Yamaha DT
Yamaha Motocross Racing history is closely connected to the dual sport 2-stroke DT Models, even though the original purpose for 1968 Yamaha DT design was the demand for off-road trail bikes in the USA.
In the 1960s in the United States, unlike in the 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 motorcycles just weren’t suitable for the rough grounds.
Homemade attempts to modify them were common. Such DIY Scrambler would have the muffler and exhaust raised, protective plate under the air cooled engine, enforced handle bars and universal tyres. In the end, the rider was still left with a heavy machine and expensive modification.
Development of Air Cooled Yamaha DT Trail Bike
There were other manufacturers on the market such as European Husqvarna or Bultaco already producing off-road motorcycles, but not many Japanese manufacturers specialised in trail motorcycles. So in October 1968 Yamaha launched their purpose built dirt bikes - the Yamaha DT1.
The DT stands for Engine Displacement which is the main characteristic of this series ranging from engine size 50-400cc. The 1968 Yamaha DT-1 was in fact a dual-purpose bike, 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 DT-1 was inexpensive bike in comparison to RD Series. It had 250cc two-stroke single cylinder with an 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 DT Enduro including DT3, followed by disc brakes
Other models followed shortly such as Yamaha DT 125, its bigger sister Yamaha DT 175 as well as the larger Enduros such as DT250, DT360 & DT400.
1980’s the liquid cooling was added.
The success of DT series led Yamaha to diversify the off-road motorcycles into RT1 (360cc), AT1 (125cc), HT1 (90cc) and other “mini trail” models with engines from 50cc-80cc.
Yamaha DT Parts
As Yamaha DT models evolved so did parts, some are still being used nowadays and are available from Yamaha dealers directly, some were made obsolete. We offer quality reproductions of some of the most desired Yamaha DT motorcycle parts on the market. We understand that especially rubber parts and seals disintegrate over time.
Oil Pump & Tank
Rebuilding an old oil pump is certainly easier than finding a new one on the market. Through we don’t supply hardware for it, we have a full kit of seals and gasket to help you restore your classic Yamaha lube oil pump in no time.
Air Cleaner
If your motorcycle loses power, it is usually a sign of an intake issue. We stock most of the essential rubber items for DT carburettor and intake system such as air box dampers, straps, carburettor joints.
Stand, Footrest & Brake Pedal
If exposed to element, footrest rubbers crack, we therefore stock front & rear footrest rubbers, gear lever as well as kickstart rubber. We also have footrest dampers, stand stopper, and various nuts and bolts in stock.
Front Fork
Having tight-fitting front forks on trail motorbikes is a must. We keep in stock both, the oil seals and reproductions of matching dust boots. We also stock front and rear mud flaps.
Here are also some handy links:
For more information about the very first Yamaha DT-1 visit Motorcycle Classics
Lots of advice and help can also be found in the Yamaha Enduro Forum with lots of pages dedicated especially to Yamaha DT 125.