Yamaha Yz490 Dirt Bike Sitting For 13 years. Can We Save This BEAST?

I buy a 1987 Yamaha Yz490cc dirt bike that has been sitting for 13 years. Can we fix it up? #Yamaha, #490cc, #Beast,
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[@jhutch1470]

You are doing a great job with saving old bikes. I just had to cringe when you kept your foot on the kick starter, in the down position, for over a minute after it was running. I could not believe I saw that.

[@rhyswatson9976]

I got cringed at that too

[@albundy6804]

Must of thought it transformed into a foot peg!

[@yangerwalling6371]

exactly so uncomfortable to watch

[@potato_staircase6915]

I literally opened KZbin on my phone to type that 😂😂😂

[@fishwars5979]

What is he doing?

[@mikehudg2209]

I race an 84 490 almost every weekend, mine has full wrench report mods , high compression head mod with decompression release, 38 mm carb conversion, full pro circuit exhaust, ohlins frt and rear suspension, I love it , also race highly modified 77 yz400, awesome bikes , man's bike 😁 great video Joe , you keep it interesting 😀 I have tried to make contact with you a couple times, I know your busy

[@Landon2islands]

I’ll sub

[@waylonlegend4603]

Does your 490 have stock bottom end? I was warned about my high compression head damaging the bottom end. My bike has insane compression. Runs like a raped ape

[@morrow49]

Shoot him a message on Facebook.. I wasn’t expecting him to reply too me but he did

[@joshuathacker6827]

Awesome my days of smelling gas and oil

[@scottpastere9404]

I would not have begun the tear down until it was pressured washed first. I hate working on things that have dirt, old sticky oil and grime that adds to the mess on my floor. But great work.

[@geofferyshanen7758]

I really like your content…. back in the 80’s I desert raced a 400 Monoshock…. it was scary fast. myself and two buddies who were friends with Malcom Smith bought the first three monos delivered to the west coast. We geared them up for desert racing and they did approximately 105 mph on the top end… stock front ends sucked… in our first California race in red mountain we learned they also burned allot of gas…. but sweet FAST bikes after a few front end fixes……. keep up the good work… Thanks..

[@bobmiller2564]

Great job, I’ve had 2 of those old dudes, bought a 81 465 new when I was in Japan with the usmc, they shipped it home for me no charge.

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

The plug wrench in tool kit for that is way easier than fighting a socket sometimes.

[@rick262]

Man, nice work. You are the go-to mechanic of the post-apocalypse. I actually felt a bit depressed looking at the old fossil at the beginning of the video. But there it is running again, wow. Now if it performs well on the test ride I'll be even more impressed.

[@Yz4Life]

I wouldn’t trust him with my lawnmower lol

[@comedyash]

What an absolutely awesome find! I love the old school big bore 2 strokes they are so beastly and sound amazing this one really wants to live. Great work man!

[@supacat7059]

Bro your nice mechanic, learning well but please release the kick start when the motor is start or operating, keep the vids coming!

[@kenswift5799]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this before as there are already lots of comments but the black plastic box connected to the intake is the YEIS or Yamaha Energy Induction System. It vacuums when the engine sucks in air then sucks in any air/ fuel mixture left between the reed block and carb to help throttle response and power. I had a YZ125 83 or 84 model that was fitted with it. It was also white with red/pink seat, back in 1987 ! Wish I still had it.

[@rik0_]

thank you! very well explained

[@shartne]

It is in great condition the piston and the cylinder wall with spark. Decent tirres and rims. Exhuust was reall nice and it is overall nice condition old bike so It was worth 1800 dollars. Made a great video. Easy fix. Even the air cleaner was still good and intact.

[@jamescarey9197]

Can't wait to see it cleaned up and rippin, you got more patience than I do for working on these rides 👍

[@loganboyer8816]

The widow maker! I had an 82. 4 speed. So freaking fast.

[@staygold902]

Same.

[@johnkelly8525]

Same same

[@Maplicito]

Yeah, the compression on those beasts is unreal. I bought my 1986 YZ490 with a broken kickstarter, so trying to ride it before the replacement came, I had to get pulled behind a quad. Most of the time, trying to get up some speed and kick it into second, the tire would just lock up. I put a YZ426F kickstarter on it, and while it's still a compression monster, it's startable now. I use mine as a trail rider out in the mountains, and it is some huge fun! It pulls like a tractor in the low RPMs, and if you're brave enough to get the RPMs up, no matter how gently you do so, it tries to wheelie on you - I'm a huge guy, and it still does that to me, regardless of the gear.

