Yamaha XT500 review. The classic bikes that won Paris-Dakar. Part 1 of 6
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- The Yamaha XT500 was the bike that won the very first Paris Dakar race in 1979 and is the oldest bike in my Dakar collection. This is the first of six videos featuring the bikes in my Dakar collection.
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62 and still ripping around pulling wheelies! What a legend
Only as old as you feel. I'm two years younger than Harry. There going to have to pry me off of a motorcycle to put me in the box.
@@brianjacobsen5762 Same here.
These bikes make anyone look good. They are that good.
Yep just brought one and I turn 62, 2 march this yr.
I loved mine. Wheelie the full length of Maid Marion Way (including island), always started once I'd sussed the ignition timing. Couple of rotations on choke, ease it over compression and jump on it. Grasstrack cam and 40mm Amal MK2 carb just made it more lively. Cam covers had to be ground out to allow the valves to move. I swapped the puny front drum for a TLS British version. 40 years later and i want another one!
Love everything about this. Ex zonda owner reviews £5k bike just because he loves it and that’s what he wants to do. Keep it up Harry
That’s getting close to a £10K bike now.
Much loved by blokes of a certain age and thus guaranteed to increase in value.
When you were doing that wheelie by the fence line- I kept thinking " the great escape". Cheers, mate.
I can't get the theme tune out of my head now!!
@@katoh5525 The Great Escape is now on YT; "Free with Ads" UA-cam Movies....
FYI- Mcqueen rode a . Production used four bikes total, modified to look like a WWII-era side-valve BMW with an olive paint job, old seat, and luggage rack. WW2 BMW's had modern front suspension, fuel injection, and driveshaft. allied bikes did not.
The motorcycles used in film The Great Escape were 1961 Triumph TR6 bikes disguised to look like German BMW R75 bikes. 4 bikes were used to make the movie The star of the movie, Steve McQueen, did much of the riding for the film himself, although Bud Ekins performed the famous jump scene as McQueen's stunt double.
Motorcycle scene The Great Escape ua-cam.com/video/BaFBFmJG-LI/v-deo.html
Yep, but here he was just escaping from his woman.
I’m not a biker, but could still watch Harry talk &review all day on bikes. I’ve learnt a lot about bikes from this video. Happy Easter
I'm not a biker or a farmer or have a large collection of vintage cars, but I have had some important Porsches in the 80's (including the 928 S and 911 Carrera 3.2), a couple of Land Rovers Series III, some 80s BMWs and MBs. In any case, Harry Metcalfe is definitely very interesting because he conveys an authentic, believable and interesting story. I recognize myself when it comes to cars and learn when it comes to motorcycles and farming. Motorcycles will probably never be my thing, but farming is both interesting and important.
Totally agree. I’ve never watched a Jay Leno bike episode or ever watched a bike restoration show but if Harry’s talking bikes, I’m listening.
you should become one. as weekend toys, they're far superior to cars in every way. apart from safety of course. but no one ever thinks it will happen to them...
Well, maybe you should be a biker. Don't need a lot of money to start but due diligence on the bike classifieds or online auction, etc., to find an older bike like this for not much money
It's really good to hear someone talk enthusiastically about motorbikes and cars. But also quite strange seeing Harry giving it the beans around the farm off roading.
A big kid like we all are, with good toys 😀
Theres probably only 1/10th of your audience that enjoy bike videos, but we enjoy it 10 times as much :)
Wow - just when I thought Harry could not get any cooler we have him popping wheelies on a dirty bike.
The Man is a Legend!
Yes, he is. His clips are awesome.
As a biker it's difficult to explain how much fun it is just riding across a field on a bike to someone who doesn't ride.
It's so much fun riding a motorbike you question how it can possibly be legal.
This video shows the fun, too. No silly techno music playing over the sounds of the bike and wind, bu just the audio of the encounter and a live voice-over.
This is good stuff, I am impressed with this channel.
Love the fact that you're not Wrapping them all up in cotton wool and that you'll get em mucky....
Fantastic......👍👍
Correct - some people treat them as museum pieces. They are made to ride - just need cleaning and care!
@@fabiopunk1661 Cleaning and care--not many received such during their (40+ year old bikes) lifetimes. Too many were ridden til filthy and put away wet.
Brilliant - loved that Harry - can't wait for more bike videos!
Big smile, Italy and back on one of those in '84.
which way did you go?
