This opening photo shows the big feature for the ’73 Yamaha DT3: a new-for-1973 21-inch front wheel, giving it a bit more stability in sand, dirt, or other off-road situations. This 1973 Yamaha DT3 250 Enduro is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Bremen, Georgia, and the seller is asking $3,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to PRA4SNW for the tip!
It’s unfortunate that this side is in shadow. I can’t tell if this side of the gas tank is dented or if that’s just a trick of the light, or lack of light. It looks a bit wavy, but the seller doesn’t mention any damage. In fact, they say they’re the owner and restorer of this beautiful bike, so I’m assuming it’s just a weird reflection. They also say it’s an “original machine”, but I’m guessing that means original spec, not original condition, as it can’t be both original and restored at the same time.
It does look great in the rest of the photos, and they say they have a video of it if anyone is seriously interested. Yamaha made the DT beginning in the 1968 model year. According to Yamaha speak, DT isn’t really an abbreviation for anything, such as Dual-Trail or anything like that, but denotes a two-stroke off-road bike. In typical confusing naming convention, which seems to be the norm for Japanese motorcycle companies, the first model was a DT1.
Then in 1969, the name was DTB Enduro, then in 1970 it was DT1M Enduro. In 1971, it was DT1E Enduro, in 1972 it was DT2 Enduro, and in 1973 they were known as the DT3 Enduro. In the 1974 model year, they were known as the DT250A, and the letter was changed until the last year in 1981, when the DT250H came out. Is that confusing enough? You can see that this example has 2,750 miles on it and, in the next photo, you’ll also see a ding in the right side of the gas tank, so maybe this one isn’t as perfect as I thought?
There’s the ding, and I’d really like to see the left side of the tank now. There’s also surface rust on the kick-start lever. The engine is Yamaha’s 246-cc two-stroke, reed-valve single with 24 horsepower backed by a five-speed manual transmission. The Autolube system keeps things oiled properly, and the seller doesn’t say how it runs, but they can send a video of it running, so that’s a good sign. Hagerty is at $3,200 for a #3 good-condition example, and with those dings, it can’t be anything more than that, in my opinion. Any thoughts on this one?
The Reed valve DT’s were a nice upgrade from the earlier piston port bikes like the original DT1 1968 thru 1971. More power, cleaner carburetion. These are simple, easy to work on bikes but really don’t require much. The lighting system is a mix of battery for the tail light, horn, brake light and turn signals and an AC lighting coil for the head light. So it is critical to have a good battery at all times and all the bulbs working or you will blow out the headlight since it is a balanced system. Points ignition just requires a feeler gauge to set the point gap which also sets the ignition timing. For really getting accuracy, you can use a dial indicator for timing but not really necessary. Autolube is practically bullet proof unless the cable breaks. Tranny and clutch is similar to the RT1 360 so it is overbuilt. A great bike for light to moderate dual sport use but not as a competitive off roader. Should be a great bike to the lucky winner.
That is such great information, John, thanks for posting that!
Being an owner of many of these – I just don’t see a good restoration of a bike that was left outside – it has the tell tales. The ask is the reason it hsn’t sold – about $1500 would be close.
Love the motorcycle stories. Thanks 🖊 SG.
DT 175 was another popular Enduro from the piano 🎹 maker. Nice 6sp transmissions on those too.
Anything over 100cc was a big motorcycle to me growing up, Stan. It still is with my oddball collection. I’ve always been a Yamaha guy down deep.
👍
Weren’t the 175s CT-1s? Like 125s were AT-1s? My brother and I both had the white 125 MX non-street legal versions with the power band that started around 6000 RPM and went to the moon from there! Mine had a 21 inch Akront front wheel that handles much better to me.
Sorry @Stan but none of the bikes in the Yamaha Enduro/MX family (500, 360, 250, 175, 125, 100, 80, etc.) came with a 6-speed gearbox. They were mostly 5-speeds and an occasional 4-speed only.
Cal my buddy owned one. I rode it probably 20x. I believe it was late 70s model..or so. Can assure you it had 6 speeds. Used to motor down the gravel roads pretty quick for a little bike. Lots of fun
All the Yamaha Enduro’s and moto-crossers of that era were 5 speed except for the SC500 which was never offered as an enduro but off road only and it had a 4 speed. Don’t remember if the JT1 60 was just a 4 speed or if it was 5 speed.
1972 was the first year of Reed Valves or as Yamaha called it “Torque Induction” and that was added on all off road models with the exception of the JT1 which I remember being rotary valve. This is all from memory from working in a Yamaha shop in High school and I am an old man now so my memory is questionable! lol
My 175 Enduro has a 6 speed. It’s a down grade from the 250 I had for many years, but at 89 years of age I’ve settled for a smaller bike.
Actually Wrong there Robert – look at the later CT 175 about 1977 or so…..
Buddy bought one 175 new and didn’t ride it much…..chased it for years because of the new 6 speed…..think it was a 1978 ?
In 73′ my dad would drop me off at a large motorcycle shop in Hays. This13 yr. old was instantaneously immersed with all the smells, sights and sounds from machines made in the US and abroad. I learned to ride on a used Honda S 90. Then I did get a new YAMAHA DT 175. It had the 19″ front wheel along with the 5 speed gearbox. Spent my summer days riding the countryside. Great times.
In 73′ my dad would drop me off at a large motorcycle shop in Hays. This13 yr. old was instantaneously immersed with all the smells, sights and sounds from machines made in the US and abroad. I learned to ride on a used Honda S 90. Then I did get a new YAMAHA DT 175. It had the 19″ front wheel along with the 5 speed gearbox. Spent my summer days riding the countryside. Great times.
Mine was a 175, too. Green tank and big sprocket to climb the local trails and mountains. Bulletproof. 16 year old proof, too.
The owner and I have different opinions on what “restored” means.
Looks more like a $1800./ 2000. bike.
I had a DT1. A fun bike!
I bought a new 1972 dt-2,burnt orange for 795.00.Moved up from my 1970 Honda ct-70.I carved a track out of snow around our house in Mass. until springtim.Rode with Pentons,Bultacos,Huskys.I was exhausted at the end of the day.Those guys were ready for more riding.Big and heavy in the mud.Almost 300 pounds
My first motorcycle was a ’74 DT400 that I bought probably around ’80 – ’81. I took it off road once and immediately knew that I would not be able to handle it.
I used it as a back road work commuter when I got my first real summer job that was 15 miles away. It was great for that. A previous owner had repainted the tank a 2 tone blue, so it looked more like a road bike.
Anyone remember the gypsy moth invasion of 1981? I had to wear a helmet with a face shield – the amount of those things that would hit the shield was crazy!
Listing update: the seller has taken down the ad, so it must have sold?