The Yamaha XT500. Are Vintage Enduro Motorcycles Any Good?
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- I test out the legendary Yamaha XT500 Thumper. Is it worth the pain of owning an old bike? Does it go?
Thanks for the help on this one:
Emmet Moore
Eli Clark
Megan Johnston
isaacsjohnston
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About my “Almost broken ankle”. I actually was kickstarting a XT600 I had and it kicked back. I was launched from the bike and had to go to the Doc. Apparently my ankle was dislocated (didn’t know that was a thing) but I lucked out and it didn’t break.
I learned the hard way about kicking big bikes without knowing the process. 😁
Yes! Same thing happened to my brother riding it. I am still really careful 43 years later!
I know. I used to ride Harleys. I did that to my knee once. I was on crutches for a couple weeks. 😩
That's why Harley riders kick it off the bike, not sitting on it.
If you kick it right it won’t kick back. The XT is equiped with a anti kick back system, but in order to let this system work you need to keep the kickstarters peg downwards for a sec when you kick it. In this way the rattlewheel of the kickstarter gets slid underneath a holdingplate which makes it impossible to link the kickstarter with the engine when it fires up.
I had that bike and a 441 BSA..I know about getting slapped in the calf too.
I purchased a new 1981 Yamaha XT-500 when I turned 18, and I lived in the Mojave Desert at the time..........it doesn't get any better than that. Thanks for the memories!
Glad to see an old tail bike still being used as a trail bike not a toy to take out on vintage motorcycles club
i love it when idiots have idiot opinions about what and how other people should enjoy life.
Great video! The XT500 was actually the first bike I ever owned. I bought it used in the summer of 1991, two months before my driving license was issued. My first and most probably biggest motorcycle love, my freedom machine!
My dude I love this SO much! Make more make more!
JesseDriftwood you are the best 🙈 thanks man. Tell me again how you started making them consistently 🤓
Hey Isaac, thanks for your video. I have an old 1980 XT500 in my shed that I have pulled apart to restore it years ago. Your video has inspired me to get it finished.
Awesome. Did you happen to take videos if/when you did this? I just got the one my dad used as a kid and I'm trying to find videos on how to properly rebuild it
Photo + Video + Motocycles =
How could I say no to a subscribe?!
Love your creativity and you are making me want to get a motorcycle again!
Thanks man! Get one soon!
„It makes you feel cool“…. you are so right. Driving my 83 xt550 is one of the best things to do.
I've had my XT since 1995. They are exactly what you said. Makes you smile & feel in a good mood when you're riding it.
Does it still run good? I'm thinking of buying a used one I've seen from '96.
They stopped making them in the early 80's so double check what model it is.
@@buxvan it might be an XT350 or XT600
We grew up on these bikes. Triggered our continued love of all things biking for the last forty years. Retro is soooo cool
I just bought a 1977 Yamaha XT500 for $500. It needs restoration and I'm gonna start that as soon as warm weather gets here. My first 500. It's missing a few things, but that's ok. I figured what I can't find in the salvage yard I can buy new. When I'm done it's gonna be a nice bike
Old bikes are so much more fun to ride than the new bikes. The new bikes have great features and handle good, are fast and reliable but they are too tall, and an old bike will out corner them every time. The old bikes are more reliable than you would think, don't really handle bad as long as you don't override the suspension and leave you with a smile every time you ride.
No electronics to go bad either, soft seats made to go for hours not minutes. I’m with you, I love my vintage bikes.
I've owned my 1980 XT500 for 38 years. I've currently got it in my shop going all through it and trying to get it looking back to like it did when I bought it. I've owned quite a few bikes, but this is the one I will never let go of, and it's been the most fun to ride out of everything I've owned. And it's interesting, because it get's a lot of attention, even when you pull up next to a group of cruisers. This bike just has that "cool factor" that oozes from it.
Thanks for the video. The XT500 is a BEAST!
Love the bike too.
My 79 (bought new) got stolen,,now have a 77.
Its getting ready to ride.
Maybe this summer.
