Highlights
- One of the 400 replicas commissioned by Yamaha for the motocross rider
- Model closely based on the bike made famous by Torsten Hallman and Sten Lundin
- Weighs only 112 kg
- According to rumours, never ridden on the road
- Formerly part of a Belgian collection of 509XT and 500TT models
- Described by the seller as factory-new and unmodified
- Matching serial numbers
- Registered as a collector vehicle in France
The Appeal
Yamaha HL500 NVT – A “time capsule” example from a major XT500 collection. Here we offer a particularly rare specimen of the legendary Yamaha HL500, assembled in the late 1970s during the NVT period by Norton Villiers Triumph for the European market. The HL500 holds a unique place in the history of off‑road motorcycles. Developed from the Yamaha XT/TT 500 engine base and associated with MX champion Torsten Hallman, this model was produced in very small quantities and intended for competition. Surviving examples are today extremely rare, most having been heavily used, modified, or restored over the decades.
This example comes from a significant private collection in Belgium dedicated to Yamaha XT500 and related models. Kept within this collection for many years, the bike benefited from unusually meticulous storage conditions. According to its history, the bike would have covered only about 5 kilometres during an initial test at the time before being stored in its shipping crate, where it remained for several decades.
It today presents in a remarkable state of preservation, retaining its original components, finishes and details. This is an original model whose authenticity can be confirmed by the engine and chassis numbers visible in the supplied photographs. Bikes from this era kept in their original crate are extremely rare on the market, even more so for a model from the NVT‑Yamaha era.
For a collector, a museum or a vintage off‑road motorcycle enthusiast, this HL500 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a landmark machine in an extraordinary preservation condition. The motorcycle is currently located in the south of France.
This example comes from a significant private collection in Belgium dedicated to Yamaha XT500 and related models. Kept within this collection for many years, the bike benefited from unusually meticulous storage conditions. According to its history, the bike would have covered only about 5 kilometres during an initial test at the time before being stored in its shipping crate, where it remained for several decades.
It today presents in a remarkable state of preservation, retaining its original components, finishes and details. This is an original model whose authenticity can be confirmed by the engine and chassis numbers visible in the supplied photographs. Bikes from this era kept in their original crate are extremely rare on the market, even more so for a model from the NVT‑Yamaha era.
For a collector, a museum or a vintage off‑road motorcycle enthusiast, this HL500 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a landmark machine in an extraordinary preservation condition. The motorcycle is currently located in the south of France.
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1979
- Imported into France from Belgium
- Acquired from a high‑profile Belgian motorcycle collector
- Originally said to have been ridden only around a car park at the time of purchase
- Documentation would be in order
- Exempt from roadworthiness inspection, we are told
The Condition
- Factory‑fresh white bike with red livery
- Accessories including grips, pegs and seat in very good condition
- Spoked wheels with off‑road tyres fitted
- The seller states it is in very good condition
- According to rumours, new and unrestored
The Mechanical
- Yamaha 500cc four‑stroke engine
- 5‑speed manual gearbox
- Hardly used since factory release
- According to rumours, never road‑registered since its first manufacture
- The seller recommends an oil change, filters and plugs before re‑commissioning
The State
- Factory‑state bike, white with red graphics
- Accessories including grips, pegs and seat in very good condition
- Spoked wheels with off‑road tyres fitted
- The seller states it is in very good condition
- According to rumours, new and unrestored
The Engineering
- Yamaha 500 cm3 four‑stroke engine
- Five‑speed manual gearbox
- Hardly used since factory release
- According to rumours, never ridden on the road since its first manufacture
- The seller recommends an oil change, filters and spark plugs before re‑commissioning
