A fleet of Yamaha XT500s. Heaven

[@bewilderment9268]

I am new to XT's. My first is a 1979 that l got 4 weeks ago. It spent 5yrs in a chicken coop in west Texas before being given to me. Had it running and riding in 3 days. What a blast, bike looks like hell, runs like a bat outa hell. Then last weekend l picked up a 1978 model. Pretty good original condition. Has 23,000mi on it. It sat for 12 or so years outside, in the desert, in the open. Not running yet but l am very hopeful.

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

As I am sure you know these engines are near unbreakable. I love the lowdown and mid-range torque. Enjoy your journey.

[@williamthedriller1546]

GLAD TO MEET YOU PAUL....I HAVE 2 76 XT500 AND A 79 AND 2 SR500S ,,....MY OLD THUMPERS ARE A TREASURE TO ME....

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Paul is now building his 7th XT. In between he built a 185 Honda for his son-in-law. We forgive him his lapse of logic and brand commitment. It would be nice to see a video and some photographs of your bikes too. Enjoy.

[@kyntyckykobra3300]

Love my 1980 tt500 ride ever chance I get thump thump love um

[@francoisrene9725]

J'ai traversé la France avec une XT. Excellent souvenir...

[@bleepoable]

Really nice work.

[@paulmacdonald3817]

Beautiful collection of XT 500’s.

[@meathead365]

Beautiful, thanks for posting

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Thanks for your kind words. If you look in the Channel you'll see quite a few other bikes that Paul has built. Including the three part/three videos on his last build which it went on to win the Concours at the Thousand Bike Show.

[@aligoris4433]

Fantastic to see such good Originals.... I have 2 that i need to resorect ,- this is on my to do list for this year. I would love to connect with you all as I am struggling to source parts here on the Garden Route... Well done! I am inspired!

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

You can WhatsApp me on 0828855565. Paul and I have mates with a total of over 100 XT bikes. Many parts can be sourced from your local Yamaha dealers. Otherwise there are independent guys (Laurence in Springbok and Len in Krugersdorp that have both new and used spares . Either way, WhatsApp me.

[@heinmuck8432]

What a sound! Wonderful...👍

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Paul is now down to only 3 bikes! 🙄 He's looking for old bikes to renovate at a nuts and bolts level. Must have papers/licence. So if you hear of something, give him a bell. Please.

[@heinmuck8432]

@@lawrenceatkinson5884 do you know if He sells These bikes?

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

@@heinmuck8432 hi Hein. Paul is a hobbyist builder and therefore builds for his own pleasure. He has sold 3 bikes since I first posted the video. Mainly he sells to make space to build the next one . . . And to keep his wife happy. He is currently building a Honda (horror!) for his son-in-law. Then he'll start his next XT500. I don't believe that he will be selling again for the next year or two.

[@jamespolucha8790]

Man what a collection just beautiful bikes, I have a TT 500 but sure would like one with lights and street legal

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Thanks for the comment. I believe Yamaha sold the bike with an option of a lighting kit in some countries. Lights and indicators really add to the versatility of the classic bike. Reach out on the Facebook XT groups and I'm sure you'll get pointed in the right direction for sourcing aftermarket or original parts in your area. Obviously xt500 parts are a direct match. I've done a 12-volt upgrade on my bike which is not really required, but allows me to go LED.

[@howardtowler6146]

Looks amazing

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Thanks. Rides like a bomb, exciting. My daily ride

[@jameskirk5906]

Spectacular!!!

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Have the exact same bike. Hasen't been started in 20+ years.

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

No!

[@russellking9762]

is that a Supertrapp exhaust system you have on there? I owned two of these in the 80’s…great bike

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Paul does now have a Supertrapp. It's a stunner he's had rebuilt. He only got it after this video was made. He has 2 original exhausts, one he acquired after this video. I'll do an update on his collection soon. He's sold a few and built a few since.

[@sicks6six]

ride every day and ride safe

[@Whammo77]

Love the bikes Paul!. I've got a 1980 XT 500, silver and black just like the first one you showed. Bought it used when I was 14 in 1984. Sadly, got married, had kids, etc etc, and she ended up being shelved for about the last 20 years. BUT... I've got it out now, and at a friend's bike shop getting all run through. Only has about 7,900 miles, and still has perfect compression. Putting lots of new parts into it. Can't wait to get it back and to take it out for a ride. Seeing your bikes all restored makes me excited to finally be in a place where I can give the bike the love and attention it needs. :) Just out of curiosity, did you stick with the XT pumper carb, or change over to the TT slide carb? I couldn't quite tell. I've opted to go with the TT slide carb. Even though you don't know me (yet), all I ask is that you remember me in your will and leave me one of those beauties! lol

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Paul is a stickler for originality and all but one of his bikes are original wherever possible. They all have the standard XT carburetor. While we all love the pre 1980 bikes for the history, Paul's experience in building and selling bikes and the experience of his friends is that the 1980 was the polished tank and black detailing is the iconic and most sort after model. In Johannesburg we have a annual bike show called a Thousand Bike. It's for classics only. Last year we had a stand of about six xt500s which gathered a lot of attention. We've been asked to host a Thumper Concours this year. Paul is preparing a 1980 with an original exhaust and he is upping the quality that last 1%.

[@Whammo77]

@lawrenceatkinson5884 I am up for adoption. I need a good home. Lmao. Seriously, congrats! I'm so happy for you, and for the bikes. I'd love to chat via email.

[@glenfourie8187]

I have a 1980 xt500 bought new which I parked in 1989 which I have been eager to restore. Would love to make contact with Paul for advice and motivation

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Sorry for the late response. If you're based in South Africa please message me and we will see what we can do to assist.

[@HWill-iq9sl]

Nice where are you I am looking for someone restore or mine

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Paul is based in South Africa and he only builds for his own pleasure. Sorry

[@unclequack5445]

Mr. Lawrence where do you get all these parts from? The one he rode had a really nice rap exhaust sound. I need a source for parts to do my own restos.

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

I have replied to you elsewhere but as for exhausts I get mine custom made at quite reasonable prices. Your local motorbike fanatics will point you in the right direction

[@mechanicman8687]

82 XT 550.... best. Need to find cosmetic parts

[@susanbutler2498]

Keep the Beautiful XT's and ditch the Wife! Anyone that would make you sell such WONDERFUL works of Art is clearly EVIL.

[@TomdabombNchrone]

TT500 all the way!

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

I'm building a 1981 TT at the moment. Doing the yellow and aluminium look with raised front forks and 12-volt LED conversion.

[@abdellahbenmadine7404]

motor dt yamaha top world 😍😗💪👍

[@silverstone9122]

🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@kyntyckykobra3300]

Use TRUE-FUEL

[@omargutierrez774]

En español sino muecos amigo latinos