I can relate mate I love my 1978 SR500
I had one exactly the same back in the day, I've had this one eight years and done 80,000 kilometres on it
I love the XT500, the XT550 and the XT600, each for different reasons. I think these bikes and engines were the pinnacle of motorcycle design. As far as I am concerned, things went downhill from here on. Next to reliability, ease of repair is a huge part of the fun factor for me. I don't care much for speed. I want to see things, not speed through.
What is nice about the 500, parts are everywhere, upgrades are everywhere, they will run and run compared to modern bikes. Some old school machines are just better than new.
Won my first enduro trophy on a '76 Xt in 1985, these bike have true character like nothing else. Great vid.👍
Aw man - that was sick. Favorite shot was the mega shaky one where he’s tracking you on the stone road. But that drone shot at the end was majorly awesome too. Crushed this.
Thanks man! Stoked on your work as well!
Brap Braaappppp!!! This video is killer man. I'm not up for the maintenance but i'd love to have an old-school bike. Do you have to pop the clutch to wheelie or can you just pull it up?
Just throttle and it comes up
Twist the throttle in first gear. I’ve had the 82 xt 550 for 25+ years. Auto comp release never ever kicks back. Replaced cdi unit from newer tt600... 1 extra wire but no more problems. Fit 510/18 wheel on the rear but the 550 eats new tire for breakfast. Can’t figure why it has 2 carburetors. I love riding it. Will never let it go.
I really appreciate the effort that went in this Isaac! Fantastic review of the XT500 🙌
So underrated!! This is the kind of thing I’d expect from a seasoned motorbike RUclipsr; keep it up man!!
Thanks so much! I hope to do more of them!
Nice description of this golden oldie
That was my thumper back in the late 90s. Only good memories, I would love one again
I love the xt500 bought one new in 78 and 80..love them so much I've bought another last week..great Enduro torque??? Lots
had the bike for 30+ years, absolutely reliable, no electronics, just pure mechanic, it will never leave u alone
Had a Yamaha 77 XT 500 Enduro LOVED that bike! Mine had a compression release lever to prevent that kick back. and made it super easy to kick over. Had a few times I didn't time it right and my foot slipped off and the kick starter would hit me in the back of the heal. Talk about indescribable pain! LOL . Everything you talked about owning one, such as the vibration, stopping power with 2 riders, the low end grunt, you could go anywhere , the cool factor was EXACTLY what I discovered on my own when I owned one. THANK YOU for bringing me down memory lane! GREAT MEMORIES!
Maaaan. The quality of your audio and videos deserve sooooo many more views. You've more than earned my subscription.
That's high praise!
I rebuilt a 76 model a few years ago, love it, they are a timeless design. Has it's flaws but I can forgive it for it's fabulous engine and great looks!
I'm currently bringing a 83 tt600 back to life. I'm loving it so far
Wow! Nice video, just rebuilt the Yamaha SR500 to a Scrambler and this makes me want to try it on a dusty gravel road NOW! Please snow go away!
I love my 76 XT 500 converted to TT electronics. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great beast..had a 77 and a 79 in those years..I'm back on a 77 like the one I had at 17..enjoy Thumperians
Interesting. I have that of 1983 and a) it does smoke at start but only after a long sleep, and it does not burn oil; b) it does kick you back once in a while. I found myself on my back on the left side of the bike - I was wearing boots. I take this as a sign of gratitude for the love and care that I gave to her
When I was a teenager in France, it was my best bike ever for trail, and mythical Paris Dakar bike for ever used stock in this race with just a bigger tank. I bought one 2 years ago in Canada one from 1976 full original and first owner, it's my new milf......How easy it's to use it and mechanize.....Buy one with out any hesitation !!!
I'm thinking of getting a '96 milf lol
Runs better with super trap piping too
I owned a '79 XT-500 Enduro, back in the early to mid. '80's.
Looked almost exactly like this one, but mine came with a Supertrapp muffler, and a few deep dents in that aluminum gas tank. Later, I bought a NOS gas tank from a local Yamaha Dealer.
Apparently, it sat on an upper shelf forever, collecting dust, lol!
Got a great deal on it!
Paid $25. It was a steel tank, white, with black and red graphics.
About the window/decomp. lever; I usually got kickbacks when performing "the drill."
Instead, I brought it to TDC on compression stroke, had kickstarter at very top of its travel, then gave a healthy kick.
