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I recently saw a website selling new parts to outfit a Yamaha 650 (1974 through 1980) as retro looking street fighters and dirt trackers. Are these older bikes much good at curves and does anyone know where I could find one close to Dallas, Texas. I'm looking for a running engine and rolling. Not afraid to wrench and price is important. I spend most of my money on gas, oil, chain lube etc. riding my SM. All help appreciated. I have kin in Nebraska so could pick one up on an upcomming trip if not in a hurry to sell. I might consider a super deal on an older Bonneville.
Thanks for any Help.

I wouldn't touch a yamaha. There are enough well made bikes around at decent prices that one shouldn't have to stoop so low.

Graybeard, I respect your opinion but if the Yamaha is a piece of c--p then how come they win so many races. I like my SM and my BA and I know they are great motorcycles but that doesn't mean that others are not well built or pieces of c--p.
Just my humble opinion.
Lastly, I'm not low because I might want another bike in my stable. That's two opinions!

You must be talking about Omar's Dirt Track Racing out in California. When you're talking bikes that old, you're just not going to get the latest frame and fork technology which makes today's bikes much better at handling curves unless you put some money into it. If you want a project that'll give you a unique looking piece, then these Street Trackers will suit you if you're into that style. If you just want something for performance though, you're better off buying something used from the 1990's. You can probably pick up something like a Kawasaki EX500 for not much money that'll perform better in the twisties than your old Yamaha project.

For all of the above, check the usual places...Ebay, Cycle Trader, and your local paper/Dandy Dime type free rags. You can search both ebay and cycle trader within a limited area of where you live, because it wouldn't be worth shipping a cheap bike clear across the country. If you're patient enough, you'll find what you're looking for.

Hudsons used to win a lot of races too. I had one once, not a good car. First yamaha I ever saw was a factory entry in the Catalina GP. It didn't even make it out of Avalon before it broke. Last one I was involved with was a yamadavidson counterfeit Harley that the OL just had to have because it was cute and purple. It was very heavy, had no power, and was a total pig in handling. The back breaking straw was when the manual that was ordered when she picked the thing up came. I have not seen such poor engineering since the 4CV renault. Even the hodaka with the marble shifter was a better design. An hour after I saw how much work it was to even see the carburettors or change a tire, we were at the Triumph dealer looking to trade it off.

Thanks for the advice Sal. I've been advised by a couple of other folks that the EX500 might be a better choice. I'll probably go that direction.

Man, a buddy of mine just picked up a Concours to replace his 94 EX500. It's a great little bike! Just 2 weeks ago he completed a cross-continent on it and he's no small guy. He's thinking he can part it out on Ebay for more than it's worth whole, but might consider offers. It's in Manassas, VA if you're willing to go get it. And it'll darn sure get you home (man, I hate that, next thing you know the wheels will fall off). But it was bike enough to take him from Seattle to Hyder, AK then home to VA. Doesn't want to get rid of it, but wife said there's only room in the garage for one.

As for Yamahas, I picked one up a couple of months ago. A little 350 R5 made in 1972. I have nothing bad to say about Yamahas, or Suzukis for that matter. Never owned a Kawasaki, but there were/are several I wouldn't mind having in the garage. The absolute hands down worst bike I ever owned was a Bonneville America. But I still ride one today and thoroughly enjoy it.

Anyway, if you're interested in this particular EX500, just sound off.

I saw those pictures and that was an impressive trip. Yes I would be intrested in that EX 500 but it would have to be a real steal to make shipping or the trip to pick it up worthwhile. It would be cool to have the bike with a story like that one attached. If enjoy track days and race it, it would be a fitting retirement. Let me know the price and I'll see what I can do.

Salmaglie,

Sorry, gotta disagree with ya on this one.

Now I'm not going to say that my '70 Bonnie Streettracker is only one of the best lookin' bikes around that never fails to get total strangers to walk up and admire it.

And I'm not going to say that this baby not only handles with assurance in corners but that I have been known to pass modern 600cc sportbikes mid-turn in the twisties on it due to it's 340WET weight, gorgeous torquey motor, Koni shocks, Bader forks and sticky Avon tires.

And I'm not going to say that this baby gets flogged often and after maybe over 14K miles since it's last engine rebuild is still running great(knock on wood...remember, we're takin' old brit iron here...don't want to arouse the wrath of the gods here) and looking even greater.

OOPS! Sorry!

I guess I DID just say those things, and they are all true, too!

Cheers,
Dwight
(oh and the XS650s ARE a nice substitute and DO make a cool looking and reasonably nice dirttracker, bit of course, they aren't nearly as COOL and don't handle quite as well as T120 and TR6 Triumphs)

If that's what you want and you got the money - go for it. Yamaha 650s are bullet proof. I had a '74 TX650A and it handled like a dream with decent shocks, however it did numb my private parts after 40-50 miles.
Find me one,
Dennis