Yamaha XT500

The racer…

 

This is how the bike started, it was a mid ‘80’s Yamaha XT500.

I was determined at this point to actually do the sport that I loved so much, rather than being a spectator.

 

I changed the bike extensively, I replaced the front end with a combination of Kawasaki forks, a Brembo calliper and a Yamaha TZR250 front wheel.

The motor was completely rebuilt by MCR, they were in downtown JHB. The rear rim was replaced with a 3.5” akront.

I originally used a Gamma fuel tank but replaced it with a Honda item. The carb was changed to a RMX250 item. And loads of other things that were done too.

 

The class of racing was called Super Singles and at that point the rules indicated 500cc (up to 510cc) four stokes or 250cc (up to 255cc) two strokes and no GP125’s

 

 

After practise.

I think I qualified about 20th !

The track was the old Swartkops Raceway near Pretoria

Location in Google Earth.

 

 

Bike, Car, trailer, paramedic.

All boxes ticked – lets go racing.

 

 

Waiting to go out.

 

 

Lining up on the grid

 

 

Coming down the straight.

 

 

And

 

Inevitably…

 

 

 

Back to the drawing board.