Highlights
- Matching numbers bike
- Only two owners from new
- Biggest two-stroke Enduro bike that Yamaha made in 1981
- Road registered in 2023
- Historic vehicle so tax and MoT exempt
The Appeal
Back in the late Seventies, Yamaha wasn’t considered a serious maker of enduro bikes and needed a new model to show how serious they were about competition. The result was their IT465, which was based on their YZ465 motorcross engine but rejetted to give a broader spread of power. While it might look like a soft trail bike, designed for gentle Sunday afternoon greenlaning, make no mistake that this is but it’s the much more hardcore enduro race bike. It’s essentially a two-stroke motorcrosser with headlights.
The 465cc two-stroke engine is the full-fat version producing 35bhp at 6,000rpm and was the largest capacity enduro bike that the company made back in 1981. This is packed into a tough chromoly frame that can withstand the rigours of competition and is mated up to nitrogen-filled DeCarbon monoshock rear suspension attached to a box aluminium swing arm.
This particular example has added appeal in that it was registered for the road in 2023 and is tax and MoT exempt. It has been owned by a Yamaha enduro bike collector who is also offering two other IT bikes for sale. Matching numbers with only two owners, it’s a great find.
The History and Paperwork
- V5C in owner’s name
- First registered 31 December 1981
- Road registered in 2023
- Historic vehicle so tax and MoT exempt
- Receipts for inlet manifold and fuel pipes
- Frame and engine numbers matching
The Exterior
- Fuel tank appears to the original one
- Graphics all in reasonable condition
- Side plastics and mudguards all appear to be in good condition
- Slight chip in rear tail-light
- Yellow numberplate backgrounds need replacing
- Fresh hoses to DeCarbon monoshock canister
- Rear aluminium swing arm graphic worn
- Some black paint worn off frame around footpegs
- Yamaha branded seat is in good condition with only a tiny tear in the front edge
- Yamaha logo on tool storage pouch
- Steel handlebars with blue Gold Belt DeBruzer crossbar pad
- Blue Scott grips would benefit from replacement
- Front tyre is an IRC Motorcross Z Mark II in 3.0/21 size with ample tread
- Rear tyre is a Metzeler Unicross in 130/90-17 size that looks barely used
The Mechanics
- 35bhp 465cc two-stroke reed-valve single cylinder air-cooled engine
- Engine cooling fins all look intact
- Extra inline fuel filter added
- Magnesium casing to engine
- 38mm Mikuni carb looks original
- Current owner says it rides well
Summary
Don’t be fooled by the trail bike looks, this is a full-on competition enduro bike with a thumping 465cc two-stroke engine. It’s great for historic competition or for use as a proper beefy trail bike thanks to being road-registered. Either way it’s a rare survivor with matching numbers.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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