This method worked better for me!
After awhile, was comfortable kicking it over wearing rubber slippers, lol!
Couple times, got a kickback, sent the slipper skywards, about half a lampost high, lol!
Miss that Thumper!
Great Video, I just picked up a 78 for $1600 yesterday (Very cheap for the south). After getting it home and going through it to make sure it wasn't a death trap I took it for a ride, Smiles for miles!!
Isaac you have the best XT 500 vid here..............man its beautiful !, I had one back in the day in England.........I LOVED IT ! I now have an XT225 little brother, still good fun....gimme a chance to get another XT 500, thank Sir showing this machines true potential
Yo, this was dope man! Pretty good for only 1,100 bucks. Does it take a significant amount of maintenance to keep it running?
Haven't done much, changed the points and cleaned the carb. Runs good.
I rode an XT500E from England to Portugal return three times, and England to Greece return once during the 80s.
And I thought I was bad riding my dt175 around Belgium for a day in 82, but your trip..that’s hardcore, I have a 79 xt a 76 tt that I occasionally race in vintage, did a 30 mile enduro on it took first in class and beat 9 ktms from other classes, most of them crashed out when “old thunder” crept up behind them and started putting on the pressure with that rumbling exhaust note.. total intimidation however a bunch of them handed me my arse too lol.
The xt is my round town bike, I take it to the local bar with my girlfriend on the back and park it right in amongst all those chromed out armchairs, love seeing their faces like wtf do we have here 😎
@@adriancleveland4838
"Old Thunder" I call my 78 SR500 "Thunder Wing" after the T-Rex song of the same name
In one of the lines of the song is "Do your thing Thunder Wing"
If the old girl is ever reluctant to start I speak to it nicely and say "Do your thing Thunder Wing"
That will usually get her going
@@hodaka1000 it’s an awesome vintage bike, keep the points in tip top condition or it’ll be a shit to start, I can start mine in flip flops usually first kick
@@adriancleveland4838
The SRs don't have points and it will usually start first kick most mornings
It's my second 78 SR500 had it for seven years and done over 80,000 kilometres
It's 5.30am here in Australia, I'm about to get out there after this coffee and pull it engine out for an overhaul
It's developed a slight rattle in the top end I can't tune out of it
It's still running great I was riding it last night
@@adriancleveland4838
See Thunder Wing
👉 ruclips.net/video/sreAc4LIzsk/видео.html
Amazing job! I had little interest in motorcycles but now... thanks for creating these small little videos! Great quality and content as always.
I've done my job then!
I gotta say an old bike is the best! My 77 dt250 is a tank and I trust it more than my car to be honest. And the sound of a cold start and the feeling of dirt under your tires is unmatched. Old bikes forever babey
So killer man! Forrest, Alex, Rod Trevino, and yourself need to get a bike trip lined up and document the whole thing. Would be absolutely epic!
Working on one as we speak =)
Super cool video man, watching in Australia 🤙🏼
Hella cool to hear!
I know this is a 3yr old vid, but l am about to enter the XT world. Today l am picking up, for free, a 1979 model, west Texas "barn bike". Actually a goat pen bike. I checked and it does have compression so it should run. Looking forward to this very much, although l probably won't keep the bike. Enjoyed your take on this beast classic.
i had the road version in Japan, the SR. Loved it. I loved the straight line vibe acceleration. These bikes, mostly the destroked 400s, were the foundation of the whole J-cafe/tracker scene in the '80s and '90s. Inspired Kawasaki to produce the legendary (but unknown outside Japan and SE Asia) Estrella and w650 which later got Triumph going again with their Bonnevilles and the whole Euro-retro-cafe thing. I remember the pressure release valve lever that required special attention when kick-starting. THese Yamahas could be bitches to kick start too!
Love the fun and humorous attitude of this video review and that it is still highly informative! And as always, amazing job on the filming and shot layouts 🤙🏻
Thanks man! Appreciate the love
Just awesome! love the vid& cool shots, presentation & fun (plus some fail) so cool ! Luv my XT500
Love the video.Makes me want to ride.Very classy bike.Your right this bike fits in anywhere.
