I should be so lucky to start on the first kick like the seller says about this 1975 Yamaha DT250. This great looking bike is listed on eBay with a current bid price of $3,200 and it’s selling to the high bidder as there is no reserve. It’s located in Glendale, Arizona and it sure looks like you could drive it home – it would be fun to try.
I have had two or three of these on/off road bikes and they’re hard to beat, especially if a person doesn’t live in the heart of Manhattan or something. You’d probably want some dirt roads in the general vicinity of your travel, but maybe that’s just my way of thinking. A 250 is a nice compromise in my opinion, it’s big enough to be able to travel on the highway yet still small enough and not so powerful that it’s like riding a rattlesnake out on the trails.
This bike is “all original including factory paint and only has 3935 miles. Matching frame and engine numbers”. It looks as nice as I could ever imagine an original on/off dirt bike to look.
I have a 1978 Yamaha XS750E with a black engine and I think they’re pretty cool and unique. This one looks almost too nice, was this bike ever ridden off road?! The engine looks like it’s been refinished but it’s all original. This is Yamaha’s 246cc two-stroke single-cylinder so it may climb a tree if you aren’t careful. It should have around 19ish horsepower. Even though there may be a little seat and handlebar chatter at highway speeds, this one was made for that. It should travel all day long in order to get to an off-road area and it has an 85-mph top speed, Have any of you owned an on/off road motorcycle? If so, what was it and how far have you traveled on pavement in order to get to where the real fun begins?
Wow! nice bike! and you’re right Scotty be careful; that’s a torquey engine that can send you if you’re in your driveway to the top of your neghbor’s car.
Cheers
Love it but pricy
Amazing that this is in such great condition. I have a 1972 DT250, but was mostly used and abused off road, in the woods and trails and looks it… but still runs and is fun.
I had one of these many years ago. Ended up on my butt more than once. LOL
They obviously changed them a bit from the old DT-1 that Yamaha introduced back in ’68. I remember those almost taking over the enduro market back then. Install a ‘GYT Kit’ and you really had something that would move. Unfortunately, back then, it still wouldn’t hold a candle to the European bikes but at least it gave them some competition.
I had the DT360 model from this line. Great commuter and for around town. Regularly received calls from a neighbor on next farm to get my help when any of his cattle got away from their pasture. Lots of fun. These were great $300 bikes.
Always called this type of bike an enduro, more versatile than the motocross bikes I drooled over as a child of the 70’s.
I had a 125cc version and we all went around a 14 mile course laid out by somebody. I beat myself up on that yamaha we were all jealous of our buddy who got a new Puch 250. Man that thing was a Cadillac compared to our junk bikes. Good memories.
While it is a bit pricey, especially for what it is, not the best road bike, not the best trail bike, to see one like this is truly unusual. These were ridden hard. Bending footpegs, losing turn signals, and tail lights, from the the inevitable “endo”. Friend has one, and it sat in the barn for years, pretty trashed, yet,,, a quick carb clean, it started and did a full day of trail riding. To be clear, these bikes are the ancestors of modern day dirt bikes, and will handle like one. Today, many trails are atv trails now, and for some stupid reason, some of these operators insist on spinning their tires, making for miles of rumble strips in the trail. Modern dirt bikes have 2 or even 3 times the suspension travel as these, and take my word for it, it makes a difference. On an outing with the guys DT250(he rode an atv) I couldn’t believe how rough the trail was. Maybe I’m just getting old.
BTW, 85 mph is a bit of a stretch, these, with the gearing they have, are good for 60 all day long, maybe 70 in the racing hunch downwind, downhill, but not 85. I’d love something like this, but will hold out for a more modern one,( for less) with lots of suspension.
I worked for the local Yamaha dealer when these came out. Nice styling change from the previous DT-RT enduro bikes, but also heavier. These would drone along on the road or in the woods, but if left alone, were very friendly to ride. I had a RT-2 360 that I pourted, added a higher compression head, bigger carb, Whispering Smith expansion chamber, and a tricked out YZ front end & longer gas rear shocks. Yes, it was street leagal & tagged!! It didn’t look this nice for very long! Great find & time capsule. Get it & put on your classic motor home.
