Introducing the 1977 Yamaha TT500
Picture this: a rugged, no-nonsense bike that’s as tough as they come. This 1977 Yamaha TT500, plucked from the heart of Arkansas in 2024, has undergone a serious transformation. The seller didn’t just slap on a coat of paint and call it a day; they rolled up their sleeves for a complete refurbishment. We’re talking refinished frame and engine case, a snazzy overhaul on the 499cc OHC four-stroke single, and a meticulous rebuild of the Mikuni carburetor, front fork, wheel hubs, and quite a bit more—let’s dive into the juicy details.
This beauty flaunts a striking orange finish, complemented by polished aluminum accent panels on the tank. And don’t let its vintage looks fool you; it’s packing some seriously modern features like:
- Oil-in-frame construction
- CD ignition
- Preload-adjustable shocks
Additional goodies include a robust five-speed transmission, a comfy black vinyl seat, an aluminum skid plate, a handy side stand, a cross-braced handlebar, and sturdy 21″ and 18″ wire-spoke wheels. This TT500 is now up for grabs—with no reserve—down in Louisiana, but hold your horses; it’s strictly for off-road use only, and comes with just a bill of sale.
Refurbishment Details
The seller disassembled the bike—yes, every last part—to facilitate a proper refurbishment. This included repainting the frame and related components in a sleek black semi-gloss. Upon reassembly, new elements came into play: a reproduction rear fender, front number plate, and fresh number-plate decals got added to the mix. But that’s not all; there’s an oil reservoir sitting pretty within the top frame tube, plus the bike is decked out with:
- A black vinyl seat
- An aluminum skid plate
- Spring-loaded serrated foot pegs
- A convenient side stand
Don’t forget to check out the gallery for a glimpse of the fuel tank’s condition—after all, a bike should be as pretty as it is powerful.
Wheels & Suspension
Let’s talk wheels. The TT500 rolls on replacement stainless-steel spokes that are 21″ at the front and 18″ in the rear. On both ends, you’ll find Pirelli Scorpion XC knobby tires that are ready to take on mud, dirt, and whatever else the trails throw at you. The suspension setup is a classic, featuring a conventional telescopic fork alongside a pair of preload-adjustable shocks mounted to the swingarm. And braking? That’s all handled by traditional front and rear drums. Oh, and yes—there’s even more work done in 2024, which saw the wheel hubs refinished and the fork seals, gaiters, steering stem, and wheel bearings swapped out.
Handlebars and Controls
Up front, the cross-braced handlebar is no slouch either. Equipped with an ignition cutoff switch, a clutch lever, and a compression-release lever on the left, it also sports a twist-grip throttle and a front brake lever on the right side. All control cables and grips were refreshed during renovation, ensuring everything is just right. It’s worth noting, though, that the bike does lack an odometer or any instrumentation—true mileage? Well, that’s a bit of a mystery.
Engine Overhaul
Now, let’s shift our focus to the heart of the beast. The air-cooled 499cc OHC four-stroke single was given a serious once-over during the 2024 refurbishment. The work included:
- Fitting a new Wiseco 87.50mm piston
- Inspecting the crankshaft
- Installing a CD ignition module
- Rebuilding the 34mm Mikuni carburetor
- Refinishing the engine case
- Replacing various hardware and seals
The seller highlights that since all this was wrapped up, there’s been about five hours of engine run time added to the clock. It’s like giving the bike a new lease on life.
Transmission and Registration
Power transfers to the rear wheel through a five-speed transmission and drive chain, a classic setup that ensures thrilling rides. But, here’s the kicker: this motorcycle is not equipped with a title or registration. It’s being sold strictly on a bill of sale, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. So, if you’re ready to tackle the trails with this revitalized legend, act fast—this gem waits for no one.