Dakar winning bike collection 1979-1998

[@doncarlo5]

It's really nice to see that there are enthusiasts around the world who spend so much effort and money to collect these motorcycle icons ... and prevent these jewels to get into disrepair ... well done !

[@silversurfer6756]

Now this is what I signed up to KZbin for. Intellectual analysis; enthusiastic, knowledgeable and affable presentation style. Harry, your videos are terrific, congrats to you and your team for the excellent content. Looking forward to the next one.

[@jonpurdydotcom]

Agreed! Harry obviously does his research but it's clear that he's' driven to do so by his passion for the vehicles and their history.

[@makwk]

agree with you. great story telling. Thanks Harry.

[@spiranca]

No you signed up to confirm your age... Either way, this is a nice video! ☺️

[@rzucic_wszystko_i]

What have you done to my ears (beautiful sound)? What have you done to my eyes (phenomenal condition of your bikes)? At last what have you done to my soul (so many really rare and important for motorcycling history machines)? Thank you that you have shared your knowledge of your collection.

[@Steve_9292]

Never been too enamoured with bikes, but Harry could explain through the history of dishwashers and I'd still love every single minute. A unique enthusiasm, beautifully and elegantly presented.

[@aloevera74]

I came here because of the Cagiva Elephant. That 900 i.e. Engine ... what a cannon! I owned one exactly same livery and the rest but 750cc. If I well remember rear suspension was Ohlins. The handling was very very good. Great video and thanks for sharing

[@harrysgarage]

Cagiva handling was a big surprise. Feels to have the stiffest frame, excellent damping and long travel suspension. Also feels more nimble than Africa Twin and way more nimble than Super Tenere. Quite a weapon all round really!

[@gorillaau]

Harry: Nice collection. As a bike rider, thanks for sharing them. Take care out there.

[@allistairneil8968]

This was what got me started on bikes, first the XL 500 and today I still have my 1988 HRC Africa Twin 650 with three fuel tanks for extended range...

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

I've owned 3 XT500s, a new XL500RC, XL 500 , XTZ 750 Tenere & XT600 Tenere and loved them all.My main passion is classic bikes but as Harry says, they offer massive usability , stonking performance , supreme comfort and view from the lofty perch to anticipate ' risks ' ahead.Never understood why they never became the ' standard ' for commuting in the UK , unlike on the continent.Love to see the passion for these wonderful machines and fast appreciating - fond memories !.

[@Vonstroke]

The Cagiva's exceptionally cool.

[@Ryan-sm6zd]

My life goal is to one day be a cool old man like Harry

[@kloppskalli]

from Ryan's perspective he's old 😉

[@lindsaysolis4653]

@@Wacoal34d v6

[@mbangs81]

Not interested in bikes but I just like Harry's videos, his enthusiasm and knowledge is infectious.

[@pickthegreek1268]

Great video. When I first rode the 650 Africa Twin (about 10 yrs ago) I was blown away by how well balanced it was…. It rode like a dream. I now own a 2019 ATAS but still remember that first ride on the 650 like it were yesterday. Your collection is awesome!

[@Wacoal34d]

Great background on Harry's childhood... he is a good example of parents allowing their children free rein. The 750 Yamaha is a beauty! Thanks for sharing this collection, captivating. Bike stuff is so good to see amongst the car reviews.

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks, shame so many car enthusiasts don't engage with 2-wheels as well as four. They're missing out on so much.

[@Wacoal34d]

Yeah! I ride in Thailand... fun & beats traffic & parking problems. Truth be told I don't own a car, but your show is so informative and entertaining....

[@W1llN4sh]

Drooling over the Africa Twin, but the Cagiva Elefant I would love one of those in my collection 👌🏻

[@twincitiesrider8103]

This is fantastic, as a young motorcycle fanatic and ADV enthusiast it was awesome to see where the ADV class began. Thank you for dedicating your resources to put this amazing collection together!

