Yamaha XT500 review. The classic bikes that won Paris-Dakar. Part 1 of 6

The Yamaha XT500 was the bike that won the very first Paris Dakar race in 1979 and is the oldest bike in my Dakar collection. This is the first of six videos featuring the bikes in my Dakar collection.
This video was created with the support of:
www.footmanjames.co.uk/
bit.ly/Magnitude_Finance-HG
www.silverstoneauctions.com/
www.ctek.com
chargestorm.se/en/
Follow me on
/ harrysgaragevids
/ harrym_vids

[@youtasteofcherryade]

62 and still ripping around pulling wheelies! What a legend

[@brianjacobsen5762]

Only as old as you feel. I'm two years younger than Harry. There going to have to pry me off of a motorcycle to put me in the box.

[@Lyingleyen]

@@brianjacobsen5762 Same here.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

These bikes make anyone look good. They are that good.

[@SSkywalker13]

Yep just brought one and I turn 62, 2 march this yr.

[@dogshome7110]

I loved mine. Wheelie the full length of Maid Marion Way (including island), always started once I'd sussed the ignition timing. Couple of rotations on choke, ease it over compression and jump on it. Grasstrack cam and 40mm Amal MK2 carb just made it more lively. Cam covers had to be ground out to allow the valves to move. I swapped the puny front drum for a TLS British version. 40 years later and i want another one!

[@pablo121212100]

Love everything about this. Ex zonda owner reviews £5k bike just because he loves it and that’s what he wants to do. Keep it up Harry

[@PhilbyFavourites]

That’s getting close to a £10K bike now. Much loved by blokes of a certain age and thus guaranteed to increase in value.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Brilliant - loved that Harry - can't wait for more bike videos!

[@mrmoss149]

When you were doing that wheelie by the fence line- I kept thinking " the great escape". Cheers, mate.

[@katoh5525]

I can't get the theme tune out of my head now!!

[@Hjerte_Verke]

@@katoh5525 The Great Escape is now on YT; "Free with Ads" KZbin Movies....

[@lordemed1]

FYI- Mcqueen rode a . Production used four bikes total, modified to look like a WWII-era side-valve BMW with an olive paint job, old seat, and luggage rack. WW2 BMW's had modern front suspension, fuel injection, and driveshaft. allied bikes did not.

[@lordemed1]

The motorcycles used in film The Great Escape were 1961 Triumph TR6 bikes disguised to look like German BMW R75 bikes. 4 bikes were used to make the movie The star of the movie, Steve McQueen, did much of the riding for the film himself, although Bud Ekins performed the famous jump scene as McQueen's stunt double. Motorcycle scene The Great Escape kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJKpc3mjf6xggqs

[@chrisdelaplante5515]

Yep, but here he was just escaping from his woman.

[@Matt.4877]

I’m not a biker, but could still watch Harry talk &review all day on bikes. I’ve learnt a lot about bikes from this video. Happy Easter

[@Hvitserk67]

I'm not a biker or a farmer or have a large collection of vintage cars, but I have had some important Porsches in the 80's (including the 928 S and 911 Carrera 3.2), a couple of Land Rovers Series III, some 80s BMWs and MBs. In any case, Harry Metcalfe is definitely very interesting because he conveys an authentic, believable and interesting story. I recognize myself when it comes to cars and learn when it comes to motorcycles and farming. Motorcycles will probably never be my thing, but farming is both interesting and important.

[@timsaxon5825]

Totally agree. I’ve never watched a Jay Leno bike episode or ever watched a bike restoration show but if Harry’s talking bikes, I’m listening.

[@ZeeBri]

you should become one. as weekend toys, they're far superior to cars in every way. apart from safety of course. but no one ever thinks it will happen to them...

[@Hjerte_Verke]

Well, maybe you should be a biker. Don't need a lot of money to start but due diligence on the bike classifieds or online auction, etc., to find an older bike like this for not much money

[@martinfisker7438]

Theres probably only 1/10th of your audience that enjoy bike videos, but we enjoy it 10 times as much :)

[@aaronharris5275]

It's really good to hear someone talk enthusiastically about motorbikes and cars. But also quite strange seeing Harry giving it the beans around the farm off roading.

[@BeeCee100279]

A big kid like we all are, with good toys 😀

[@RodgerBirddog]

Wow - just when I thought Harry could not get any cooler we have him popping wheelies on a dirty bike. The Man is a Legend!

[@mopedbabes1869]

Yes, he is. His clips are awesome.

[@crashbandicootmate3312]

Love the fact that you're not Wrapping them all up in cotton wool and that you'll get em mucky.... Fantastic......👍👍

[@fabiopunk1661]

Correct - some people treat them as museum pieces. They are made to ride - just need cleaning and care!

