Gordon’s Yamaha TT500

We’ve had many an XT500 through the workshop but this is the first competition version, the TT500. Yamaha made it with no road lights or clocks, an aluminium swing arm, and a gorgeous aluminium tank.

This rare model has a powerful effect on some old blokes. I showed it to my friend Adam, who has his own XT500, that he rode to Australia in the 1980s, and has since restored for competing in long-distance trials.

He disintegrated immediately. “How much? I’ll pay anything.”

We ignored him.

Owner Gordon is a pretty handy off-road rider with a weakness for old trail bikes. I did a Morini 501 for him a while ago, and this bike came in a similar condition: stored for a long time.

“It’s a very good bike and really good off road in mountainous terrain,” he said. “I last used it ten years ago on a twin-shock Pyrenees event. It went brilliantly until the points went. Luckily I had a spare old bike in van.

“I bought the better of the two ignition options from Rex’s Speedshop, and fitted that. It went well and, more importantly, it started well. Then, after a few rides, it felt like the timing went out. I’m so busy it’s a job that got pushed to back of our jam-packed workshop.”

Because the bike had sat around for years, it needed a lot of TLC on the existing lights and switches before the loom build could start. And because Gordon wanted a battery and fuses, the whole collection of electrical components needed planning out. Not only do they have to fit around each other; they have to avoid the chain and exhaust, and stay (as much as possible) out of the dirt. The only option was to use the smallest suitable battery, hang everything off the airbox, and take some of the extra weight with a new support strut.

I didn’t fire the motor up because the oil is ten years old. The next stage is to send the bike to Rupe Farnsworth’s shop (07950 234497) for a full service and recommission. In the meantime Gordon has found the missing bits. Once it’s all back together and running I’ll do some more pics.