[@BRaff-hl4ip]

I tip my hat to you sir. This is the most desirable collection of motorcycles I have ever had the pleasure of viewing on the tube. I have had at various stages of my life four(variations) of the above machines.

[@sikamt]

Thank you very much Harry ! Motorcycle legends. These bikes started my dreams of riding and enjoying life ,trips and vacations . Subscribed and following. 54 and from Greece. Those were the days!

[@dannyhanny1191]

Thank you. As a kid growing up in America through he 1980's, there were so many hints of greatness and awesome bikes being made ... but they were rarely ever sold in the USA. At the time I remember dreaming about importing an Africa Twin. Since Honda never stepped up to the plate (in this country), if I do buy a larger adventure bike, it will most likely be a modern Super Tenere

[@teller1ify]

I like the fact that they all run and drive- not just show bikes. Great video!

[@shauncarlpope33]

Wooohoooo a Harry's bikes collection *grabs popcorn*

[@commanderrussels2612]

I don't even like motorcycles but watched the whole thing since harry is always great

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

Always loved trail bikes since late 70s. Still got a XT350 I bought new in 95, good weather weekend toy. Great fun, quick and light. Enjoyed the video, well presented, Thankyou.

[@tobynevitte554]

Thanks for another superb presentation. What an ace collection, so kind to share the details!

[@greenwhitered5969]

Omg ! These were bikes with soul. Amazing video congrat !

[@Medes06]

i knew the the history but it is a real joy to go through all again in one videos, and able to hear every machine. Really appreciate it harry.

[@intractablemaskvpmGy]

Damn. Now I have to pull the cover off the old bike in the garage. And the tank if she doesn't start with a new battery. Thanks Harry! Amazing the innovation that comes out of competition and bragging rights...

[@TheOrangep7]

This guy knows his Dakar bikes history. This was a Great video to watch.

[@AndyQuinn748]

Wonderful tribute to the bikes of the worlds greatest endurance race. Thanks for sharing!

[@colinaglae2605]

Thanx Harry, for the Brilliant video on Paris/Dakar Motorcycle Races !!

[@Blasterxp]

Harry, this is amazing! tell us more, so much information, great! well done, thank you!

[@TheAslakVind]

Great video, love how you tell of your bike passion. In my eyes, the Dakar bikes are often overlooked, and anyone going through Dakar on a bike is a hero if you ask me. These bikes are amazing. Thank you, Harry!

[@UnknownProdrive]

Great bikes. Great video as always Harry. Thanks for the look at your bike collection. As a biker as well as a car enthusiast this channel hits the mark.

[@SRPornography]

Great video! It's always astonishing to think the XT/SR engine was only the second four stroke Yamaha developed - and it's still in production 40 years later!

[@derbimac]

What about the TX750 and TX/XS 500?

[@illegal_Leonard]

I'm very much liking the bike-related material! Please keep it up. 👍 I recently purchased my first motorcycle which makes these videos even more enjoyable.

[@YOGINIO]

Love this, what a great video! Have loved the Dakar since I was young and these were the bikes I loved watching!

[@adamhharbin]

Thank you for this video, Harry. I just love these bikes and can't help but notice them sitting in background on other features.

[@1911indi]

Awesome bikes Harry. my first bike was a yamaha 175 at age 10 back in 81... used a step to get on it !

[@rickferrier3496]

Right on Harry it is always a good day when I learn some thing new and enjoy learning it . Great job and thanks a lot.

[@ruiterinswart5204]

Harry's Garage is in a different league. Thanks for sharing Harry, amazing stuff!

[@matgee8892]

This was really cool. I normally dont like bikes much at all but learning a little bit of history is very interesting.

[@pod9538]

just love the sound of the Bmw always have and allways will. brilliant Harry.

[@Highgear145]

I like your car and bike collection better than Jay Leno's collection

[@peterdoe2617]

To give credit to Jay Leno: he worked as a mechanic at a Mercedes Garage, when he was a student. DOn't underestimate his wrenching skills. I have heaps of respect for him. Greetings from the far north of Germany!

