LOT 33

c.1966 Yamaha 305Cc YM1 Registration no. NTL 116F Frame no. Y26-29686 Engine no. M1-29686

Sold for £3,450 inc. premium

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Lot 33

c.1966 Yamaha 305Cc YM1

Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale|23 February 2026, 12:32 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

c.1966 Yamaha 305Cc YM1
Registration no. NTL 116F
Frame no. Y26-29686
Engine no. M1-29686

Following in Honda's footsteps, Yamaha entered the '350' class with an enlarged version of an existing 250cc model, launching the YM1 in 1965. Actually 305cc, the YM1 was based on the YDS3 of 1964, which was a new design in almost every respect and notable as the first Yamaha twin to feature 'Autolube' automatic lubrication by means of a gearbox-driven pump. For the YM1 the YDS3 engine was both bored and stroked, producing 26bhp, a two horsepower improvement over the '250'. Apart from the top end, the two motors were identical. Stylish and fast, the enormously successful Y-Series continued Yamaha's reputation for offering more performance per £ than any of its rivals. The model was built until the end of 1968, latterly as the mechanically improved but cosmetically almost identical YM2.

Imported by 1998 and subsequently restored, this rare Japanese classic was first registered in the UK on 2nd June 2009. Eight years later it was sold by Bonhams at our Spring Stafford Sale in April 2017 (Lot 282). At that time we were advised that the Yamaha had been dry stored for a few years (the tax disc expired in August 2011). We had also been advised that the machine was built for the 1966 model year and first registered in the USA in 1968.

A model rarely encountered in the UK, this YM1 was purchased by the current private vendor in February 2023, since when it has been dry stored and turned over/used sparingly. The machine is offered with MoT to 19th January 2027; a V5C Registration Certificate (where it is registered for Historic tax exemption); and an invoice for service work carried out by Dave Woods Racing where a new clutch was fitted.
Offered with key

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

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.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
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