1973 Yankee Z500

In America, Dual-Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Yankee Z500 sold for $5,000 after 26 bids on eBay.

In the early 70s, John Taylor of Schenectady, New York started building the Yankee Z500, an American dual-sport designed to compete with the best bikes coming out of Europe. Yankee Motor Company started by importing machines from OSSA, the Spanish off-road powerhouse, and then moved to modifying OSSA engines in their own custom frames. Eventually, they combined two OSSA 250cc thumpers to form the 500cc twin that powers this rare American legend.

Unfortunately, the Yankee Z500 was out of the market almost as soon as it got in. Production delays meant that it was already too heavy to be competitive in serious competition the day it was released. But it had some interesting features, like a 6-speed gearbox (with the ability to lock out 1st), a quick-release seat, and a large air filter. But the quirkiest thing of all? This was the first production motorcycle to utilize a rear disc brake. What makes that quirky is that Yankee kept a drum brake up front! I can’t recall any other vehicle that only has a disc in the back, but I’d love to hear from any of you that know one off the top of your heads. They’re big, they’re rather brutal, and they look like a ton of fun to ride. Only 760 were built, so you won’t have many opportunities to snag one nowadays.

This example (VIN: 11-00-527) has 2,949 miles and is said to be a “brilliantly preserved survivor” though it does not run. Interesting note: “the exhaust was sawed in half by a jealous girl friend, needs some restoration work to run again.”

Find this Yankee for sale in Vernon-Rockville, Connecticut with bidding up to $2,025 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $5,000 here on eBay.