Hey Ben, Cherbourg, Angers, Dijon, dropped down to lake Lemans and in to Switzerland, Simplon pass then on to Bologna. The weather was perfect as was the time.
Peace.
@@petrichor649 thanks geoff...hope to make this trip this year. Will write down your waypoints. I was thinking about Caillebotte today. That photo of him and his dog. Also his pictures of women at a table. So great. Shalom.
@@stillben .He is one of my favourite artists, way ahead of his time.
Looks like no go this year for a bike trip, I wanna see mountains😞
Peace
My late dad had the first edition xt500 that came to italy in '74-'75 (speedo is in mph as it was an american omologation), the first bike he bought when he was 18. It's been sitting idle since he passed 3 years ago but it holds a great emotional value to me, and i plan to have it restored and drive it. it's great that harry's doing a deep review on it, thanks!
My condolences for the loss of your father..he had good taste in enduros..I bought a new 1977 when I was 17..I learned alot trail riding the hard way on it..I just bought the exact brown xt500 thumper mint condition but it's getting a once over..can't wait to ride it again...best of luck
Oh be careful when you start it..it will kick back twice as hard🤪
Mere seconds into watching it, and it’s already one of my favorite videos you’ve done. Such an awesome collection, and it’s great to see you riding them as they were originally intended to be ridden.
Agreed
Just when you thought he couldn’t get any cooler, you see he can do proper wheelies 👏
Thank you Harry. The XT500 was my first bike in 1982 ,you brought back a lot of good memorys.And i also love how you are not getting older and proof it by showing us this lovely bike in it´s natural habitat.
My first bike too, and the one I took my test on, more than thirty years ago. Now, at the age of 61, I have a modest Honda CRF250L which is an honest little bike as was the Yamaha.
Harry behaving like a teenager! 😆 great stuff!
That's not teenager behaviour, it's trail biker behaviour (all ages)
I remember trying to kickstart one of these over when I was much younger, as many things in life it's all about the timing, lol. Great memories from yesteryear. Excellent choice Harry.
I had a rotary powered trailey mates could never start! de compress kick it just over tdc and then one firm kick ,went for me every time ! It’s just about learning and knowing your bike
Yes, back in the mid '80's, my future step brother thought it would be funny to get me to kick start his Suzuki SP 500, not fun!
‘More bike videos coming along very soon’. Yes, please.
Perfect timing Harry. Three of us, who've each raced to Dakar, were riding a roadbook around your way yesterday. You're more than welcome to join our next trip on one of the collection
Being Born in 1971 and BIG into trials riding from the age of 7 this was my dream bike as a youngster and I can remember having the poster on my bedroom wall. Nice one Harry 👏
Have no interest or knowledge in bikes but I’ll happily watch more of these
What I really like about Harry, is that he appreciates the classics and old machines, the heritage, design mechanical feel etc. but without ever complaining and moaning how everything was better in the old days. Instead he keeps curious, open and critical about the new stuff and the future. That's the right way to age, way to go Harry!
Such a lucky bloke Harry!
I love the XT500, these bikes were famously used in a James Bond movie with Rodger Moore.
Thanks for showing the bike.
That chase scene was epic!
Dont forget rambo first blood
@@ChrisBassTXP Real bikes, too, no CGI. I think the proper riding attire for an XT500 is a .22 caliber target rifle...
@@bertr286 with the 2 stroke soundtrack.
@@Rob-hx6on yeah that always tripped me up
Bought a 76 TT500 new . Raced it standard, then highly modified for nearly 10 years. Mx and enduro. Made over 40hp very reliably as a 560cc. The most fun and versatile bike ever made. Wish I still had it. Really wish I still had it.
I'm not into bikes, but I thoroughly enjoyed that video
"There's a grey blur, and a green blur. I try to stay on the grey." - but that doesn't stop me appreciating the boys on the green stuff. lovely bike.
Love XTs.Only had the 250 but bought it brand-new.No CBT,no training of any kind,just paid for it and rode home.Happy days
Yes! More bike stuff! I can't ride anymore most of the time (sodding arthritis - wrists are too weak), so thanks for keeping me in touch with my preferred mode of transport.
There are a few gadgets/ mods that may help you continue to ride.
Great video, good to see the bike being ridden and enjoyed.
I've owned a 1978 XT500 for 25 years, I think I paid £1200 back in Scotland. It was my back roads bike, it was great to tour the Scottish Islands, where half the roads were single lane.
