BF Auction: 1973 Yamaha GT80 Enduro
- Seller: David M
- Location: Cape Coral, Florida
- Mileage: 1116 Shown
- Chassis #: 393100408
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE – A photo of the paperwork and original tools has been added to the listing.
Classic motorcycles are an ideal alternative for enthusiasts with limited garage or workshop space. They don’t take up much room when stored, which remains true if the machine in question is a restoration project. This 1973 Yamaha GT80 Enduro is a perfect example of the breed, although its overall condition means preservation will probably be the new owner’s focus. It presents exceptionally well, and its cause is helped by the fact it has a genuine 1,116 miles on its odometer. The current owner wants it to go to a new home, choosing to list this fantastic little Yamaha exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The GT80 joined the Yamaha range in 1972, and our feature machine emerged from the factory in 1973. Yamaha introduced the chrome speedometer bezel to the range that year, making this one of the first examples produced with that feature. This GT80 makes an overwhelmingly positive impression for an unrestored 51-year-old motorcycle. Its painted surfaces retain their original Red Metallic paint, and while there are a couple of minute chips, there are no significant flaws or defects and no signs of a repaint or touch-ups. Perhaps the most surprising fact is that there is no evidence of accident damage or that this machine has ever been dropped. The fuel tank looks perfect, and the crankcase has no scrapes or marks. The Yamaha has a known ownership history, splitting its time between California and Alabama. It has occupied a spot in the current owner’s climate-controlled garage as part of his collection since coming into his possession. Such a sheltered life has left it beautifully preserved, with the chrome and alloy components looking excellent for their age. Some items might benefit from attention with a high-quality polish, but that is a rewarding task that would consume more time than money.
Yamaha has a well-earned reputation for excellence in mechanical engineering, and the single-cylinder two-stroke powerplant in this GT80 is no exception. It might only feature a capacity of 72cc and deliver 4.9hp, but with this classic tipping the scales at a mere 130 lbs, it provides excellent performance. The power feeds to the road via a four-speed transmission, making these machines ideal for novices wanting to develop their riding skills. This Yamaha is 100% original and has only clocked 1,116 miles during its lifetime. It is in excellent health, starting and running perfectly. The owner admits the original tires are old, suggesting the winning bidder should replace them before traveling too far. The same may be true of the battery, but placing it on charge may yield positive results.
The closer we look at this classic motorcycle, the easier it is to be impressed. The original hand grips show no wear or deterioration, and the seat is flawless. They add to the impression that this machine has been cherished by its owners and should turn heads wherever it goes. It retains its original lights and turn signals, allowing the winning bidder to return it to our roads with little effort. The icing on the cake is the tool kit. Items are often lost, or the entire kit can disappear. This Yamaha features its original and complete kit, once again emphasizing the sheltered life it has led.
Motorcycles offer an experience that even the best Convertibles can’t match. They provide unparalleled freedom, making it easy to feel “at one” with the machine. Older models don’t feature the plastic and glamor inherent in new machines, but they possess an undeniable purity that is unsurpassed. This 1973 Yamaha GT80 Enduro can provide the right person with that experience. All they need to do is submit the winning bid. It could be the most affordable way to enter the classic world, making it worth a closer look.
Bid On This Auction
Stephan M Dorsey bid $1,150.00 2024-05-27 09:36:03
Worxx bid $1,000.00 2024-05-26 20:25:31
ME1974 bid $900.00 2024-05-26 17:37:04
Slappy12 bid $450.00 2024-05-21 11:37:43
Dackart bid $200.00 2024-05-21 09:33:31
Comments
The color and paint layout says 1974.
Could have been a late built 73 model reason for the paint layout..would buy this but too far to go an paying a trucker would be too costly..
More than likely they read the assembled date off of the VIN sticker and ran with that. The VIN number will rule out any guesses.
The registration say 1973 rarer model
Those side stands were never long enough. Doesn’t have any damage, like being dumped and never ridden again, so just a swing and a miss for what the parents thought the kid might like. That’s always been a risky bet. It’s a great find, as most were simply thrown away. When these were new, one could ride just about anywhere with little fuss. Just about everybody had a vacant lot nearby. Today, something like this would irritate most neighbors, that just don’t understand, but I think, for someones kid, a lot of fun left in this old gal.
You might not realize how right you are about old two stroke getting thrown away. The ratio of original sales to survivors is amazingly low for sweet spot (late 60s/early 70s) Japanese trail bikes. That means that restoring one can be frustrating, especially if it has broken or missing parts. Old Hondas are still somewhat factory supported; Yamahas and Kawasakis not so much, and just forget about old Suzukis. Too bad, because I personally love the looks of the old Zooks. In fact, I recently finished a mashup ’72 TS185 using ’71 125 fenders and lights, and 250 wheels and brakes. The weight I shed with the plastic fenders, I got back with the front wheel/brake, but It’s still been a great little popper for mornings along the high tension powerline easement.
A few kids in my neighborhood have late model four stroke trail bikes and, yes, they are a little annoying because they never go anywhere except up and down the streets. Miles of creeks and woods all around our sub-division, and they never seem to get out there. Maybe standing up on the pegs hurts their little feet, lol.
In the early / mid ’70s bikes like this were everywhere… Seems every other one of my teen friends had one… heck, my now wife’s little sister had one. What a great time. Very different out there today…
This little bike is worth more than 700.even through it needs 2 tires that’s not that much..quit low balling an buy this while you have the chance..
It’s an auction. People always start low and go up from there.
Had a 72 (?) 100cc Enduro in HS. Loved that lil beast.
Here’s the trick. Always run Yamalube for your 2 stroke oil.
She’ll do 10 more mph on the top end.
I agree, however, economics for a kid took its toll and I bet many were run on moms 3&1 oil,,or worse.
Still a lot of these around down in Texas…..go look in my shed or garage….about 15 or so Yamaha’s with 2 GT80’s around the mini 50’s and trail 70’s….
Great Bike !!!
I think the “CAT'( YEP, I raced my 71 Yamaha mini enduro against them ) was Yamaha kicking it up a notch for the Racing …to get that exposure” WIN ON SUNDAY SELL ON MONDAY” thing going. Thoughts from the past
I love this Bike .