I Bought a Brand New 40 year Yamaha Motorcycle

#BikesandBeards

[Land-Shark]

In 1985 I tracked down the last available Ninja 600R (about $3, 500 total cost) from a dealer in Federal Way, Washington who had one due to a canceled purchase. I think it was Federal Way Cycle Center. Kawasaki made just enough Ninja 600R for racing homologation (3, 600 bikes, or so), and most were earmarked by dealers who had a sponsored racer, and most dealers were only allowed one Ninja 600R unless they were a huge dealership, then they might get two Ninja 600R's. I had mine delivered in it's crate to my driveway in Anchorage, AK, and it arrived in the middle of April. Took me about 3 hours to get it all put together. I got radar'd doing 153mph by an Alaska State Trooper on the Glenn Highway in July of 1985, and there was 1500rpm left to go before redline. Trooper only wrote me up for 95mph so I wouldn't lose my license because I actually pulled over and waited for him instead of just outrunning his old Chrysler squad car like most other motorcyclists do (according to him, I was the fastest radar reading he'd ever gotten in his 20 years). Had to see a judge for the ticket, and the judge only charged me for 75mph speeding ticket since the Trooper's handwriting was sloppy.

[malcolmcavalier]

This one brings back a lot of memories, and yes I was laughing at you trying to find the keys. Standard operating procedure was pull the headlight out of the shell during the uncrating. We used to call those crates "Rodent Ramada Inns", the mice loved to build nests with the gray packing material and usually left the wiring alone on the Yamahas. Those 81 and 82 models usually need a new pilot jet put in them and a good carb cleaning, Yamaha put something in the fuel tank and carbs before they shipped them and it would gum up the carb. Clean the carb and follow the starting instructions in the manual and the SR500 is easy to start. Thanks for the trip back to the 80"s.

[ヤマハ乗りのホンダ好きの鈴菌]

It was fun to see the precious SR500, which has just finished exporting and has not become popular in the United States. In Japan, the SR400 was sold and loved until 2021, but unfortunately production for the Japanese domestic market has ended due to exhaust gas regulations. It seems that it is still sold in Thailand.

[gorongo]

Among my favorite bikes I’ve owned. I felt like a kid in a candy store watching this get unwrapped and the excitement was nearly unbearable. I had one back in university to ride along the beach to class each morning in San Diego. Living my best life. Loved that bike and the joys of being 21 in a beach town. Thanks for the journey.

[Waterlooplein]

Years ago I had a SR 500, a '78. This brings back memories. I learned how to kick start it. I watched someone try to kick start it the wrong way and he never got it running, do it right, it kicked off. You look for the white in the window. And use the white switch under the carburetor to open it up a crack. And for those that do not know, you can only start this bike by kicking it.

[dan-o]

I had a '78 model. A tech upgrade copy of a BSA. Complete with the oil in the downtube. Not hard to start. Just push down until the kick stops, pull in the comp release and push down a half strike. It wouldn't throw you over the handlebars, but the kick start would slip off your boot and bruise your ankle and leg. I have to say; from musical instruments, audio equipment, to outboard motors, Yamaha always made top quality stuff.

[bradschreifels]

I assembled hundreds of Yamaha's in the early 80's, almost all of them needed to have carbs removed and cleaned, surprised this one ran! Thanks for the memories!!!

[rickreneau]

I worked at City Cycle Sales in Junction City KS from 81-85. We sold Yamahas and Harleys then. Wayne Jaecke is the owner and still is. I was wrenchin in the back with Steve (good guy) and loved the experience. I unpackaged many a bike packed like that. Brings back memories. 82's an up were shipped with a flame retardent in the carbs and tanks. First it jelled and then it crystalized. Was fun tearing down and cleaning, re-synching so many carbs.

[chuckyrichter]

I had a 1978xt500 and jt was the best most reliable machine I ever owned! My father gifted it to me after he ran kt for twenty years and I put it through another decade of endurance miles lol absolute beast of a bike that I miss with all my heart. This brought back memories. Good memories so thanks!

[geraldnees]

last year I was up in PA spending time with my parents before they passed. I was talking with my brother and he told me about your videos. I finally got into watching your stuff 7 or 8 months ago. Being retired I really don't have the money to ride anymore but I live vicariously through bikes and beards and wheels through time. thank you so much for what you do, god bless.

[jacobjohnson]

I sold my bikes last year to get ahead and miss riding so much. I really enjoy watching y’all bring these classics back to life. Watching this made me fill that void that needed filled ( riding ). The joy of it firing up! Stay blessed

[ronclark]

I bought one of these in 1980 right out of high school. It was my first new vehicle. Everybody was scratching their head at my choice. They just couldn't understand the appeal of a "thumper" and kick start only. It wasn't perfect. But it still holds a special place in my heart and I miss it. You lucky devil!

[cbn]

In the late 80’s, I owned the enduro version of the SR500 (namely the XT500) which was a great bike for beginners. At 16:40 of the video, I literally travelled 35 years back in my own life and remained stuck with a stupid smile on my face for 5 mn just hearing the sound of this single piston 500cc . Thanks to you guys for getting this beautiful piece of art back to life, it must have been a very moving experience . Please continue to make us dream with these unboxing videos!

[BobbyMCC]

I ride a SR 500 from 1993 here in France. Don't know why, but i fall in love with this bike. So jealous to see it. What a dream to find this. Beautiful history guys. Enjoy it

[twillison]

I had an 81 yamaha exciter 185 that only had 300 miles on it when I bought it. One of the best little bikes I've ever owned.

[brianjacobs]

I absolutely love these kind of videos. It’s like a blast from the past right out of the box. Absolutely amazing.

[PaulR]

Outstanding! Recently I had a Yamaha SR 125 which was 28 years old and never missed a beat, cracking little motorcycle, I’ve now upgraded to something more powerful but will always love the Yamaha SR range, thank you for sharing this video..

[gregoryhoover]

I owned and rode a 1975 RD 350 in my late teens (from around 77 -79). Without question the fastest mode of transportation I have ever been on. Blessed to be alive. Used to run it from Titusville Florida to Daytona Beach and back at speeds varying between 90 and 110, even drafting behind semis in the rain for cover. Howled like a werewolf caught in a meatgrinder but ran as smooth as a sewing machine.

[jasonallen]

That 1996 Honda cbr 900rr in the background brings back serious memories. I loved riding that bike more than any other motorcycle I have ever been on. Only seen that color scheme one other time. Soooo nice.

[darkrurouni]

Getting to live vicariously through B&B is awesome. Loving the resto projects and can't wait to see Craig's new bike.