[@nicholascaswell4381]

The kicker shaft got to much play and bound up when I started it and broke the right side casing. A very sad day . Did repair it back then casing was very hard to get especially the right side

[@garymallard4699]

I raced 1980 & 81 YZ 465's and 1982 & 1984 YZ 490'S...loved those bikes... i raced from 1975 to 1991 and raced lots of 125 & 250 too..i usually had 2 bikes on raceday ( 2 classes = 4 moto's )

[@robertmowery9596]

Back in 1987 I bought a new YZ490, it was a great bike, but I liked my 1982 IT465 better. It was a much better bike than the 490. They both were totally reliable bikes. I never had any problems with them.

[@markhensley9378]

great video! those old Yamahas are plenty powerful. really looking forward to seeing you get it all cleaned up going for a rip.

[@murrayminimotors1674]

Unreal how great this motor is for sitting out in the field!! Can't believe my eyes!! Great video

[@lowe1677]

I had an 87 490,great bikes and very fast,prone to blowing spark plugs up and electrics going bad,i broke my ankle kicking one over so be carefull with the beast.

[@ipoopmuffins]

ive always been more of a 4 stroke guy, but old school large displacement air cooled 2 strokes are just badass

[@AIRHAWK-me4rz]

Full restoration please if you don't have the money I will donate I love your videos and this is an awsome bike I can tell you like it keep up the great work Joe

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

I owned one years ago. Before you ride it please go through and tighten everything up, big bores are notorious for vibrating bolts loose. DC Plastics has mostly everything for it.

[@jonmccormick8683]

These bikes were pretty common (Broc Glover won against Cr500s and KX500s), Last year is 1989. Then the Yamaha WR500 which is rare. YZ500 (water-cooled) in Europe = very rare. Big bore dirt bikes go for good money $5k-$20k. So $1700 seems high (and I think you overpaid), but running and in good shape $2.5k-$5k for your YZ490. Great all around bikes once you work out the detonation issues when they get hot. Rarity Scale: Less to More Cr500, Kx500, YZ490, Rm500

[@1176hambone]

What are the ways to handle detonation on the air-cooled 2 stroke beasts? Squish? Jetting? Port timing?

[@notagunfreak8146]

@@1176hambone Less compression works, higher octane fuel, polished head, smaller squish, less pre ignition.

[@mikemckelvey4709]

1990 was the last year yz490 I just sold a 1990

[@jakefalk6350]

How much would you value a 1985 rm 500 at these days

[@notagunfreak8146]

@@jakefalk6350 in europe, like 2500-3500 k in the US decent condion like 1500-2000k

[@jonkirk6206]

Dang I had a 83 years ago. Would love to have an 87. You should do a full restoration on that brother. Big money and a rare find

[@edjacobson8480]

Nice bike - no power valves crap. I bought a 1987 Kawasaki KX 500 for $400 the would start, but found water mixed in with oil. Got frustrated because lack of new parts -: all parts available for 1988 and above, so traded it for a great running xr 400.

[@RcOffroad9513]

Awesome bike! There was always a guy or 2 that had these that rode near my neighborhood. Bad ass dirtbike!

[@peteraitken6494]

That's a great bike joe can't wait to see the test ride my mate had a Kawasaki 420 that would lift in nearly all the gears can't wait to see this thing great work mate 🔧🔧🔧👍👌

[@G82JOE]

I LOVE your channel, huge fan. Quick question, why don't you clean the bike before you work on it? Just curious because I used to get my bike spotless first to prevent stuff from getting into the motor,carb,etc.

[@Jrv3192]

Been looking forward to a big bore 2 stroke on the channel keep up the great work

[@jimbo4203]

I was as happy as you when she fired up ! Get her tuned up where you can ride it and that back tire wont be new to long !

[@jhmonthetube6339]

The 85 is the last 4speed. The only significant improvement from 84-90 was the addition of cartridge forks in 88. They made a world of difference on this chassis. Remember to do the squish band and the bike will reward you !

