Rare 1965 Yamaha YM1 - Highly Original.
Very few of these in the UK. I imported this just after lockdown as a restoration project but when it arrived found it had been pretty well restored (and very sympathetically) by the previous owner.
It had obviously been sitting for a good long time after restoration as it required full carb rebuild, battery etc. but other than a few cosmetics, some safety related upgrades. (indicators/ mirrors/ new cables, fuel pipes etc.) and mending a dent on the top of the tank and buying in (expensive) new seat foam it was good to go.
The speedo was broken so I replaced with a YDS3 unit, but retained the YM1 face plate. this means it is inaccurate, but, you can work out where you are.
The PO fitted a large back sprocket which means it's fast of the mark!
What I loved about this bike was that the paint on the tank sides, engine and the side covers is original, just the top of the tank has been refinished. Also the chrome in most areas - exhausts, mudguards, chain guard etc. - is original too. Pitted but shiny enough for me. I'm sure the rims have been rechromed. What is incredibly rare is that it has the original seat cover, which has only the smallest tear near the strap.
Now registered in the UK I have the V5 and some bills from my recommissioning.
It rides great, stops well (for drum brakes), starts easily (usually 2 Kicks) and has no major issues.
It could do with a fine tune as it seems to be running a little lean at higher revs. and there is a slow/ light leak from the autolube pump, which in 3 years hasn't required any top up of the reserve, so no big issue. All the original parts that I swapped out have been retained and are included in the sale price, are as period correct font indicators to replace the modern ones I fitted.
I've also attached a couple of screen shots to show what fully restored versions are going for.
Simply not using it enough, probably managed 30 miles last year. Try finding another one in such original condition in the UK!
Any inspection welcome.
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