1980 Yamaha DT175 Enduro Motorcycle

Description

Yamaha’s original dirt bike, the DT-1, heralded the beginning of an off-road revolution and led to the development of the legendary YZ250 in 1974, based on the machine ridden by Gary Jones to victory in the 1971 National Championship.  Southern Californian Don Jones built his son’s winning machine around DT-1 components but added his own frame design, along with bespoke engine cases and a CZ alloy tank; the bike was subsequently sent over to Japan to provide the blueprint for a new range of production bikes.  Powered by a single-cylinder two-stroke engine, the popular DT175 series was dual-purpose road legal motocross bike built between 1974 and 1981, replacing the earlier CT3 in Yamaha’s dirt bike line-up.  The reed-valved air-cooled engine drove through a six-speed gearbox while the duplex frame employed a telescopic front fork and twin shock rear.  Constantly improved, the DT175’s biggest update took place in 1977/78 when mono shock rear suspension was added, along with a radial cylinder head, redesigned engine and fresh styling.  By 1980 the DT175 had gained a stronger rear swing-arm, larger air filter box and different carburetor internals along with more power, a fresh colour scheme and a new chain guard.