[@patorilim266]

I really like your videos on how your able to recover so many bikes, it's amazing! My only concern, mind you this is my opinion on this, you never finish it on 1 video. It's like watching a movie half way all the time. My suggestion is to either edit you video to 1 video or Part them (Part 1 Part 2) that way we can follow your progress. It's frustrating as a viewer to get excited about your project but we don't see the full results. It's just a suggestion. 👍😎

[@megamindtvsydney3967]

Big money in Australia these 490 yz.

[@dentman67]

Start it in 1 kick. Remove the hose from the little black box. Take the fuel line off and feed some fuel down the hosethat goes right to the intake. It worked great on my IT 465

[@danuelwilliams9548]

Hey just a helpful hint I'm 5,4 and ride a 01 cr500 and I have found if you put something you can stand on .on the other side of the kick starter it helps with starting a cold big bore 2 stroke try it I have used everything to stand on rock log vehicle bike stand .

[@gtisid]

good find not many left now, check the crank seals easy job to do but cause untold hassle if they're leaking. should clean up nice with the 2 vintage blow over

[@mikespain8655]

Do a leak down test for sure for crank seal integrity, etc. Very cool bike.

[@twodogsyyc6729]

In 1989 this was the first bike I ever seriously ate shit on. I think we swapped a 52 tooth sprocket on broke my collar bone and wrist. Luvd that thing. Super solid bike. Great vid!!! So happy I found your channel..

[@dannytyson3278]

Dadgum I love that bike it's in great shape love watching you work on 2 stroke stuff

[@eugeneemerick4359]

I haven't seen any new post by you in a longtime. I think it's been a week or two since your last video. I think a great guy!

[@grabir01]

Sounds really good. You better hang on and do your best to keep the front wheel on the ground in all gears!! Look out!!

[@notjoecheez1]

My neighbor just gave me a 1972 Yamaha 175. It’s been sitting in their barn for years. Needs a lot of attention but it is all in tact except for maybe some plastics. Lots of rust everywhere. That’s my new project. Not sure if it’s a DT175 or what. Says 175 torque induction on the side. Hope I can find parts if needed for it. Doubt it though

[@shephusted2714]

the shop looks good now! get ventilation going and wear ear plugs - love the 2 strokes - this is a good one

[@stevieboy7873]

Nice to see old bikes getting reborn but I will say I was shouting at my screen to say” let the kick start back up now it’s started”🙈🙈🙈

[@kevinnewton2396]

Especially with the big bores....there is a trick to pre fill the carb...first kick every time. Turn on the gas. Lean the bike on its side and hold throttle wide open until gas pours from carb. Then one kick, boom.

[@thomashaas2929]

Your videos are becoming my favorites .

[@wesleyrobbins9183]

I think it would be cool to see you switch it up and do a whole full out bike build/restoration especially on a bike like this

[@kevinfoster2308]

Awesome video, I just got an 87 yz125, a few days ago, in about the same condition. I also got mine out of field, where it sat for about the same amount of time, while fixing the guys air conditioner. For such a tremendous power difference these bikes actually share quite a few parts.

[@traileater]

I parted one of those out, lmk if you need anything

[@thevoxofreason8468]

Very fast machines. If you like this engine, but want a better handling machine, you absolutely should look for a WR500. Admittedly, much more rare and therefore more expensive, but essentially you get this engine in a YZ250 frame.

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

8mm headed bolts in place of screws, major improvement. Nice bike! Great work.

[@fishingmaniac862]

Very little vibration. Usually you see the fenders dancing around on the big bore 2 strokes. Engine must be in good shape and balanced well.

[@TroyRosenbaugh]

Jetted right that should give a CR 500 a run for the money, theyre just as fast. Bit lighter but crazy powerful.

[@abrahamsanchez6740]

Man you’ve come a long way !! But I recommend you trying to start it while it’s on the bike stand so you don’t have to worry about losing your balance!

[@ricgsy7825]

Never start my 490 with the stand down. I Kick twice as high and hard. A real pig to start sometimes kicking it over for 5 mins getting it to start. Feel great starting a bike like that though.

[@waylonlegend4603]

Mine takes a lot of power to kick over. The head was milled down. It’s got crazy high compression

[@mikehudg2209]

I have actually raced my 490 against modern 450s and have done surprisingly well considering, now racing my 92 ktm mx 500 is a great equalizer for the new boys , imo the 92 has the greatest engine ever, not a high rpm rever so you do need to work the gear box 😉

[@mikehudg2209]

@Joe Shabidu I have no idea but I'm up to try !!! I have not raced a bike I like more than my ktm 500 ,

[@ianmangham4570]

@Joe Shabidu The maico will beat it upto 80mph but then the ktm will keep on going 🙏👍

[@derryjones1029]

The beast was awaken back from the dead good job loved seeing it fire up

[@TroyRosenbaugh]

Crankcase ventilator evac makes smooth power. Great vid!!!