[@Hithere-ek4qt]

Just respect them both.

[@itisjustacomment]

Peter doe, he didn't underestimate jay at all. He just likes harry more. Each to their own. I think harry comes across more like the common man and is a better communicator than jay.

[@leecourt8509]

Thanks Harry! So good to see all those bikes together and an explanation of the differences in design :)

[@crazyboy17867]

Welcome back Godfather

[@erichakanson7010]

Harry Metcalf's, thank you for this video. I'm a long time subscriber, motorcycle rider and overall auto afficianado but this is a niche or genre of bikes I don't know a lot about so I'm appreciate this very much. and I'm looking forward quite eagerly to an even more in depth look at these bikes in the upcoming videos.

[@robertheger9048]

What about the Yamaha XT 600 Tenere? As far as I know the first enduro with extra large gas tank. I had an 1990 version and took her all the way to Cape Town. That was in January of 1989 and I followed the Dakar rally. People were laughing at me because I was so slow, haha. They would say" Hey, are you lost ? everyone came through here a week ago. Man you must be the slowest rider ever!!" Good time indeed.

[@harrysgarage]

Great story, would have loved to have a ride like that. No XT600 in the collection as it never won Dakar, I could fill the store up with Dakar type bikes but limited it to those bikes that won Dakar. Thanks for watching.

[@artiegohome]

The fact that you actually rode the route is pretty freaking cool, regardless of how fast you did it.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

You were there..👍

[@tristanmensikov1410]

I had a tenere 600 wish i didn't sell her.

[@topspeederalmond]

Robert Heger very cool story I did that at the Baja 1000 that only took 4 days. Goodonya mate

[@theadventurebiker]

Wow - what a fantastic collection!!! And great historical info as well. Just love the Dakar bikes! Thanks for this video👍

[@vtr0104]

Educational as always, Mr. Metcalfe, hat's off once again.

[@Kewken89]

Love your videos Harry! really appriciate the level of detail you offer in your talk!

[@sarahdell4042]

Long live harry. This man has such taste

[@TheLowCodist]

This is such a wonderful channel. Thank you, Harry.

[@Left-Foot-Brake]

Absolutely fantastic.... 2nd video I have watched of yours and I'm now totally on-board! Such an articulate and accurate presenter.

[@markroberts1301]

Thanks for the look at the competitors! The Super Tenere is one that I've lusted after since they were new. Sadly never sold here in the US.

[@jimtuvik5768]

fascinating insight into the event , and the gutsy people who took it on and those bikes...magic

[@VincentSandfordofSEOsynovation]

Not a bike fan but I appreciate the history. The maintenance cost of keeping Harrys Garage with over 50 examples must be huge. An interesting video might be on how you maintain your collection and sometimes drive your cars.

[@majorgunn]

Incredible video, explanation and important historical documentary.... Loved it., I mistakenly thought BMW GS owned Dakar for a long period only to be taken by KTM, thank you for the careful and thoughtful LESSON... Just fantastic

[@camionjeep]