Now we live in NZ, so now there's loads of places to ride it off road.
I couldn't help smiling every time you said how light it was and how it felt like a small bike. Off road in NZ it feels like a tank compared to my KTM Freeride, but I love them both!
Regards Paul
The XT is so legendary in my mind I HAD to talk about it in great length in my Tenere video. You've gone in way more detail and I thank you for it, such a great video as usual Harry
Love seeing how easy it is to raise the front wheel on demand. Nice for when you hit a rocky patch.
Also, never grow up, Harry. Never. :-)
Great video Harry, I used to race BSA singles in the California desert back in the 70’s and your Yamaha reminded of the joy of large 4 strokes, thanks
" Before the cattle get in...they leave deposits". LMAO, Harry. We call 'em " cow chips" over here
Cow patties or dung in Australia
My favourite one is the Cagiva. Amazing bike!!!
This was my second ever bike I had a DT175 1979 and bought one of these XT500s for £600 in 2006 offroading in the Scottish woods I was 16 and weighed 6 stone soaking wet so this bike was a real handful especially when I was knee deep in a bog trying to kick start it, loved every minute of it
Brilliant xt500 loved that i had a DT400 back in the 70s had some great fun on that to.
That was great. I always lusted after one of those as a kid, walking past the bike shop, on my way home from school. Had to make do with a fizzy!
finally a moto video. years back i discovered this channel through that original P-D moto video and been striving for another on that topic ever since. thanks for the good taste and work.
I had one of them back in the eighties, daily used, it used to start okay but every two or three weeks or so it used to kick back, hurt my foot, ankle, knee hitting the handle bar with my thumb in-between, bloody thing got me every time! Loved the thing even so, got a TT500 now as well as some others.
Wow. Thanks, Harry. Cheers
I have been riding this bike since 1979. Still my favorite.
This brings back some great memories. I bought a 76' XT500 off of my sisters boyfriend when I was about 14 in 1984. Rode trails with it until I got my motorcycle endorsement right at 16. Used it for mixed road and trail riding until it was stolen about a year later right out of my garage. Never saw it again but I still have the title to that bike to this very day. I moved on to sport bikes after that, then marriage and kids and no bike for a while. About 5 years ago I returned to my dual sport love though when I purchased a used near mint condition 12' DR650 which I ride usually a couple times a week.
My first motorbike. Bought my 81-MY XT500 in Townsville, QLD in Dec-80. Rode it to Brisbane, Toowoomba, Dalby, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and back to Brisbane where I sold it in Mar-81 with 15,000 KM on the clock and a few speeding fines too. Next bike was a GS and still riding GSs. Fab bikes.
When i was a kid My neighbour had an XT500, white one, i remember it vividly as it was so loud! 😂👍🏻
Wow, had no idea that the workmanlike and humble old XT500 was a Paris-Dakar machine. Back in 1991 I wanted an Africa Twin more than my next breath; an absolute design classic that is totally desirable and cool, if not a little heavy, today. A landmark machine which Honda totally nailed, right down to the trademark graphics.
Bought an XT500 in 1978.
Love that bike. As indicated quick, nibble and lots of torque. Leave the city doing 75 mph, turn onto secondary roads doing 60 mph and onto mountain dirts roads doing 40 to 50 mph.
Love to own one now, though maybe next will be a Royal Enfield Himalayan!
Being 65 I remember when these bikes were new. Great times. I’m retired now and just picked up a one lung thumper. The 2016 KLR650 in digital camo. Like it a lot.
Have a mini thumper 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa 250 I bought brand new and has been ultra reliable. Anticipate the same from the 650.
Watched this one after watching the more recent Dakar bike videos. Again, what a machine ! Wheelie monster.
Never been a street bike guy, but cant see how this wouldn't look like a ton of fun! Much enjoyed! And now there's just one more thing I need...
The bike I learned to ride on. My brother still has his 1977 original which he regularly rides from Germany to the north west of Scotland. Lovely machine.
I brought one new when they came out in the uk in late seventies ,loved it. my mates on dt's called it the TRACTOR. because off road i always left a furrow
got a ktm 640 now ,because its the nearest i can get to xt500 single cylinder torgue .truth be told i still prefer low down grunt ,and lazy torgue from the yam .it would pull like a train in any gear and revs. in its day all the stuntmen on films used them ,controllable power. even first blood at beginning uses a xt ,sounds is dubbed to make it sound like a 2 stroke.
