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LOT 403 N

1980 Yamaha XT500 Registration no. 434 UIU (Republic of Ireland) Frame no. 1U6-137185 Engine no. 1U6-137185

Sold for £4,025 inc. premium
Lot 403N

1980 Yamaha XT500
Registration no. 434 UIU (Republic of Ireland) Frame no. 1U6-137185 Engine no. 1U6-137185

1980 Yamaha XT500
Registration no. 434 UIU (Republic of Ireland)
Frame no. 1U6-137185
Engine no. 1U6-137185

"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, winning the latter event in both 1979 and 1980. Although designed and 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. Today the XT500 enjoys a cult following and original early models are highly prized.
This beautiful XT500 was restored in 2015, while more recently the saddle, front mudguard and exhaust were replaced and the fuel tank refurbished. Last run in August 2019, the machine is offered with an old Republic of Ireland registration document.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

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  • 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Lot symbols

NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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