Barn Find 1977 Yamaha TT500 First Start In 30+ Years

I can't believe this thing fired up!!!

[@jamespolucha6911]

You can’t kick it on the compression stroke just pass the compression stroke and it will start first kick after you get it tuned up

[@dirtyd8611]

Two wheeled tractor, had the same bike street legal back in my younger days, brings back some good times 👍 Give her some lovin 🙏

[@cliftonlindsey5747]

You're not going to believe this, but I use to own THAT bike in 1984 in Victoria, Texas. I put the dent in the gas tank by punching it after being pulled over by a cop for throwing a cigarette but down and the cop thought I was throwing a joint down.. So, I was pissed and punched it, instead of the cop. The oils sticker was put on it by the guy I bought it from, as well as the front fender, and the extra large rear sprocket for a Trials race he rode it in just before I bought it. I think the guys initials were D. G. but need to ask a friend that lived next door to him. If you were able to look at the exhaust pipe on the underside of rear fender, you'd see where when I gave my brother a ride one day and because our combined weight was about 475 pounds and over compressed the rear suspension, and the right side of the rear tire rubbed against it for about a mile and wore the paint off of the pipe and melted the corners of the knobs off of the right side of the tire. Do you know where it is now? I want it back! I paid $800 for it with my first bank loan of $1,000 and sold it for $300 to Bozart's Cycle Shop in Victoria, Texas, because my Mom was bitching at me about money one day in 1985.

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

No way!!!! that’s such a cool story I wonder how the bike made its way out to California. I got it from a guy way up in the Santa Cruz mountains and I believe I made a video about it. It should be one of the ones before this one. After I got it running I sold it to a guy and either Sweden or Norway and I believe he wanted to restore it.

[@johndocbikerestorations831]

Nice going man, just finished my XT, lovely bikes

[@richardjones2169]

I had the same model , year , and color . I sure loved that bike . It was the best wheelie bike I ever drove .

[@dougboys5863]

It's a 78. I bought one new. I ride a KTM 950 super Enduro and 1090r but that TT500 was one of the most fun bikes I've owned. When the IT465 came out i traded it in. Two weeks later i went and got my TT back. No comparison in the fun factor. Wish i had another.

[@BigBlocksOtherStuff]

Awesome, New subscriber here. I love vintage bikes. I sold a 81 TT500 about 3 years ago. It was a torque monster for sure. Thanks for the video.

[@ericweber1969]

Love that bike! Congratulations on getting it running!

[@selfmotivatedmotorcycles]

Love that Bike!!!! had a 1978 yellow TT 500 that looked just like that. Great video and great channel. You inspire me to grow and make my channel better

[@vaughnpierce7425]

Had this bike back in the day same color was great to hear it fire up! Loads of torque but dam she was hard to start! Alot of cussing in the woods if I killed the motor! 🏁😎

[@kyntyckykobra3300]

Nice, just came crossed a 1980 tt500,special order from factory,racing gear package etc,it's got 1,500 miles collector's condition. Love it I start it by arm💪first start every time🐍

[@lisawhitelaw4841]

I had an orange TT for 6 years. I cheated by having a decompression lever. There was still a knack to start my thumper and I lost my shoe a few times. I loved that bike 😂

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Got my 81 out of storage the other day. Hasen't run in 20+ years. Fresh gas and some startron, opened the petcock and let sit over night. Started the second kick!

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

Nice!!!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I had an XT500E from 1983 to 1989. Great bike.

[@43JohnDeere]

Neat bike....I have to say that the little song at the end was pretty cool too!

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

Thanks!!

[@gatorguida4483]

Way to go Mason! Watching you beat on that kickstart was more thrilling than a Hitchcock film. I was like “ no way that’s gonna hit “. 👍

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

Thank you

[@joeweiland9723]

Love the IV cans! Good video. Subbed.

[@HermanWoodworks]

That looked like a loooooonnnngggg kick stroke! The shop is looking great man! Love the banner for M.G.M.!