What can I say Harry, once again you surprise us with the depth of your knowledge of all things motorized and cool. I have collected dirt bikes (and Italian road bikes), for a long while. I started riding when I was 4yo, and never really stopped, having been both a riding instructor and city courier, or dispatch rider I think you call them, on a Yamaha TDm850, which is very similar engine wise to the Super Tenere, having the parallel twin with the 180 degree crank (like a Laverda) rather than the later engine with that weird 270 crank that makes them sound like a V twin. I have often wondered just how good the TDM would be with super long suspension, as it's fast enough to surprise a lot of riders on bigger bikes, and extremely user friendly on dirt. I have crossed the Simpson desert right through the centre of Australia 8 times over the years with various groups of friends, each time on a Honda XL500S, that just would not say die, ever. It's about 700km each way, so you need good fuel range, and most of it's either soft sand dunes (about 700 of them, up to 60 metres high), or salt clay pans, good practice for the Dakar. A few years ago I was riding a Benelli Tre K Amazonas (it's a triple cylinder, and I have old Laverda disease, what can I say), as my daily ride (still have it). I think it's the only first series one in my state, they look just like an oversized chook chaser, complete with wire wheels. I always fit road legal knobbies, as it's a handful on dirt just on dual purpose tyres, but also it really annoys the weekend warriors on their fast sports bikes when I round them up in the hills on the bitumen. The secret? Shhh, it's been re- chipped and cammed almost back to the TNT spec motor, so it has 145 ps to play with, plenty for an adventure bike. A year ago I almost got my hands on a factory Cagiva race bike, not a Paris Dakar one, but apparently it was raced by a French team in the Pharaohs rally. The suspension is massively tall, even for me, and I'm six two tall. A friend of mine owned it for years, when he imported it to Australia he wanted to be able to register it to ride on the road. What a performance. It took 2 years of wrangling with government departments to comply the bike to Australian standards. The compliancing license is usually held by the importers of the particular model, but in this case the modern Ducati importers were not the original importers for Cagiva, and they didn't want to know about it. All sorts of fun and games, and the government department that deals with compliancing and vehicle imports has said that they will never compliance another old factory desert race bike. So if you bring one in now it's either ride on private property, or display only. A bit of a shame, as that thing has such a fierce sounding motor, and just pulls the front wheel up in any gear, any time you like. In consolation I have got my hands on a Moto Guzzi Quota 1000. It's one of just 7 in the country, and Guzzi only built 80 of them so it's rare anywhere in the world. It's a bit top heavy, but very stable and user friendly on dirt once you're moving. It's fast too, having that tall gearing that Guzzi seems to use, and feels absolutely unburstable engine wise. Thanks for an enjoyable 23 minutes of viewing on Easter Sunday. I must say I approve of your taste in cars. I have owned a Lamborghini Espada for close to 25 years now, and it's a fascinating thing that makes all the right Italian noises and is surprisingly reliable. A Lancia Delta is on my list to acquire one day, and I am in love with that V12 Zonda you have, instantly collectible and fabulous, though I am having to 'make do' with a pre turbo CL 600 Mercedes, and also a CE 300 for days when the fuel price is just too high to take the 600 out of the garage. I reckon your SL600 must be a wonderful relaxed cruiser for the south coast of France, I am inspired to get over there while they are still under appreciated and cheap. I am thinking of southern Spain though as a destination for a little retirement cottage somewhere near the coast, and it's entirely possible that Spanish mechanics just don't 'do' German V12 supercars. If you keep posting these great pieces, I'll keep watching. Do we have a deal? Regards from Australia; Andrew. ps; yes I really am a nutter when it comes to things with engines.

[@nedzadkaradag763]

Although he never won, the most beutifull bike of Dakar races from late 80tins and early 90tins is missing in your garage, the Desert Express Suzuki DR Big! Pitty

[@robraver]

no, but maybe the concept lives on with the DL Vstrom series?

[@layoutman69]

Harry you are a man of impeccable taste and deep pockets! Great video!!!

[@Trike1300]

Nice vid, thanks. Only remark is on the XL 500. The one winning was a XR500 with large tank. The first mono-shock came in 1981 (not 1982) with the XR500 also for customers. The one you have has wrong sidecovers (they are from the white colored XL500R) and wrong headlamp plastics with no decals. Moreover the "Paris Dakar" version was made for the XL 250 R, who came in a specific model with frame lightly modified to bolt the tank, For the XL 500 R you have to adapt seat and tank. Cheers.

[@rossbrumby1957]

The XR500 monoshock appeared in 1981 yes, but he was speaking of the XL which came out in 82. 1981 was XL500sb, last of the twin shocks, 23" front wheel and finally with a tacho.

