/ Register

  1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

New Member 1965 Yamaha YDS3

Discussion in 'New Members Say Gday' started by Jbach1612, Jan 5, 2018.

restore or modify?

  1. Modify

    1 vote(s)
    9.1%

  2. Restore

    10 vote(s)
    90.9%
Page 1 of 2
  1. Jbach1612

    Jbach1612 Member

    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Train Driver, as infrequently as possible.
    Location:
    Greenwich, CT
    My Bike:
    Yamaha YDS-3 1965
    I will preface all of this by stating that this is going to be my first motorcycle restoration, so please be patient with my utter lack of knowledge. I purchased a 1965 Yamaha YDS3. To my untrained eye, it looks pretty solid. The seat is definitely not original. The only work I have done so far is changing out the Ape-hangers that had been fitted for something a bit closer to what was meant to be on the bike originally. I took it out for a little ride once I had got the throttle to stop sticking, and it ran very nicely for a bike of it’s age- also I’m aware that riding on ancient dry rotted tires was stupid.



    The good stuff: the tank is very clean on the inside. In fact I have yet to find any rust (other than minor surface oxidation) anywhere on the bike. The speedometer and tach both work and the bike is showing 12k mi and some change. The brakes work, the lights work and it starts up fairly easily and idles nicely.


    The less good stuff: while all The wiring is working, it seems that a previous owner used a lot of electrical tape to wrap it in places where the original rubber may have been compromised. Obviously it’s not too pretty and isn’t a good long term solution. There are dings and scratches, but that comes with the territory I would think. Also, I am running premix rather than the Autolube system, though it looks like it could function.


    I was hoping that some of you folks might have some ideas for things I should or shouldn’t do to the bike, on the basis that YDS3s are somewhat rare. I’m a bit torn between trying to restore it and doing some modifications to make it more scrambler-esque. Also is there a good solution for covering the wires in something that isn’t electrical tape? If I’m never planning on running the oil injection, should I remove the Autolube system entirely? Or is that a dumb idea. Thanks in advance for your ideas, time, and tolerance of my ignorance. We all have to start somewhere.


    View attachment 29665
     
    • Like Like x 3
    Jbach1612, Jan 5, 2018
    #1
  2. Jbach1612

    Jbach1612 Member

    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Train Driver, as infrequently as possible.
    Location:
    Greenwich, CT
    My Bike:
    Yamaha YDS-3 1965
    8B489206-AC2A-4B69-BE69-F67D28E5D4D6.jpeg
     
    • Like Like x 4
    • Love it! Love it! x 1
    Jbach1612, Jan 5, 2018
    #2
  3. 2valve

    2valve Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    861
    Likes Received:
    352
    Trophy Points:
    348
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Glen Innes Australia
    My Bike:
    1985 Yamaha SRX 250
    Hi. To be honest i wouldn't do either , modify or restore it. It's too nice of a bike to modify it. As for restoring it , i'd have a go at cleaning it up first , as in colouring matching the damaged painted areas if possible , especially since it's all original , well nearly anyway. The alloy parts can be cleaned up also by vapour blasting / bead blasting etc.The rims can be re-chromed if there to far gone rust wise and at the same time new spokes laced and the hubs cleaned. But this is only my opinion though.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
    2valve, Jan 5, 2018
    #3
  4. my67xr

    my67xr Bike Enthusiast Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member

    Messages:
    4,313
    Likes Received:
    2,383
    Trophy Points:
    898
    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Panel Beater, Spray Painter, Custom Fabricator
    Location:
    Adelaide, South Australia
    My Bike:
    Yamaha's , 1990 FZR250R 3LN3 , 1986 XT250TS 57R , 1984 IT200L 43G, 1976 IT400C 510
    Welcome to the forum
    I' would be restoring it or tidying it up and ride it as it was meant to be.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    my67xr, Jan 5, 2018
    #4
  5. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    6,399
    Likes Received:
    4,786
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    May 4, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tamworth, NSW
    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    Welcome J.
    Dumb questions answered as best we can. :)
    Plenty of other Yamaha YDS series rebuilds on here. Have a look in the Yamaha two stroke section and my YDS5 rebuild here.
    https://2fiftycc.com/index.php?threads/1967-yamaha-ds-5-250cc-rebuild.2185/
    As for the wiring I would be using some tubing available from Maelstrom on this forum. He makes the tubing as per what Yamaha used originally.
    https://2fiftycc.com/index.php?threads/wiring-harness-sheath.9264/
    IMO don't modify it as it is only original once, and modified bikes loose value once things are cut up. I would be doing enough to keep it running and on the road and just tidy up/repair the wiring and any bits needed. The oil pump on the -3 is driven by the clutch so when you stop at lights with the clutch in you don't get any oil to the engine which is why most people run premix. I don't like sitting at lights with clutch pulled in as it puts a lot of wear on the bearings and plates and stresses on the cable. Up to you what you do with the oil pump, but if your going to run premix its best to make a blanking plate and remove the pump as it will eventually seize without oil going through it.
    You have a rare and valuable bike there, enjoy your time with it in your care.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    Murdo, Jan 5, 2018
    #5
  6. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,929
    Likes Received:
    6,713
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
    GreyImport, Jan 5, 2018
    #6
  7. Andych

    Andych Moderator Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,291
    Likes Received:
    2,506
    Trophy Points:
    918
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Albury 2641
    My Bike:
    1987 Yamaha SRX250, Honda 1974 SL125 K1, 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
    Welcome... nice looking little project there... and I 100% agree on using Purple Metal Polish... it works wonders.
    Have fun in here... this is far and away THE best bike forum on the planet... lots of technical assistance, 100's of years of experience and knowledge (and that is just in Tamworth :p ) plus everyone is friendly and a really good bunch of people all with the same sort of passion you have.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Funny Funny x 1
    Andych, Jan 5, 2018
    #7
  8. Jbach1612

    Jbach1612 Member

    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Train Driver, as infrequently as possible.
    Location:
    Greenwich, CT
    My Bike:
    Yamaha YDS-3 1965
    Well, I really appreciate your opinion. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
    thanks so much for all your help. Absolutely tremendous!
     
