Description
This motorcycle is Lot 274 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 274
1980 Yamaha XT500
Registration no. see text
Frame no. * 1U6-132151*
Engine no. * 1U6-132151*
Landmark Japanese single
First registered in the UK
23, 886 miles recorded
Present ownership since 1991
"Considering the Japanese preoccupation with technology, the appearance from the Orient of a motorcycle so traditionally British in concept as a 500cc four-stroke single seemed nothing short of amazing," - Bill Haylock, Bike magazine.
Introduced for 1976 and sold only in the United States market at first, the Yamaha XT500 single-handedly made singles cool again thanks to its smart, functional styling and bullet proof engine. An 'adventure bike' before the term was coined, the XT was soon proving its reliability and speed in desert races in North America and the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally. Although marketed as a dirt bike, the XT500 was equally capable as an urban commuter, its upright riding position, wide handlebars and responsive engine making an ideal combination for carving through city traffic. Dispatchers loved them. Production ceased in 1989. Today the XT500 enjoys a cult following and original early models are highly prized.
This beautiful example of an XT500 (the same model that was used in the James Bond film 'You Only Live Twice') remains apparently close to factory specification, was first registered in UK and then exported to Guernsey in 1990. Dry stored when not in use, it currently displays a total of 23, 886 miles on the odometer (at the time of cataloguing/ photography).
The Yamaha comes with a Guernsey Registration Certificate for '6642'. It should be noted that the UK Vehicle Registration Number for this machine, 'EGL 312V', is associated with a 1990 'Export' marker in the HPI/ DVLA database. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the validity and status of this motorcycle's registration prior to bidding. The successful purchaser is responsible for applying to the DVLA to retrieve the vehicle's registration number.
Accompanying documentation includes the aforementioned Guernsey Registration Certificate for '6642'; registration plate for the VRN 'EGL 312V'; copies of Used Bike Guide (1991) and Practical Sports Bikes (2015) magazines; a Clymer Yamaha service, repair, maintenance manual; and an assortment of marque-related literature.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