[@1969tonksy]

Thank you for sharing your passion, Dakar styled bikes have always been my favourite machines and you have an awesome collection.. Great bit of history on the Paris Dakar too... Keep up the good work

[@Steini07]

Its my first time to see all PD winning bikes serie, thanks to show your collection 🏁👌

[@belfasthuwcynhuw6545]

Great video, Harry. Love the collection and made me miss my 2001 AT, such a great bike to live with.

[@LandRover-qc6lw]

Fantastic video. (As always). So much knowledge too - love it. Will look forward to seeing them in action on the farm, too. (I loved the XT500 when it first appeared - such fun. And at the time it was the real biz.). Many thanks Harry.

[@SnakeyUk08]

only have a passing interest in bikes but enjoyed this small Dakar history lesson and clearly you have a true passion for them which totally shines through ,almost as good as your mate Henry Cole`s shows.... hehe ;PSo id happily watch more bike stuff harry

[@thebasitinengineer1248]

An amazing collection! Now all you need is the last twin cylinder motorcycle that won in the early 2000s, the KTM 950 Rally that was ridden to victory by the great late Fabrizio Meoni!

[@Rob-hx6on]

Glad I found this to watch, wish my XT was in that condition, thanks Harry.

[@FELiPES101]

Very informative and entertaining Harry...thank you for posting

[@John_Smith__]

Thanks for the video! Awsome to make all these memories back and so vivid!

[@rp20832]

Very enthusiastic and informative video as always. Thanks Harry

[@javiervillalobos3528]

Thanks for all Paris Dakar bike information. Cheers.

[@aarongraham7177]

love the Cagiva the most! Great video as always, great to see more bikes on the channel to give it a good mix of 2 and 4 wheel content. keep up the good work sir!

[@declary]

Love the video on the Dakar bikes...Thanks so much for putting it together. Always been a huge fan of the PD bikes and the places they can take you! I bought a 2012 Super Tenere and it makes me feel like Im an explorer every time i get on the bike.

[@Merc-Rover]

Great collection and fantastic video. I really enjoyed watching!!!

[@MikeBeeman]

Thanks for making this video. very interesting and i love seeing all of these Iconic bikes.

[@leevuong8843]

I am the proud owner of an RD03 Africa Twin and an RD07a too. Great job on this video. May I mention that the weight stated for the RD03 by the commentator is not correct. It's dry weight is 185kg, while 209kg may be attributed to the next generation 750cc RD04. Then weight decreased a tiny bit for the RD07 and RD07a to 203/205kg depending on year.

[@harrysgarage]

Lee Vuong I checked this with Honda as that often quoted 188kg dry weight doesn't seem to correct to me. Honda Japan say the dry weight for an RD03 is 193kg, as displayed in the Honda Bike museum. To keep the weights of all the bikes comparable, I used the wet weight, less fuel, that's how I got to 203kg for the RD03. Obviously the bikes with air cooled engines had weights closer to the dry weight than water cooled bikes like the Honda AT. Thanks for watching

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

Watched this a few times now and have learnt to wear a bib to absorb my drool. That Cagiva is my dream bike. Great vid thanks

[@clairebannister4749]

That's great! Thanks for sharing all that knowledge - interesting to hear so much about the history of the PD too. Love the Cagiva! rare and very special.

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

all of those bikes are classics! LOVE the XT500!!! owned a XT600 once and loved it, kick starting it was a matter of life and death though LOL

[@ronanrogers4127]

A great collection and representation of the formative Dakar years...three of these are still going strong in production, now that a new Africa Twin has been released. The GS, Africa Twin, and Super Tenere...all classics. Now KTM rule the roost. They need more competition, and hopefully the race will one day return to Africa.

[@mark.e.p]

You are the James May of Adventure bikes and that's a compliment as I equally enjoy his work!

[@ayookusanya5437]

This channel is something else. Great work Harry's Garage.

