Customers Motorcycle Gallery

This 1978 Yamaha TT500 has been restored by Mario from Australia.

Here are a few words from Mario about his project:

My 1978 TT 500. I guess it was fairly complete. It had been in the shed the last 22 years, and it ran when I put it away. Recently I took it out and couldn't believe the deterioration on it. Some rubbers had perished, cables, chain ceased. Rust all over. It was a very sad bike. So I dismantled it all and started sanding back almost everything. Undercoating it, then painted it. Replaced all broken parts, bearings, cables etc. Reassembled it and on the 3rd kick, much to my surprise, she started. I've had her since new, (44 years), and I'll enjoy her for a bit longer. Cheers Mario.

This 1975 model of Yamaha RD200 has been lovingly restored to its original form by Bruno from Belgium.

Bruno even gave us the honour and decorated his motorcycle with Sumo Rubber sticker.

As he said himself: "Happy Customer"

This 1978 model of RD200dx has been standing partly dismantled in a garage for 15years.

The weather and age took their toll. The motorcycle had several rusty spots as well as leaks to cylinder head, cylinder base and exhaust manifold. It was disassembled to the frame, with parts carefully stored and ready for restoration.

Son Felix needed a project for his seminar work at high school with focus on electrics and physics. He choose to restore his father's motorcycle. The restoration of this 42-year-old motorcycle was a challenge, but he was happy to take it. The aim was to restore the vintage motorcycle to a true-to-original condition and make it roadworthy (pass the MOT)

These were some of the defect needing attention:

• Leaks in several crucial areas such as area of engine, gearbox, carburettor, fuel supply and oil lines of separate lubrication
• replacement of ageing tyres
• Renovation of front and rear brakes
• Renovation of lighting system
• Short-circuit in the electrical system during assembly
• Replacement of the fuel tank due to excessive rust damage
• Poor external condition of cylinders
• Disintegrated air filter, as well as cracked air filter box
• Curved and corroded stand
  
• General paint defects
• Various rust stains

It is to no surprise that the project turned out to be economically absolutely unprofitable. As Felix stated, prices of similar motorcycle on the second-hand market start at around 2500€,  but  the restoration has exceeded that several times. However both father and son agreed, that due to the high emotional value, the motorcycle would never be sold.

The RD200 passed its MOT in Germany in November 2020 and Bruno took it our for a test drive the very same day.

Both Bruno and Felix are looking forward to next year to enjoy more journeys on this classic motorcycle!