Thanks man, it really is a great bike for any place
I had a 81 TT500 import from the States. Made it road legal and absolutely loved it on the UK roads. Havent to this day heard a more epic sounding bike.
They are very popular in South Africa. I've just bought a 1980 XT500. Spend some time cleaning it up and making her feel loved.
It's a crowd stopper at the gym, at the coffee shop or just putting in gas. A full nuts-and-bolts restoration, 99 percent original, will cost you USD5,000. A used, but clean model, about USD2,500. The most fun you can have with clothes on.
I'd not ridden a bike for 35 years. The XT was a schoolboy dream. So now I'm acting like a schoolboy.
Great humor in the vid! Also so beautifully shot Issac 👌🏻
Thanks Sam!
I’m lucky to have one of each, a 79xt that I picked up for 1k on the NY/Canadian border in a snowstorm, I actually stuffed it backwards somehow into the boot of my ford escort and took it home dangling out the back with a bungee strap. My 76 tt I picked up for $60 in a box of bits and a frame, a few bits of eBay and away it went, raced it in the vintage Mx and won a bunch of trophies, I often ride the xt around our village with my girlfriend on the back and have it road legal, some scumbag even tried to steal it the other day while I was in big lots but he couldn’t manage to lift it onto his truck lol
I agree. I remember when those came out, love at first sight.
I don’t know why people don’t watch your channel more haha. It’s just good fun.
I think it might be that I haven't made much on here. Lots of edited IG stories but not much on RUclips. Changing that now
I do envy you with all that open space to ride...man what a smile it must give you.
I hear ya bro i have a 1974 Suzuki TS 185 enduro love it runs and rides great 47 years old so cool
I just bought the same exact bike! Already have a TT500 that Im using for flat track. So awsome! I need to know, what mountain range is that your on at the end of the video?
I commented a few weeks back about getting one for free. I did, it's an '80 model, built in May of '79 and it runs great. Since then l have found another and purchased it for $100. It's a 1978 model in almost all original condition. Pretty nice 45 year old bike. From what l have read it should have CDI but it has points ignition. Paint is Crystal Silver and clearcoat Aluminum.
Make so many more of these. So fun!!
On it!
As an ex owner of 13 years xt 550 thumper beat is close to heart beat that's why we love them. Plus low maintenance and for me living 6 months a year on an island was the best thing.
Nicely done. They don’t make them like they used to 👍🏻
They sure dont
Had a 81 xt500, I used to tell my friends if you can start it you can ride it! Lol. Very few ever rode it! Lol thumper life forever! 💯🇺🇸💪
Been there done that with my 78 SR500
"If you can start it you can ride it"
That was the first new vehicle I bought. Was in Hawaii and I loved it. Someone else loved it too and stole it.
Great video Isaac! I have a '77 XT500 and I don't think I really ever want to get rid of it. Such a unique and fun old machine! And they have quite the following.
Such a rad video. I love seeing the progression and the passion you put into these videos over the days. I am really excited to see how your new bike turns out. Keep it up Isaac. 🤘🏽
Thanks man really stoked to have you part of the journey!
Alright I need one!! Good work man. Beautifully shot as well.
Yeah, that's the spirit! Thanks!
I wish you could still find them for that price. In so cal these are going for 3K---6K range. killer looking bike. great video thanks!!!!
Holy smokes! In all honesty, I am now sold and looking into finding one of these. Loved this video Isaac!
Joel Hypponen Me too!
Yeasssss that's what I want to hear! Soon we'll be ripping vintage enduros through Norway!
I'm for sure buying a new bike after watching this. love the vid and your channel!
also, the drone shots are great!
Would love to see more videos as well made as this. Cool style. Sweet bike.
Thanks dude, I'll hopefully start serving them up fresh asap
Awesome vid, I've never owned an XT 500 but I think they're the coolest of bikes.
Some guy in Germany did an engine upgrade from 500 to 700cc... would be cool to do and retrofit discs 🙂
I'm loving your video! Made me change my mind about older bike
Yesss!
These bikes are iconic now and the price is just Rocketing upwards.
Love it! I miss my old DT400. Enduros are the real deal - I love the robot gf comparison. 😂
Vanessa Johnston thanks Ness! I miss my DT too lol, poor girl is sitting now with a bad piston.
