Yamaha Motocross
Racing history is closely connected to the dual sport Yamaha DT
Series, even though the original purpose for DT design was the demand for off
road bikes in USA.
In 1960s in
United States, unlike in United Kingdom, most of the learner drivers were
practising their skills on dirt tracks away from the main traffic and ever
watching policemen. However the traditional RD style Yamaha motorcycles
just weren’t suitable for the rough grounds.
Home made
attempts to modify them were common. Such DIY Scrambler would have the muffler
and exhaust raised, protective plate under the engine, enforced handle bars
and universal tyres. In the end the rider was still left with heavy
machine and expensive modification.
Development
of Yamaha DT Series
There were
other manufacturers on the market such as European Husqvarna or Bultaco already
producing off road motorcycles, but not many Japanese motorcycle manufacturers
specialised in trail bikes. So in October 1968 Yamaha launched their purpose
built dirt bike version - the Yamaha DT-1.
The DT
stands for Engine Displacement which is the main characteristic of this series
ranging from 50-400cc. The 1968 Yamaha DT-1 was in fact a dual purpose
motorcycle, as it was aimed originally for the US market, it had to perform
well off road, but be street legal at the same time. The Yamaha DT-1 was
inexpensive bike in comparison to Yamaha RDs. It had 250cc single cylinder two
stroke engine with autolube system, it was light and slim with good ground
clearance, had new improved front suspension and 4inch wide tyres.
Few more
improvements followed in coming years:
1972 Yamaha
DT2 250 received new reed intake system
1973 the
Monoshock rear suspension became norm in all Yamaha DT Enduro bikes, followed
by disc brakes
1980’s the
liquid cooling was added
The success
of DT models led Yamaha to diversify the off road bikes into Yamaha RT1
(360cc), Yamaha AT1 (125cc), Yamaha HT1 (90cc) and other “mini trail” models
with engines from 50cc-80cc.
Yamaha DT
Spare Parts
As Yamaha
models evolved so did parts, some are still being used nowadays and are
available from Yamaha dealers directly, some were made obsolete. We offer a
quality reproductions of some of the most desired Yamaha DT parts on the
market.
For more
information about the very first Yamaha DT1 visit Motorcycle Classics
Lots of
advice and help can also be found in the Yamaha
Enduro Forum with lots of pages dedicated to Yamaha DT
