Yamaha DT1 Restoration

Yamaha’s DT1 was introduced in 1968 and is sometimes referred to as the original dual sport motorcycle. It was the first time you could buy a bike that was street-legal, off-road capable, affordable, and reliable by the standards of the time. Compared to modern bikes its performance is subpar at best but style points are high and it is easy to work on due to the simplicity of the two-stroke, air-cooled engine.

There are a surprising number of items still being sold and reproduced for old Yamaha enduros. KDI Reproductions was particularly helpful, they sell replacement seat pans and a number of rubber components for the DT1 that I couldn’t find anywhere else and would have been extremely difficult to make myself. However, the bike is 55 years old and not all parts are available. Some creativity is required when you encounter a part beyond repair.

Parts Replaced:

  • Seat Pan/Padding

  • Fuel Valve

  • Gas Tank Mounting

  • Spark Plug Cable

  • Exhaust Seals

  • Engine Oil Seals

  • Fork Seals

  • Clutch Plates

  • Tires/Tubes

Repairs/Reworks:

  • Cylinder Housing Thread Repair

  • 3D Printed Tank Logos

  • Stator Wiring Repairs

  • Tachometer (unsuccessful)

Photo Gallery

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Skis/Monoski