[@DownWithRenny]

When it finally turned over you had your foot on the kick for a long time is that okay to do with this bike? I thought it was bad to do because it’s engaged

[@Darrencurt]

If depending on how long that tanks been bone dry just be careful it doesn’t crack with having moisture back in it low chance of it happening but

[@quintinlindsey7967]

Oh man what I would give to have that bike, that engine has a brutal reputation for the monster it is!!! Nice find dude!!! 1800.00 to me is a good deal but I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder!!!

[@crazytestpilot9434]

Gasket maker on your intake manifold can be a problem when it dissolves from the fuel around it , creates an air leak then seizes your engine. I learned that one the hard way.

[@nicholascaswell4381]

Had a 87 490 what a bike scary bugger. 5 speed box instead off a 4. Top speed about 150 km/h with tall sprocket. Would destroy a back tyre on a weekend and shake the bones out off hands and feet. Loved it every time I had the balls to get on . Watch the kick starter to much play and they binder up brake the right side casing.

[@robsim4692]

The YZ 490 was the first dirt bike with reverse and most don't even know it does! You simply kick the kick starter in the opposite direction and it engages reverse

[@kadanv8974]

Every two stroke dirt bike can run in reverse if you bump start it backwards

[@lastoppertunity333]

That engine is one of the holly grails along with kx 500 and cr 500

[@landen_576]

Literally can’t wait sadly I missed this upload I can’t wait for the next part of you riding it!!

[@browndog3455]

What a beast honestly 😉..what a project ..well done..gold mine

[@rt2255]

Save it old 2 strokes are the best dirt bikes ever built. Dream dirtbike is old big bore 2 stroke 450 to 500 shoved in modern dirt bike chassis. Modern suspension but 2 stroke power in dirt. Love 4 strokes, not on dirtbikes, must be a smoker. Grew up on them and they put a smile on my face when you pun throttle and it comes up on the pipe. That is heaven.

[@barryphillips7327]

Nothing a paint job and some repairs should not fix, BEASTLY power Nothing until about 4000rpm then HOLD ON for dear life!!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@michaeltrindade7225]

I just got a 2011 kawasaki prairie 360 and it runs great in low and high rpms, but when the engine is hot it will sputter sometimes in midrange throttle. It doesn't happen all the time, and the thing doesn't bog or anything. Do I have to ajust the fuel screw a little bit to fix it? I am pretty sure it might be running a little rich, but it's not a lot rich.

[@benmccune2802]

You almost blew your leg off holding down that kick starter that long while it runs

[@erwinstang70studiosk64]

Big bore bikes do not require throttle when starting. I find it's hard to start when twisting the throttle. Just lean the bike over to the left till gas comes out from overflow tube.

[@navyseabee7245]

Nice job home slice holding that Kickstarter down the whole time it was running you must have ground a lot of metal off that Kickstart gear

[@gregoryjackson4604]

I really envy what you are doing. I hope some day I will have the time to do those types of projects. Please keep up the awesome content. You are a very talented person, I love watching you problem solve.

[@elimooney937]

I’ve got an 87 yz80 that I’m redoing, then old Yamahas are sweet

[@markhoughton4327]

Unfortunately I spend way to much time down here in Tennessee watching you and Mustie 1.......hey we're do you guys get your nifty squeeze fuel bottles

[@ats-3693]

Beast of a bike, a well tuned early 80s YZ490 or YZ250 with a few minor upgrades such as racing reed valves will still be competitive today with someone good riding it. I had an 81 YZ250 I used to smoke my buddies 351 Fairlane in drag races. Another friend of mine had a TriZ490 trike at that time that was an absolute weapon of a thing, scary to ride.

[@DH-mf2lv]

what do you think an excellent condition 1979 Yamaha YZ250 is worth? Thanks for the video.