Without giving too much away, I've since done the video on my '82 Honda XL500R and I'd swear the XT500 had more low-down grunt than the Honda. I'll reveal more in a couple of weeks..
I bought an XT250 1992 whilst living in Greece. I had never ridden a bike before but quickly got into it for a few years. Was cheaper to buy a second hand one than keep renting one every week. It was bigger than the one in the above video and was mono shock. I just rode it and paid friends to maintain it (I am no mechanic). My friends and I still talk about the great times we had on that bike every day and every night in the heat of the med, no helmets, just sunglasses. Lol. Great memories. Great to see the XT name again Harry. Many, many thanks.
For an elderly gentleman, he handled that bike quite well. Nice to see a bike video added to the mix.
older, not elderly...
A mate of ours bought one when we were still on Suzie TS250s (took those things everywhere)..let us ride it. Couldn't believe the POWER!!! And it looked exactly like this one. I just think they're the best looking scrambler and the motor is legendary. Thanks Harry. And nice wheelies by the way!! Cheers from NZ
When it came out it was the 4 stroke trail bike to have, a couple of friends bought them, within a short time it was outclassed by the Suzuki SP370.
I had VBK 414T, a bright red SP370 from new in 1978.
Funnily enough nowadays I’d go for the XT as the Suzuki was a little low for a very tall guy. We used it on the local disused airport in the late 70’s, feet up powerslides in third gear such fun at sensible speeds.
Those old thumpers are great so glad I was able to find my Xl500S 1981, will be holding onto it as long as possible, so much fun to ride and easy to work on. You don’t need to go as fast as you can to enjoy riding.
Had one around 81/82, absolutely loved it; ought another about 25 years later. Beautifully proportioned.
I had the 76 model which I bought on Norfolk Island in 77, - so much torque, -would cruise up 45 deg slopes with no effort,-barely revving in low gears. I fitted the biggest off road tyres possible (bit hairy in the wet, stopping on 1 knob!) and it would go anywhere. Best most fun bike I ever owned. There was a knack to starting as you mentioned (a bit like owning a British Seagull o/b) Great video, reminder of the fun times.
Don't forget about the 6 cylinder bikes, would love to see some on road reviews for them as well.
Still miss my 1980/81 (silver tank) version. After NOT getting the kickstart right, I had repairs- rebored with a free flow stainless steel exhaust.. Loud! And fun. Rode it from Cape Town to Durban and back, 2 days each way, in midwinter. That square seat....
An absolutly wonderful Video about the XT 500! Thumps up! We in Germany love this Bike with "goldenen Felgen and Silbertank!"🙂
Had the TT model, 1977, for 15 years. What a blast, could kickback seriously on a warm start, had to be careful with that. Never broke, very reliable, bought it when it was one year old. The difference between the XT and The TT was that The XT was street legal, TT was not, as far as the lighting went. TT- no brake light, pretty sure no battery, so when you used the jerry-rigged rear brake light, the headlight would dim. Tons of torque, not a lot of suspension. Jumped it a distance of 70 feet one time, was young then. No regrets...
Fantastic. I had the junior kickstart music in my head watching that run😃🤣 cant wait for the others!
Love the opening wheelie Harry, bike is pretty fantastic too.
My dad had the TT500 version. Still remember riding on the back through the sand dunes at glamis. Passenger pegs mounted on the swingarm it something every rider should experience. Found it funny to see the pegs still on the dakar race bike you showed.
They are a true wheelie beast, my best friend in high school would whip the front end up on his XT , with me on the back, and proceed to keep it lofted through all the gears, me yelling at the top of my lungs for him to bring it down. I miss those days lol
Saw the XT500's doing wheelies from traffic lights in 1979.....Been riding a Hyabusa since 2000
Ever done a wheely?
That was maybe me if it was in Edinburgh back then. Got banned for 12 month for the pleasure lol.
I got a few tickets from the cops for careless riding for pulling wheelies on my XT500 from traffic lights when I was a teenager.. Didn't stop me though... lol
In 1978 i drove the XT 500 from Cologne/Germany to Goa/India.
A real decent bike without any Problem. 17.000 km
The best ride ive ever done.
A dream collection for me , have had 3 XT 500s in my time and loved everyone of them , even an XT 250 as well.Beautiful, nimble to ride and super cool looks, always knew they were going to appreciate !
