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Yamaha DT-1 Specifications
The Yamaha DT-1 was produced in Japan from 1968 to 1971. The motorcycle initially sold for between $500 and $550, which was low for the time. DT-1 bikes came with an 18-horsepower 246cc two-stroke engine and magneto ignition. The engine was coupled to a typical five-speed manual transmission. For a carbureted two-stroke, the gas mileage was acceptable: 35-55 miles per gallon. Overall, the bike weighed in at about 231 pounds.
Yamaha DT-1 Styling
Aesthetically, it doesn’t get much better than this. The DT-1 looks classic and features a liberal amount of high-quality chrome. Smooth lines and exposed parts give it that unmistakable pre-80s motorcycle look. But the tready tires, big shocks, and tall clearance send a message: It’s a trail bike, and it’s built for the dirt.
Custom DT-1 Builds
The aftermarket world for the Yamaha DT-1 is about average, with plenty of custom shops around willing to entertain one-off builds. The DT-1 is a bit of a Motorcross legend, so there’s lots of guides and parts resources online. Standard replacement parts are generally easy to find. The DT platform is versatile and strong, though the DT-1 isn’t the most popular choice for custom work.
Overall, the Yamaha DT-1 is an excellent classic trail bike (and perhaps the first true dual-sport). Expect to pay anything from $1,000 to $8,000 for a DT-1 on the private market. In 2020, the average seems to be around $2,000-$4,000 on classifieds like Craigslist.