[@michaelbiel7473]

Put some money in it its worth the time glad you checed the reeds before you kicked it over alot of people including me when i was younger woudent have looked and that motor is incredible for being outside for so long nice find i dont think you over payed wonder if all the parts are availavle

[@thunderroad7289]

Great bike. Those big bore 500 bikes were and still are beast when you get on them. I have a few KX 500 I also have a 1979 KX 125 my dad bought me new. It has the gold rims. Still looks like new.Always clean them up really good after riding them. These bikes are a scary blast to experience if you have never ridden one. Compression will break your ankle or leg if you are not ready for it lol

[@mikehayes2975]

ah, the old air hammer. i loved mine! i had the one after this, WR500. which was a YZ490 motor in a more modern chassis with front and rear disk brakes and better KYB suspension. inverted up front. i swear i could climb any hill i pointed it up. it just roared up the biggest mountains.

[@techs1smh13]

I beat my wr 503 cc 10 years in Dez so CA. Head work porting Eric gore , 40 mm kx 500 carb. 16x44 sprockets Terra flex 140 106 mph. Sold it to guy in Australia. Bike never let me down. Av gas and motul.

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

1800$!! Damn man there is mint yz490s here in florida for that price!

[@yinz_fishin3002]

You gotta take your foot off the kicker once you get them started lol

[@LynnKorte-ve4qf]

I ve been there and bought one of those beast back myself..I always enjoyed bringing those big ones back to life.when I was your age I ve done the same as you re doin..just be careful and don't fall in love with your restore details and watch your money your putting into them..Still doin it down in ga. I m retired

[@LynnKorte-ve4qf]

Find a IT490. And bring back. And hang on. 😊

[@LynnKorte-ve4qf]

Be careful with those open cross big bores. You ll be over backwards before your be able to stop it..

[@LynnKorte-ve4qf]

Sounds like you need some updated crank seals from allballs..it's leaning itself out a bit on the high side from the sounds in your test drive ..and just running on high idel. Lube your old cables or died holding it back if something sticks.

[@LynnKorte-ve4qf]

Nothing to play with. A mean machine

[@LynnKorte-ve4qf]

As any open desert bike is

[@rabbyredpath3598]

Absolute diamond in the rough joe, nice find buddy, and nice job bringing her back to life! I can't wait to see you rip this beast of a machine 😜

[@leekarpinski4038]

Carnt wait for the next part of the fix up .. grait vid Jo...

[@N3LP]

Great video keep up the great work glad to be back watching your videos again now that I got new bikes

[@shouldknowbetter3047]

Had a Yamaha Tri Z with the 490 fitted 👌

[@fredhyer5735]

I am working on a 1979 KDX 400 that was sitting for over 30 years.

[@Pittsburgh-412]

Wow man. My older brothers best friend used to ride one of these all around the city of Pittsburgh when I was a young boy. That this was very fast in its day

[@Not_Sure-2020]

You took the reeds off and I expected to see scoring on the piston...looked good.

[@markhoughton4327]

Have you ever heard of the Barber Bike museum, they have vintage bike weekend every first weekend in October , you would freak out if you've never been..... Birmingham Alabama

[@Changesforever7878]

Well it's like they say most things that look rough are generally the best, and them 80's and 90's bikes are hard to kill unless you are trying to.

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

I run it in everything. Good stuff mixes in nice and gives it all the vitamins.

[@nathanroberts862]

I had a 94 husaburg 390 that was a monster for a 4 stroke. It was so much monster I traded it for a tw200 lol. Kick start monster same as your 490

[@microsoftteams2663]

I had an 981 YZ465. Had a horribly WEAK rear spring. Bike would not go around turns very well at all. Back end squatted down WAY too much. The cycle magazines at the time recommended going "two-steps stiffer"(whatever stiffness that might have been?) on the rear spring. You MIGHT have the same weak spring issue on this newer bike.

[@samdouglas1842]

If you want to strip paint, the cheap way is to coat the plastics with brake fluid(not brake cleaner). Do that and let it sit for 2 hours and do that 3 times and then let it sit overnight. It’ll come right off with a pressure washer after doing that

[@randomprecisionmotors3130]

Nice job on your Garage by the way...haven't watched in a while...

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

Pull that filter housing and put an external cone style filter on it, run way better.

[@paulbudford]

What a cool find. Even still has the boost bottle fitted.👌

[@AE-lk3uc]

Pull it. Hone the jug toss in some rings ,a wiseco piston and some boysen reeds and a nice mikuni flat slide.. Split the cases and toss in some new bearings.

[@robertdavis4184]

You need to do a frame off restoration. Man I love those 2 strokes