YZ465H or YZ250H as an Evo bike

[skypig]

I'm considering looking for either a YZ250 or YZ465 1981 model, as an Evo bike.
Depending really what comes up for sale.

Even though I'm pretty slow these days, I'd like to buy a bike that's at least competeive in its class.
Neither has the sentimental value of my RM125X, which I owned "in the day".

The RM is proving hard to ride (narrow powerband wise, so far- work in progress) + reliability of vintage bikes makes showing up with more than one makes it more likely I'll still be racing at the end of the day.

I never raced open class two strokes, but the 465 seemes to have a user friendly reputation. Might be a fun bike to ride around at the back of the pack.
I did race an '83 TT600, in '83.

Just wondering if these models are considered competitive, and if there is anything special to look out for.

Thanks in advance for any info or opinions.

[tony27]

The 465h is the latest Japanese bike that should be available to run in evo unless you're talking a specialist frame built bike like c&j Honda, they are very competitive in the right hands
I own 1 but have never really gelled with it as my favourite bike is my 73 CZ, loaned it to a young guy who couldn't get his cr125 going at his first meeting & he flew on it
The 81 has a stronger gearbox than the 80 but you can fit the 4 speed box out of the first 490s if you want, 1st is never used anyway. Cases & cranks are the same as fitted to 490s, not sure if there were are changes right at the end of the 490s life. Often you'll see photos online of cases with repairs behind the kickstart gear, you need to not let things get sloppy to prevent that
Lots of guys on here have them, look for Ted's 1 for some inspiration

[Paulos]

nice looking 465 in Bendigo

 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1981-yamaha-yz465-vmx-rm-kx-cr-maico-490-500-ktm-husqvarna-bultaco-/271970090708?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276


As for your question I rode around on a PE175 in the evo 250 class for a while. Nice easy to use power, was still able to race with the other slow guys on 250's without as much risk of getting spat off. Something else to consider regarding bike options anyway....

[scottm]

  My 1982 .5 Husqvarna Silver Streak won the International twin shock challenge at the Conondale Classic a couple of weeks ago , theres nothing wrong with a Husqvarna CR 500

Parts are available , and around 50hp of useable power

Ohlins are easy to sort same with the front end

[skypig]

Thanks guys. Great info.

I've seen that eBay 465 - looks good. (Hate "reserve not met"....)

[alexbrown64]

I think the reserve has just been met, as the price is showing 3900 and no reserve.  It will be interesting to see what it gets up to.  There is also one over here in Perth, fully rebuilt at 5990.  http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/forrestfield/motorcycles/yamaha-yz465-1981-5990/1087333515
Remember, you will be going from your 125X which was considered the best handling bike of the year and very light, and jumping on a beast...
I once saw Steven Gall at Southern Cross on his 465... very fast.  He got a flat front tyre and it peeled off the rim.  He wrapped it up around the bars and finished the race on the front rim (i think he only had a few hundred meters to go)... stuff legends are made of.

Cheers,
Alex

[skypig]

Yes, looks like reserve is now met.

Look at the pics.
Bike appears to have no: gear lever, RH foot peg, rear brake lever/rod.
Chain doesn't look "ready to ride"

I'd wonder what else isn't mentioned.

Very hesitant to pay anymore than the current bid without an inspection.

My experience with the Forrestfield, WA mob have been that the "fully rebuilt" bikes are ready for the lounge room (nice), but far from ready to ride.

Everyone has a different idea of "fully rebuilt".

[alexbrown64]

I checked the pics.. wonder where the parts are?  I see missing front brake cable guides, missing exhaust springs, missing chain links, missing footpeg and rear brake lever, bald back tire, missing front rim lock and tank air breather hose.  "Restored and put on display"?  Bike looks OK but i think it will need going over and some dollars spent on a general tidy up, suspension, wheels and engine.

[alexbrown64]

That sounds like a nice one Walter, and i bet the suspension is plush. 
Here is some history on the YZ465....

https://youtu.be/M8G7Vj7ZSWA

[Slakewell]

There is always the Willing special YZ 490. Which was more or less a YZ 465 with a 490 top end. They built these to use up all the spare YZ 465's they didn't sell back in 81.
The Husky 430 or KTM 390 are the real sleepers in this class and are far better than most realize.

[Momus]

Go for the 250; you will get more rides per meeting on a bike that, odds on, you will be quicker with.

[skypig]

Go for the 250; you will get more rides per meeting on a bike that, odds on, you will be quicker with.

I concour. Depends what comes along. A sorted one ready to go, like Wasps sounds like, would be tempting.

Even though I would probably be faster (less slow) on the 250, the open class has a certain appeal (I'm not that smart)

Do you mean I'd get more riding because I could ride open Evo, and 250 Evo on a 250?

I appreciate the info.

[Momus]

Yeah, more rides. For 6.5k you could get a pretty good Evo CR250

[Ted]

You can only ride a 250 in 250. You can only ride a 465 in 263 to 1300. The only exception is in an all powers race you can ride whatever capacity you like. Same amount of rides for a 250 or a 465 at a meeting

Tony27 is on the money.  The 4 speed 490 box is a must do. I wouldn't be paying 6.5K for one.

[Viper666]

Go the 250.

I used to be a fair rider & could handle a 250 no worries but was actually slower on my 465.

You may be different but as stated you'll get to ride more classes.

Used to get roosted by the big bore off the line but once we had gone round a few corners that would sort most of them out.

IMO

Viper666