[@kellyturner5417]

Need to know how to buy a 500 TT Yamaha

[@thepyrodude]

Ya know those start a lot easier if you use the kick indicator but don't take my word for it I only own a 75 76 77 78 and a 79

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

The Pyro Dude 😂🤣😂 yea I didn’t notice it until after I got it running! These things are definitely beasts!

[@thepyrodude]

@@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles with a proper tune and adjustments it should fire with one or 2 kicks cold.......check the oil level again the anti drain back valve goes bad and will fill the sump with oil

[@johnhenrymascarenas3920]

@@thepyrodude exactly, l've popped Wheelies down Colfax Ave. Denver, Billings Montana; Cheyenne Wyoming; Laramie; Rawlins; Wheatland and up a lot of hills, mine would do 120 mph. 95mph Stock.

[@thepyrodude]

@@johnhenrymascarenas3920 some seriously tough old bikes I haven't blown one up yet but have worn out a few engines lol

[@bewilderment9268]

I am new to the XT/TT 500 crowd. I have aquired 2 of them in the past few weeks. Both run and bike #2 is in pretty good shape, considering it sat in the open in the desert for 12+ years.

[@AmericaMarsh]

What was the frame number? The competition yellow was only in 78 but they didnt introduce leading forks until 79

[@Garmoo5600]

I rode one today awesome bikes!!

[@chrislollich6064]

The only way to start a TT500 YAMAHA , there is a window On the top of the motor on the top and end of cam case, Us compression release and Push the kicker entil the mark Comes up in the window kick It real nice, and if U have gas And oil it should start the first Kick every time for years. I haven't seen your videos In a couple of years, I'm Resubsribing I'll looking up Some more of videos keep The TT . THANKS FROM NOR-CAL.

[@aircooled2068]

Nice,always great when they run! I'm new to kicking a big old single,just got a one owner 91 Dr 650 kick only bike no e start Kick it wrong it will not start,but kick it right,and its a one or two kick bike!

[@atvseatexchange2176]

The color coordinated shirt sealed the deal.

[@chrisiollich4890]

Pushed the wrong button again. THANK 'S from NOR-CAL!!!!

[@deborahchesser7375]

Legendary monster right there. My neighbor had a 79’ that same beautiful orange and chrome color, he offered to let me ride it, I declined at 12 it terrified me.

[@heathhughes8955]

I had one just like it mine was black and silver

[@daelandcasper5677]

I like that Suzuki titan 500 2 smoker i wish i could just get my hands on one

[@sterlinghayden1434]

I just found one at my grandpas and got it running

[@catdaddy3302]

I’d like to have one of these. If you need more Triumphs, I have a 2019 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Low I’ll sell. It’s got 2,700 miles on it with lots of accessories. Maybe you have something like this I’d rather have.

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

I have the the XT500, 1980. Is there no decompression lever on the TT? If you kick start the XT like that you break your leg

[@melvinmeighan538]

How much are you asking for the bike..

[@vamospeligro]

Hell yeah man! Glad you got her running!! Nearly gave myself a heart attack trying to kick her over!

[@terrywillis5784]

I have 2. You should keep it. You will kick yourself if you sell it.

[@DoctorMotorcycle]

Mason, I love that TT, I'd love to build it. It would go to a good home if you sold it too me, I'd feature the full build on my channel. That being said, I'm in Arizona and shipping will be $$$, so I wouldn't be able to give too much for the bike. Does the bike have a title?

[@markdelichte5401]

Same mistake I did you're kicking it the wrong way. Nice to hear it run though

[@brycelovell7470]

I need help fixing mine can you help me

[@garyeasdale1004]

Gem

[@Davidwilliams-dk4cp]

Yellow tt came out in 78

[@Netos707]

How much did you sold that bike for?