Isaac Johnston IT’s kick ass too, try an IT 250, you will love it.
Such a fun video! You’re making it awfully tempting for me to pick up a bike of my own
*chant gets louder * Get one, get one!
Really great video, super creative. You can tell a lot of effort went into making it
I've been thinking about getting a motorcycle, and this just put it over the top. So stoked to get out on two wheels now. 🤘
Get one man
I have the same bike for sale since l soo your video the bike it’s no more for sale thank you
2:19 the XT500 was never built to stop. It was built to keep going. 😎
This is the best video EVER! I still have my 1977 XT that I got in high school. I use it on adventure rides with my friends on KTMs and BMWs, and as long as we're not on interstate, I end up waiting for THEM! Engine still rocks, it's the suspension and brakes (like you say) that are the most dated. Tell you what, though, still does gnarly single track. I have mine bored and stroked to about 560 CC, with a 38 mm Mikuni carb and a supertrapp exhaust. I ditched the metal rear fender, blinkers and battery long ago, as well as the tachometer and metal headlight. A bit lighter from all that. It's still a fun ride. I probably have 50,000 miles on it (it's on a second speedo after a bad crash racing the Pikes Peak Hillclimb). I've rebuilt the engine several times, though. I subscribed - keep the fun coming!
Lucky bastard! Wished I still had my 77 XT 500
Good video man, appreciate your work !!
Thanks a million!
Beautiful, nice work, Isaac!
Thank you
So sick. Love it Isaac, keep making more!
Trout Candy Films thanks for the love! I plan too, just need to keep the pressure on lol
That Was Pretty Good Man, You're Lucky! Is That Like The Bike Lyle Swann Rode In, 'Timerider'?
Had a yellow tt500 wish I still had it
Loved it! Can’t wait for more videos on your channel
Thanks man! I plan to make more very soon!
I love seeing MT featured in your content!
Always!
amazing video!!! I love the XT500 but in my country they cost more than a freaking harley 1200!!! :'( what's the first song you used in this video? i was here rocking while lookong at you doing wheelies haha! cheers mate!
That bike is so clean 😩🙌 the camera work was awesome too!
I know! I lucked out on it.
I had a 76 XT500, bought it new, I loved it, but its 6 volt electrics were shite on a dark wet night blasting down a tight country lane on my way home in deep mid winter in the UK, the times I went off through a hedge I havnt enough fingers on both hands to count, the second moan was its love of drinking engine oil, from the get-go to 8000 miles. it had the early type down swept exhaust rising up through a large useless box and out through a fairly heavy silencer (muffler), I removed that and put a yankie made super trap can on, am sure I got another 5hp doing it plus another 25 decibels, what a great bike, but over here in the UK they are fetching big money now, thats if you can find one, prices can start at £4000 for a well knackered one upto £10 to £12000 for an exceptional one.
"Because when you ride a new bike it's like a robot girlfriend." I LOVE IT!!! HAHAHA!!!
Brilliant video, Im not at all interesting in motorbikes but was still an enjoyable and interesting video to watch. Keep it up!
thank you!
Alright I'm sold, I'm getting me a robot girlfriend. Great video dude incredible production value and very entertaining to watch
Haha I hope you too are happy
Interesting... I have a Honda 90, but apparently those are too weak to kick back. Heard of kickback before, but never knew exactly what caused it.
Yeah its gotta be a big bore bike to want to hurt you. Big piston + high compression = danger zone
great video I am getting into older gear more and more.. keep up the good work
Nice work Isaac!!
Thanks Megan!
Very nice bike indeed. They are pretty rare in Ireland these days, still hold serious value though. $1,100! Now that's a steal. Subbed and ride safe.
Cool choice of bike. Happy riderings...
Of course you can!! Easy to maintain, easy to ride!
Making me miss my '84 XT250. Kick only and my first bike. Lots of ether went into that one but I miss it
Never was popular in the US. Glad for it. I got some great deals on the 20+ that I have bought since 1980.
So inspiring! This made me want to buy a motorcycle!
Awe shucks that's so rad to hear!
Dont know where did u find it for 1100$, but when i look for it, prices are about 4000-5000€