Post Sale Update: This YM-1 sold for $3,250 after 9 bids on eBay.
Described in Yamaha’s marketing materials as a “Cross Country Sport”, the YM-1 was an evolution of the YDS-3 and it was the top of the line Yamaha sportbike of the time. This example was part of a 13 bike collection that “sat dormant in a Texas barn for 34 years.” It has been brought back to life and now needs an owner who will hopefully put some miles on it!
At the time, the 305cc 2-stroke twin was “the biggest displacement 2-stroke of its kind in the country” and it featured Yamaha’s famed Autolube oil injection system. The motor produced 26 horsepower, enough for a top speed around 100 miles per hour.
This example shows 13,049 miles on the odometer and it’s got plenty of paperwork to document the history with the original owner. Per the seller, the collection this bike was discovered with included “a Triumph X-75 Hurricane, John Player Norton, 100 original mile Triumph Bonneville, Triumph Tridents, a Norvil Production Racer, BMW R90S, Ducati 750GT, Moto Guzzi V7 sport, MK3 Electric Start Commando, and the list goes on.” To bring it back to life, the seller replaced the battery, lighting, and fluids. The clutch was rebuilt, the tank was replaced and repainted with NOS emblems, and new tires were installed. The original Autolube decal is on, which clashes a little bit as it has aged but the other decals haven’t. Still, it’s a great looking classic that should be a fun rider. Interestingly, the bike also comes with the original fuel strainer and leather fuel measuring stick, which are rare finds.
Find this YM-1 for sale in West Palm Beach, Florida with bidding up to $2,325