Vintage dirt bikes and enduros have become very popular lately. People have been dragging them out of their garages and barns and cleaning them up and they show up in large numbers at events like Barber Vintage Festival. Cruising Craigslist as I do (it’s a problem, I know) it appears the trend may be peaking. When you see a lot of the same type of bike hitting the market, it’s a sign…for instance, right now on Atlanta Craigslist there are more than a few old Yamaha enduros in surprisingly nice condition, for a wide range of prices:
1972 Yamaha AT1
The AT1 was a single cylinder, relatively unintimidating bike. With 11.5 HP on tap, it topped out at 60 mph. Unusual at the time, it came with electric start, a plus to attract first-time buyers and women. This one is a low-mileage restoration and has an interesting rear rack/seat combination I have never seen before.
Find this AT1 here on Craigslist for $2,750.
Upping the ante a little bit is this 1973 Yamaha CT3.
The CT3 was a nominal 175 (actually 171cc) single that bumped the power up to 16HP (good for 65 mph). This one looks original, and the owner makes the all-important claim that it “ran when parked” in 2015. Seriously, one positive indication is the other bikes parked behind it – the owner obviously has a Yamaha affliction of sorts.
You can find this CT3 for sale here on Craigslist for a much more reasonable $1,350. EDIT – this bike has already sold!
Another step up is this beautiful original 1973 Yamaha DT3:
The DT3 was a 250, good for 24HP, which would push it to 74 mph in the top of its 5 gears. This bike is claimed to be original, one owner, and if that is true, it has been meticulously cared for these past 44 years as the paint and motor finishes are surprisingly pristine. Hopefully the internals are also.
This DT3 is located in Canton, Georgia, and listed here on Craigslist for $3,199.
And one more – top of the line, a totally restored 1971 Yamaha RT1B 360.
I will admit it – I had a poster of a gold one of these on my wall in high school. This was a bad-ass bike at the time. Power was now up to 30HP. This bike has been completely rebuilt, with major engine, suspension and body work – pretty much everything, and it is priced accordingly.
If you have slightly of deeper pockets, you can find this RT1B for sale here on Craigslist for $6,220.