
This is a rare opportunity as this iconic Yamaha comes to auction in near showroom condition having undergone a complete and comprehensive restoration with a real eye for originality and fine detail.
Still to be registered in the UK as Historic vehicle
All import papers and all taxes paid
Countless invoices for parts and restoration
Many detailed pictures showing restoration process
Imported from South Africa in 2015 with low mileage and needing some TLC the bike has been stripped down to its bare bones, or frame, and rebuilt to an impeccable original specification and standard over a two-year period.
Since its total restoration the bike has remained unused and is yet to be registered in the UK, having been used solely as a show bike.
At first glance you’d think this XT500 has just been put together straight out of its original crate. Its condition is so good following its comprehensive rebuild that you’d be hard pushed to think otherwise as it presents in almost factory fresh showroom condition.
Every component of the bike gleams and sparkles with its repainted tank and side panels, in the more well-known European colours of red and white, being without any mark or blemish. The re-chromed and re-spoked original wheels look like they have never been turned and are fitted with brand new enduro tyres of the correct period and type.
The powder-coated frame looks probably better than when new and as you examine the bike in fine detail this is true for almost everywhere and everything on this big XT.
The seat was recovered, all the suspension and brakes were stripped, cleaned and renovated, and the correct exhaust, now built under licence in Texas, was procured at huge expense and fitted, along with every other part of the bike being either renovated or replaced depending upon its condition. The original speedometer and rev-counter have been kept which show its very low and believed genuine mileage.
Originality was key with original parts being utilised throughout its restoration and all of this has gone towards making this example one of the finest you’re ever likely to encounter.
A comprehensive renovation of this bike would not have been complete without attention to all the running gear and of course that big thumping single engine, so nothing escaped, with the engine being completely stripped and rebuilt with new piston, ring and seals, the carburettor similarly being stripped and cleaned and the suspension and brakes receiving similar treatment.
To make starting easier the bike was converted from 6v to 12v, which gives a more powerful spark and makes it easier on the leg muscles.
Mechanically this XT500 is virtually new having been started and put through an MOT when the restoration was finally complete but it has remained unregistered and unused since then.
Probably one of the best and most important bikes ever made by Yamaha, the XT500 set the scene and started the off-road and adventure motorcycling trend that is still very much in vogue today, and it would be very hard indeed to find a better example of the bike that started it all.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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.
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1982 Yamaha XT500
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