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

I can’t remember but probably less than $1000

[@kevingeary7807]

I need a 76 tt 500 frame u have any

[@kevingeary7807]

For dale

[@DeweyParrish-dn2zu]

I payed $1900 for my 1977 tt500. IN 1977. I still have it, but mine is orange .

[@thangamajig]

your oil has migrated to the crank case.

[@luislopez-gs7bm]

How much for the tt500 i interest?

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

Sold it a long time ago sorry

[@waynebrown5428]

Did you sell the TT?

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

I did but I just picked up another one that’s kind of a mismatch of a few different bikes and then I have an extra complete engine and also an extra bottom end

[@davidwhocares3293]

@@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles I have a pretty decent looking mostly original one and have no idea what to ask for it has been sitting for a while hasn't ran in about 5 years

[@dwaynebottcher8714]

I would love to buy the tt500 in the back of your truck

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

I already sold this one but I find likes like this regularly and I try and post videos every time I buy stuff so maybe you can get the next one🏁

[@1Also]

Remember those Automatic Honda’s???

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

Still got a ton of them!

[@1Also]

@@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles one please

[@raymondmorgan5876]

77 TT500 with leading axle forks😟

[@kennyborek.satsopcityboy..1090]

2 smoker ... Ok. Lol. Thanx , I will probably be on that language for way to long.

[@davidrussel272]

Hi am david from south africa durban I have xt 500 yamaha last week l almost broke my leg one kick of that thing 😂😂you can end up sleeping in hospital with broken leg.

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

Yeah man they sure are a beast! I think it’s super cool when people thousands of miles away tune in! Thanks for watching David 🏁

[@kennyborek.satsopcityboy..1090]

Don't do it. Starting fluid never works , except when it does , ouchhh. Lol. ❤️

[@scottstevison1593]

It's funny that your a bike mechanic and don't know how to start a TT-500.... Use your compression release handle under your clutch handle and as you pull it in watch the display window on the right top side of your engine cylinder..... As you slowly push down on the kick start watch for a - in that window.... When you see it release the compression release and let the kick start all the way up and kick it hard.... It will fire up...... That - shows you that it is on top dead center and it will not start without being there.... You got lucky because evidently you kicking it ended up on top dead center and that's when it started also use your compression release to turn it off. Also it's a wonder if it didn't throw you over the handle bars by having a kick back..... That's The reason you start it the way I told you.

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

Yeah this was my first TT 500 so I didn’t know about the window right away... it definitely helps but even without it I wasn’t getting thrown over the bars lol i’ve had a few other TT and XTs since the bike and I’ve gotten pretty good at starting them now.

[@davidwhocares3293]

@@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles What kind of money are they fetching in that condition these days

[@donblunkall5607]

78 were yellow

[@chrisiollich4890]

Us the little window on cam cover there is a circle mark on Cam ,if you don't us it those bikes can be a b!t@h . Right when I wrote that U started it Good score, I had a 79 TT ,U'RE THE IN NOR-CAL at least for now, ha,ha ! U'er addiction is 'nt tttoooo BBBAAAADDDD yet

[@georgecurtis6463]

Sure that's a 77 ? My 77 was more orange of a color.

[@johnhenrymascarenas3920]

You have a Yellow 1978 tt500 , you don't even know how to start the machine.

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

But I learned 😉

[@donblunkall5607]

Obvious that you are unaware on how to start one.

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

This was the first one I’ve ever owned… I’ve had about five since then I can start them real good now lol

[@donblunkall5607]

Didn't mean to be harsh, it's just after owning one, you figure it out so you don't beat up yourself and the bike. I've had three 78 TTs and one 77 XT. My first TT was only ridden once because the previous owner wrecked real bad and his parents sold it to me for a great price, just to get rid of it. It was pumped up by White Brothers and was awesome but temperamental. It would kick back when hot and if you didn't get it just right you end up with broken foot. I later pulled the high dome piston out and put in a more flat top piston. That settled it down. They are one of the best bikes made and near indestructible.