Like most earthshaking ideas, the idea behind the 1968 DT1 was simple. Build a sturdy dirt bike with good suspension travel. Give it good power and handling. Add lights to make it street legal and make it half the price of the Husqvarna 250.
Everybody loved it. From the press to first time riders and everybody in between. The initial 12,000 units went away in a hurry so Yamaha ramped up production and sold 50,000 in that first year. It may not have been the birth of adventure riding, but it was no doubt the first introduction to the masses.
By 1972 the design was fully mature. Aftermarket parts for the DT1 were plentiful, you could add power, suspension, or bling. The DT1 really was a game changer that reshaped the market and the way people thought of motorcycles.
The 1972 Yamaha DT 1 used a 246 CC air cooled two stroke single cylinder motor that made 24 HP with Yamaha’s Autolube oil injection and a 5 speed transmission. Relatively long travel front and rear suspension and a dry weight of less than 250 LBS made it a very popular choice.
This particular 1972 Yamaha DT1 (VIN# DT1F115508) is in Gilroy, California and is listed as ‘very original and runs great’. The bike has some listed defects, but is offered in a ‘no reserve’ auction which might be an excellent chance to get a fine trail bike. The bike is currently sitting on the opening price of $100
Sources:
Motorcycle Classics
Wikipedia
Motocross Action
Motorcyclist
Yamaha Enduros