I had this exact model 76 to 80 and had so much fun with it in the rolling hills and mountains of western Pennsylvania. Strip mines, coal mines, slag dumps, woods, hill climb, red, brown and green mud……all conquered by my enduro with me hanging on. Most everyone else had a YZ or IT or some other really great off roader but none had the heart and soul of that enduro. I had the bike in water, mud and brush over the engine all the time and never left me stuck. Back then, I never fixed anything so I eventually wore it out. There has never been any freedom in my life again like the freedom I experienced when just me and that enduro were running home after a day of riding. Man! Thanks for the chills. Love the site by the way.
Had a variety of 1970s enduros, Still have a 70s Suzuki TS250 and great bike, relatives have a 70s DT1-250 and did some work to it. (The stator coils can have issues) but all in all a fun little bike.. I have a KTM/Penton 400cc high breather now that came from a friend who bought it new in 1976. Restoring it now.
This is a little too new for that price point, but vintage 70s dual sport-Enduros are very much in demand. Several tiddler and 2 stroke rides with local clubs and the big one has been shut down for legal reasons but it was called The “Alley Sweeper” Urban enduro and was a great party doing all alley ways in the city of Portland. Some people wore costumes, Right before the ride each year, prices for a good enduro bikes went thru the roof
I had a ’72 DT1F for my first bike.Loved the looks of it,
but they were heavy bikes.I sold it & bought a new ’75 Can Am-
250 TNT – 10 times the bike all around,except for price.I think I
paid $250 for the Yamaha,& $1595 for the Can AM.
Thinking of buying another bike,but not sure wether to get
a street bike,or an Enduro.I prefer the older bikes (’70 – ’85),but
my low budget keeps me from acting.
Have a few of them…like was said a little pricey but nice. Someone might be paying for memories or it might be going back to Japan to a collector over there.
Like was said – even my DT400….the last of them… gets a little short of breath around 60 or so….not built for freeways.
My first bike was a DT400. Fun to drive on my back road commute to work. But if the compression release didn’t work when you kicked it – over the handle bars you went.
I replaced it with an XS750F Triple – another fun bike.
Had a 1981 Suzuki PE 400 dirt bike. Two cycle engine so that bike acted like it had an 800 cc engine. Lot of fun jumping in a quarry outside of Lawrence while in college. Hill climbing, jumps and landing off plateaus with 15 ft drops was a thrill.
I bought it and should have it later this month. Yes, buying memories. Sweet little bike that evokes High School experiences with my friends. My friend had a TS250 and that was much fun to ride. So, will check back after it arrives and give you an update. Agree a bit pricey, but try and find one with original paint and low miles.
Just delivered.
Just in time you have a few months to prep and practice, The Desert race Oregon 2018 is kicking off in October.
See website for more info. Will be epic!
See: https://thedesertrace.com/
” THE DESERT RACE
the race for everyone!!!
The Revival House presents this alternative motorcycling festival that encourages a diverse blend of race fans, sand racers, enthusiast, celebrities, custom shop, local dealers, speed demons and purist to celebrate their shared love of desert racing.
Racing is at the heart of this event but not too serious as you would find a major race events. THE DESERT RACE was created by the people for the people. The action takes place on a “Any Sunday”, vast wide-open desert terrain without the hassle, rules and costs usually associated with professional racing. Instead this race is held free and is the 2nd race this year. THE DESERT RACE is inclusive: open to all. Regardless of your technical riding capabilities all riders, beginners to experts and even pro racers get to take part in a race that’s quickly growing in popularity and shows no sign of stopping!
The course terrain is massive, and upon our first few test we marked off approx. 14 sq. mi of pure hold on to your seat action for everyone attending. Don’t want to race but instead relax and work on that epic tan? Were currently seeking out bands and DJ’s, plus food and beverages to keep you preoccupies while you cheer on your favorite racer. With a new class “Cretin Racers” itching for the opportunity to show what they can do on desert terrain… this is a race you should not miss!
Fixed the turn signals with a new (original model) flasher relay today. Nice to have those working properly.
Picked up a new helmet. It’t a Nexx and fits quite well. They make some very nice lids. This one was $299 from Revzilla.
Nice 75 250B Pete , l have the exact same machine , got mine back in 1988 & it looks as good as yours at 7000 miles . As a kid with paper route savings l bought my first Enduro back in 76 , a leftover new 74 DTl00A , these old enduro’s are in my blood .
Nice ride today.
I have a yamaha dt 250 year 1975 i’m trying to bring it to its original, i need only the PLASTIC cover of the air cleaner tank. can anyone help me to buy it please thank you.
Hour ride to and back from Park Avenue Beach today. Met Honda Trail 125 rider on the pier and talked bikes. Much fun on a sunny October day.
Great ride today.