    • Like Like x 2
    Jbach1612, Jan 5, 2018
    #8
  9. Bob Sykes

    Bob Sykes Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    149
    Likes Received:
    84
    Trophy Points:
    228
    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Coffs Harbour
    My Bike:
    2008 Honda VTR250 ; 1996 CBSevenFifty
    Welcome jbach. Nice bike, I would restore it, but it’s your bike. My only advise is seeing as the engine is good, and it has working electrics, ride it as a rolling restoration. Replace the consumables like tyres etc. that make it roadworthy, but don’t rush into big changes. Ride it and see how it feels and looks with a few wash and polish sessions under its belt! When you are out and about on it I’m positive other bikers will come up and chat about your bike, and that will give you food for thought, and your ideas may go in a different direction to what you initially had in mind. Anyway, good luck with it. Bob.
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
    • Like Like x 1
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2018
    Bob Sykes, Jan 5, 2018
    #9
  10. Jbach1612

    Jbach1612 Member

    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Train Driver, as infrequently as possible.
    Location:
    Greenwich, CT
    My Bike:
    Yamaha YDS-3 1965
    Thank you. That sound like excellent advice.
     
    Jbach1612, Jan 5, 2018
    #10
  11. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

    Messages:
    9,066
    Likes Received:
    6,872
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2010
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Brisbane
    Wow, Awesome bike mate, nice score !!!
     
    • Like Like x 1
    kiffsta, Jan 5, 2018
    #11
  12. maelstrom

    maelstrom LiteTek Staff Member Premium Member 250cc Vendor Contributing Member

    Messages:
    5,107
    Likes Received:
    3,473
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Thailand
    Home Page:
    My Bike:
    Yamaha FZR400 3TJ1, Honda MC22
    Great bike and lots of people here can help you with it. About the wiring, the sheath that we sell is made by a Japanese company that has a factory here in Thailand. They supply to the motorcycle and car factories here. But some advice about that. You will need to remove the connectors so that you can slide the tubing over the wires (made easier if you use some silicone spray first). These connectors and terminals are often damaged or corroded and it is best to source new ones before beginning the task. Also decide how you are going to fit new terminals and practice on some spare wire. Then when you are confident tackle some small pieces first.
    Cheers
    Blair
     
    • Like Like x 4
    maelstrom, Jan 5, 2018
    #12
  13. Jbach1612

    Jbach1612 Member

    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Train Driver, as infrequently as possible.
    Location:
    Greenwich, CT
    My Bike:
    Yamaha YDS-3 1965
    I have already had someone ask me how much I would take for it. I doubt anyone here would recommend that I sell the bike, but do any of you have any thoughts on actual value? I found valuation estimates to range far too widely for me even have a rough idea. Also, it should be added that I paid very little indeed.
     
    Jbach1612, Jan 6, 2018
    #13
  14. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    6,399
    Likes Received:
    4,786
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    May 4, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tamworth, NSW
    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    What you paid is of no interest to it's value, but my guess would be around $6,000.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    Murdo, Jan 6, 2018
    #14
  15. Jbach1612

    Jbach1612 Member

    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Train Driver, as infrequently as possible.
    Location:
    Greenwich, CT
    My Bike:
    Yamaha YDS-3 1965
    Much appreciated. Unlikely I am going to sell it anytime soon, given that money can be earned but I won’t always be able to find a bike that I like this much.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    Jbach1612, Jan 6, 2018
    #15
  16. Jbach1612

    Jbach1612 Member

    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Train Driver, as infrequently as possible.
    Location:
    Greenwich, CT
    My Bike:
    Yamaha YDS-3 1965
    I tried to get a quote for some tires and the guy immediately deflected towards me selling the bike instead, so I figured I would ask.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Funny Funny x 1
    Jbach1612, Jan 6, 2018
    #16
  17. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,929
    Likes Received:
    6,713
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    • Agree Agree x 1
    GreyImport, Jan 6, 2018
    #17
  18. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

    Messages:
    9,066
    Likes Received:
    6,872
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2010
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Brisbane
    Survivors are worth more than cafe racers :)
     
    • Agree Agree x 4
    • Like Like x 1
    kiffsta, Jan 6, 2018
    #18
  19. Bob Sykes

    Bob Sykes Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    149
    Likes Received:
    84
    Trophy Points:
    228
    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Coffs Harbour
    My Bike:
    2008 Honda VTR250 ; 1996 CBSevenFifty
    You see, you get out and about and people like old bikes! Enjoy giving the bike a new lease on life and riding it. I can imagine if you sold it the chances of finding another in that condition are pretty slim i.e. works pretty much straight off the bat. Enjoy it.
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
    Bob Sykes, Jan 6, 2018
    #19
  20. Jbach1612

    Jbach1612 Member

    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Train Driver, as infrequently as possible.
    Location:
    Greenwich, CT
    My Bike:
    Yamaha YDS-3 1965
    So an interesting correction, according to this serial number, the Yamaha is in fact a 1964 model, if my internet research is correct. 7B8DB259-8982-4F22-9895-12BF30DDB598.jpeg
     
    • Like Like x 1
    Jbach1612, Jan 8, 2018
    #20
Page 1 of 2
Tags:

Share This Page