One thing we have learned over the years at Barn Finds is that classics come in all shapes and sizes. The sheer variety of machinery we have seen is mind-boggling, but one of our favorites is old motorcycles. They offer a potentially affordable entry point into the ownership experience and are ideal for enthusiasts with limited garage or storage space. This 1973 Yamaha GT80 Enduro is a perfect example of the breed. This pocket rocket is a genuine survivor with a documented history and only 1,180 miles on its odometer. It may be a collector-grade machine, but there is no reason the new owner can’t climb aboard and enjoy the Yamaha as its creators intended.
Yamaha added the GT80 Enduro to its model range in 1973 as an entry-level motocross machine. While many saw competition work, far more plied our roads as affordable and fuel-efficient daily commuters. This GT rolled out of the factory during the first production year, and the seller is its third owner. They hold documentation tracing its history back to Day One, including the Title and Certificate of Ownership. The seller admits the machine isn’t perfect, but its condition is impressive for a motorcycle of this age and type. A couple of the plated controls, like the clutch lever, show signs of minor deterioration. It is a similar story with the crankcase, although none of the problems are severe. What this Yamaha lacks is battle scars, supporting the seller’s claim that it has always remained in the upright position. The tank and painted surfaces wear a rich Deep Red Metallic that shines beautifully, with no evidence of chips and marks. The seat is perfect, while the lights and speedometer are excellent. The seller has stored this GT in a climate-controlled room, and its preservation reflects that approach.
The beating heart of this Yamaha is its 72cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine. It sends a modest 5hp to the road via a four-speed transmission. It hardly promises neck-snapping acceleration, but with only 130 lbs to shift, the engine provides surprisingly energetic performance. The seller claims this GT has a genuine 1,180 miles on its odometer and the included documentation may support that statement. Surprisingly, it retains its original tool kit, which is a bonus since these often disappear as time passes. It also sits on its original tires, which the winning bidder will probably change if they decide to climb aboard to add to the mileage tally. This is possible because the Yamaha is in excellent mechanical health.
The seller listed this 1973 Yamaha GT80 here on eBay in Cape Coral, Florida. The auction is in its early stages, with only two bids submitted. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the current figure of $107.50 is below the reserve. I expect the price to climb significantly before the hammer falls, and see no reason why it shouldn’t touch $4,500 by the auction’s conclusion. Its odometer reading is extraordinarily low, but it leaves potential buyers with decisions to make. They could continue preserving this Yamaha as a slice of motorcycling history, or they could jump aboard and enjoy all that this mechanically healthy machine offers. Which path would you choose?
You meet the nicest people on a Yamaha.
I think that slogan sold more Hondas than anything. Yamaha called these “The Exciters”, but didn’t have a zinger like Honda. I believe it was the Asian bike makers mission, to be nice, unlike those unruly Harley riders.
Yamaha Exciter was in 1980 and 1980.It was a 250 c.c cruiser style street bike.Bright red along with other colors.My father bought one that the owner of Panetti yahama in Glendale owned brand new.My dad bought it slightly used from him in September of ’82.Actually, Yamaha named some of their snomobiles “Exciter” also but that was in the mid to late 1980’s.
Stark realization, nobody wants it. That wasn’t the case in 1973. If you had one of these, you were the envy of every 10 speed or home made mini bike rider out there. Very few were ridden on the street, even though it is street legal. These were destined to every vacant lot and trail in every community. Oh, we took many a lump, but t’was all in good fun. Like the Road Runner was a “gateway” car, these were “gateway” motorcycles, and for most, a lifetime of motorcycling began right here. These cost a whopping $265 bucks new, again Bar Mitzvah/grass cutting money. The hardest part was convincing the folks, but eventually gave in.
You know, I just wonder if you would make some kids day with this, or no interest. Aw heck, can’t sell everyone short, I bet ANY kid would love this. There are actually “GT80 ” forums, so I could be wrong.
Live like its your last day,,Give it hell)
Yamaha’s 80;s rule…
These were called a “Mini Enduro” when they came out,
& every teenage boy I knew then wanted one.They looked like
the scaled down motorcycle that they were.
Sad thing is that overweight old guys are paying WAAAYYY-
TOO MUCH for bike like this that they can’t/won’t ride,just display
in their office/garage.
This needs to be ridden & enjoyed by a kid after learning
how to ride safely & responsibly.
Looks like a 1974 to me. 73 has a Nike like swish around the gas tank
It’s been on here – BF- before and it was bid way up there on Ebay – they should have taking the money then.
Would make a cool pit bike at the track!
This is a good looking little bike.l imagine this bike would’ve been a dream come true. I can see why old fat guys pay good money for bikes of their youth that their to big to ride auy longer.