Wanted Wanted - "old school' trail bike. 1970's, 1980's WHY?

g00ner

g00ner

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Itch needs scratching so anyone got anything they may sell? I like all the old Jap trailies - Honda XL, Suzuki TS, Suzuki DR etc etc. I'm in two minds whether to buy a do-er upper or save a fortune and buy one someone else has done already.

It'll be for local lanes and back roads, don't intend to green lane it really. A 500 would be lovely though I won't be going too far so smaller capacity bikes are welcome too.

I've been searching the small ads, Facebay, eBay, Car & Classic etc but so is everyone else it seems. I'm happy to travel wherever...just not to a random Facebay advert and find their 90% complete specimen is in fact a shed. There's a better class of punter on here so maybe something will pop up

Budget is flexible depending on bike and condition, may offer a px if I have anything of interest to the seller

I'm down in the garden of England but as said, I'm cool with a weekend away to collect
 
I've been looking for a late 70s or early 80's 2 stroke trail bike for months. Good ones seem to be miles away, nearby ones are invariably shagged or half finished.
Some parts/plastics are near impossible to come by, so maybe go for a complete one and hope you don't drop it 🤔
 
I have a 1976 Suzuki TS185 that I’ve just rebuilt
697bdbaebb36e345dc00c8b1f1b36085.jpg

Let me know if it’s the kind of thing you’re looking for and I’ll ping you more details.


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I'd sell this for £4000 which is what I paid for it a year or two back.
1976 Yamaha DT400. I bought this from a guy who had bought it from the importer with the idea of restoring it cosmetically but like me he couldn’t bring himself to do it as it’s an original one owner California bike that had been sitting unused for 20+ years. Original receipts and paperwork showing details of what has been done to it since import. He did however replace bearings, seals, tyres and fit Rex’s electronic ignition and 12v electrics. He was very meticulous - he has a garage full of Laverdas and Benellis he’s lovingly restored.

Engine is spot on and starts easily although the carb could do with a bit of tuning which I haven’t got round to.

Since I bought it I’ve had the seat rebuilt and fitted a new chain and handlebars. I have a (very rare) rack to fit to it; the only reason I haven’t yet is because I know once I start I won’t be able to stop myself and it’ll end up as a restoration which would be a shame.
 

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daveg said:
I'd sell this for £4000 which is what I paid for it a year or two back.
1976 Yamaha DT400. I bought this from a guy who had bought it from the importer with the idea of restoring it cosmetically but like me he couldn’t bring himself to do it as it’s an original one owner California bike that had been sitting unused for 20+ years. Original receipts and paperwork showing details of what has been done to it since import. He did however replace bearings, seals, tyres and fit Rex’s electronic ignition and 12v electrics. He was very meticulous - he has a garage full of Laverdas and Benellis he’s lovingly restored.

Engine is spot on and starts easily although the carb could do with a bit of tuning which I haven’t got round to.

Since I bought it I’ve had the seat rebuilt and fitted a new chain and handlebars. I have a (very rare) rack to fit to it; the only reason I haven’t yet is because I know once I start I won’t be able to stop myself and it’ll end up as a restoration which would be a shame.
Click to expand...
That is lovely. I do fear I’d be tempted to restore it though
 
g00ner said:
That is lovely. I do fear I’d be tempted to restore it though
Click to expand...
Yes, the temptation is always there but the longer I own it the more I like it as it is. Surprising how many people say to leave it as it is with all the patina of a 50 yr old bike.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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