My older brother had a Yamaha TT500 here in Australia and we all loved it for the sheer grunt, excellent for big sand hills. Great adventures with that and my DT250, ah, the memories, thanks Harry. 🇦🇺
A bike I wished I still owned, though mine did kick back a few times, it never started that easy, but what a joy to ride.
My Buddy just picked up a 77TT500 hadnt run in 19 years 3 hours of effort mostly carb cleaning and I was wheeling it up my driveway he paid 900USD for it its surprisingly tight, im 62 and still grining like a 12 year old kid! lovely machine!
Had an old xt back in the day. Very simple stuff. Loved it and fondly remember the torque and a real tractable engine. Bugger to kick mind you
My First bike was a DT 175MX, Next bike, XT 250. I dreamt of owning a XT 500 but cars took over. Great video Harry, loved it.
Fantastic! Mine is this exact model fully restored by me and owned since 1986! great to see one being used off road again! Thanks Harry!
One of my Dads friends had one of these in 1978 with a larger aftermarket plastic tank on it. As a 6 year old l looked up to Dads best mate because of this bike.
It started my love affair with Yamahas. My 1st bike was a 78 YZ80E
As ever Harry showing that his bikes are to be used and enjoyed just like his cars... top marks Harry on featuring your bikes 👍
One of the best old school trail bikes. Brilliant engine.
The Yamaha XT500 was an absolute beast back in 1979 when i only had a Honda XL125.
I rode an 81 XT 500 from Johannesburg to Cape Town back in 2004 which was about 1200km one way, it never gave any trouble and started first time, only thing I had to do was tension the chain a couple of times, great bike
Awesome video Harry. It was my childhoods dream to ride and own a XT500, now I do for 15years, everyday ! I can confirm that this bike is probably the most reliable you ever gonna find ! I never had trouble with mine, once a year check the points timing and valve clearance, and the normal stuff like an oil change, and thats it ! This year its gonna reach its 100k kilometers mark. Then the Odo meter will restart all over again, lol. Its from 1987, just like me !
Remember the XT500 when it first came out, cracking bike !
Bought a new XT500 in 1981, gold rims, black and silver tank model. Wish, wish, wish I still had it now. Always had trouble starting it when it was hot. 🏍🏴🏴
This has given me the kick up the arse to get my 76/77 XT500 fully sorted! Nice to see one in the uk still being enjoyed! I would recommend a 12v conversion that gets rid of the points. Works spot on. Always first or second kick after being stood a few years!
Lovely vid and bike. Brought back childhood memories of a kx80 on English sheep patures. Sean from Naples, Italy
The true definition of "the kid in the candy shop." Nice job Mr. Attenborough (per the Telegraph)!
Harry always puts things right.
Hats off to the man. There's a glaring omission in the collection. No 2-strokes. Yes I know that would mess up the Paris Dakkar theme.
This is excellent harry..i often look over to your bikes when your in the garage and wonder about them ..bravo thank you so much ciao
just excellent harry living your life so happy to be along for the ride
Great bike, I had one and had some of the best years of my life on the XT 500. It never let me down, and I ran it thru some less than friendly roads for many, many miles.
THE famous XT500 my neighbor had a 1976 modele back in the early 80 s, that was my alarm clock when he was heading to work...thanks for the memories
You live a charmed life Harry. Mighty impressed with your ability. I still ride road bikes but my knees won’t let me ride off road anymore.
Loved this, looking forward to seeing more from the "Dakar" collection.
Your some boy Harry, not only are you On point with cars, you can even pop wheelies.
The XT was a legend of a bike here in Durban in the early '80's. The local wheely kings used to go up Fields Hill on the highway overtaking cars in the corners on the back wheel on their XTs at 100 km/h. I met 2 Swiss guys and a girl who took their 3 XT500's through Africa back in 1979. Legends! Cool vid Harry and please keep them coming - wheelies appreciated too!
Loved the video, I rode a XT500 in the sand back in the late 70's, hard work back then, Can't believe how close my WR250 is to the XT500 in HP. How times change
Had the DT 175 followed by the SR 500 (same engine as the XT) Thanks for the video!
How amazing that it runs so well and is such a great bike at 43 years !
They were legendary for dubious offroad handling in tight going. Hence all the frame kits. Funnily enough a lot of the problem went away with a longer swingarm. DR400 KLX 250 PE250 swingarms all fit. Quite a few of the Dakar bikes eventually got extended swingarms