[@thedarrendasher8134]

Interesting that Harry, 'bout time you did another bike spot. Had an XTZ750 until a couple of years ago and loved it, I got wiped out at a local roundabout and it was written off. Yours looks like Chesterfield colours IIRC. The Cagiva is fantastic, I always wanted one being a Ducatisti myself. I remember Hubert Auriols picture in MCN when the medics where trying to cut his boots off, both ankles where broke as a result of hitting some tree stumps I think, fantastic Harry, brought back a lot of memories for me, can't wait for the individual revues.

[@terrymoore9185]

Fascinating! awesome you bought these!

[@yokehuatgoh]

thank you sir, very educational. maybe in the future you'll have a wonderful bike museum for all the dakar race bikes that the public can enjoy. i will definitely pay to visit these iconic bikes and learn about their history and evolution.

[@jenskeverheyen3140]

Lovely bikes with an unique history! Glad to see they're in the right hands! Great videos, keep it up.

[@orangelion03]

Great collection! And not a garage queen among them! My first "regular" ride was a 1977 XT500 that belonged to my then-girlfriend's brother...he let me borrow it regularly (rode it more than he did!). Loved it so much that my own first bike was going to be a SR500 (ended up with RD400, but that;s a whole other bundle of bargle). I currently own the grandchildren of two of the others: an 06 GS and a 93 XR650L.

[@tpv59]

THOROUGHLY THOROUGHLY THOROUGHLY ENJOYED it. THANK YOU. VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. And I liked it too !!!

[@mereclander]

Amazing bikes and very good explanations. Thank you for sharing!

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks, I really like this collection and since doing this video I've added a Cagiva Elefant 900ie, Honda XL600R Paris-Dakar and a XL500LM. Love them all!

[@Akira42]

Fascinating watch, as ever. Keep em coming Harry :)

[@ckm-mkc]

Wow, hero bikes from my childhood - always wanted any of those, had a Honda 500 motorcoss bike when I was a teenager in Europe....

[@kavyapathirana2839]

Thank you very much for your documentary. Lovely from Sri Lanka

[@G6PBS]

Great video Harry. I'm 58 and started riding bikes (legally!) in 1974 with a Honda SS50. Far too many bikes to list here but one of my favourites was my Kawasaki Z1300, once described as "a galleon in full flight!" Keep the videos coming. Can't wait for the full test of the Super Ténéré.

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks for your note. I've so nearly bought a Z1300 on a number of occasions, prices haven't taken off yet too. I kinda know I'd hardly ever ride it but it was certainly a bike of the moment back in its day. I love my purple Kawasaki H2B 750, another bike that represents another great period of bike history, maybe I'll do a video on that bike one day..

[@G6PBS]

Look forward to that one as well Harry. I used to give the Kawasaki H1 500 a good run for it's money with my 1976 RD 350. Not quite so fast as a H1 but you didn't have to put the brakes on at the bends :-)

[@simes205]

Please do!

[@bpsgabriel1]

this is the coolest video you've made so far, thanks a lot for these beauties and congratulations for such cool collection!

[@hcbotje]

Very nice Harry! I am not a "bike guy" but I have watched this video from the beginning until the end without loosing my attention! :-) greetings from the Netherlands..

[@chefgiovanni]

Harry, nice video and thank you for sharing your history and the collection.

[@AyoHues]

Absolutely brilliant, thank you! Feeding my Dakar obsession. The world's most incredible race - Erzberg meets the Tour De france meets the Marathon de Sables!

[@IntegraDIY]

Very good bikes! But at first I actually thought some were going to be actual race winning bikes.. like the official same exact ones used.. over all good video and collection!

[@thetaffia.]

As soon as I heard the man say he grew up in wales tearing around the sticks on a bike 🏍 and he used the word ace .....I subbed

[@juliancain6128]

Amazing video! A buddy of mine had a old XT 500 when we were growing up...it was a monster!