[@Hjerte_Verke]

@@fabiopunk1661 Cleaning and care--not many received such during their (40+ year old bikes) lifetimes. Too many were ridden til filthy and put away wet.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Harry behaving like a teenager! 😆 great stuff!

[@procatprocat9647]

That's not teenager behaviour, it's trail biker behaviour (all ages)

[@sleepindragon179]

As a biker it's difficult to explain how much fun it is just riding across a field on a bike to someone who doesn't ride. It's so much fun riding a motorbike you question how it can possibly be legal.

[@Hjerte_Verke]

This video shows the fun, too. No silly techno music playing over the sounds of the bike and wind, bu just the audio of the encounter and a live voice-over. This is good stuff, I am impressed with this channel.

[@happy_camper]

Mere seconds into watching it, and it’s already one of my favorite videos you’ve done. Such an awesome collection, and it’s great to see you riding them as they were originally intended to be ridden.

[@victoralley708]

Agreed

[@petrichor649]

Big smile, Italy and back on one of those in '84.

[@stillben]

which way did you go?

[@petrichor649]

Hey Ben, Cherbourg, Angers, Dijon, dropped down to lake Lemans and in to Switzerland, Simplon pass then on to Bologna. The weather was perfect as was the time. Peace.

[@stillben]

@@petrichor649 thanks geoff...hope to make this trip this year. Will write down your waypoints. I was thinking about Caillebotte today. That photo of him and his dog. Also his pictures of women at a table. So great. Shalom.

[@petrichor649]

@@stillben .He is one of my favourite artists, way ahead of his time. Looks like no go this year for a bike trip, I wanna see mountains😞 Peace

[@BikeThrottleOfficial]

Just when you thought he couldn’t get any cooler, you see he can do proper wheelies 👏

[@rofra11]

Thank you Harry. The XT500 was my first bike in 1982 ,you brought back a lot of good memorys.And i also love how you are not getting older and proof it by showing us this lovely bike in it´s natural habitat.

[@slots1407]

My first bike too, and the one I took my test on, more than thirty years ago. Now, at the age of 61, I have a modest Honda CRF250L which is an honest little bike as was the Yamaha.

[@zuva87]

My late dad had the first edition xt500 that came to italy in '74-'75 (speedo is in mph as it was an american omologation), the first bike he bought when he was 18. It's been sitting idle since he passed 3 years ago but it holds a great emotional value to me, and i plan to have it restored and drive it. it's great that harry's doing a deep review on it, thanks!

[@KevinJohnson-jc9ju]

My condolences for the loss of your father..he had good taste in enduros..I bought a new 1977 when I was 17..I learned alot trail riding the hard way on it..I just bought the exact brown xt500 thumper mint condition but it's getting a once over..can't wait to ride it again...best of luck

[@KevinJohnson-jc9ju]

Oh be careful when you start it..it will kick back twice as hard🤪

[@Cloverleaf7642]

‘More bike videos coming along very soon’. Yes, please.

[@Phil-1969]

I'm not into bikes, but I thoroughly enjoyed that video

[@grahamjung8304]

Perfect timing Harry. Three of us, who've each raced to Dakar, were riding a roadbook around your way yesterday. You're more than welcome to join our next trip on one of the collection

[@antonoat]

I remember trying to kickstart one of these over when I was much younger, as many things in life it's all about the timing, lol. Great memories from yesteryear. Excellent choice Harry.

[@davidsomervaille5929]

I had a rotary powered trailey mates could never start! de compress kick it just over tdc and then one firm kick ,went for me every time ! It’s just about learning and knowing your bike

[@fredtracy1673]

Yes, back in the mid '80's, my future step brother thought it would be funny to get me to kick start his Suzuki SP 500, not fun!

[@maz4304]

Have no interest or knowledge in bikes but I’ll happily watch more of these

[@kevinblaylock391]

Such a lucky bloke Harry! I love the XT500, these bikes were famously used in a James Bond movie with Rodger Moore. Thanks for showing the bike.

[@ChrisBassTXP]

That chase scene was epic!

[@bertr286]

Dont forget rambo first blood

[@Hjerte_Verke]

@@ChrisBassTXP Real bikes, too, no CGI. I think the proper riding attire for an XT500 is a .22 caliber target rifle...

[@Rob-hx6on]

@@bertr286 with the 2 stroke soundtrack.

[@bertr286]

@@Rob-hx6on yeah that always tripped me up

[@sueneilson896]

Bought a 76 TT500 new . Raced it standard, then highly modified for nearly 10 years. Mx and enduro. Made over 40hp very reliably as a 560cc. The most fun and versatile bike ever made. Wish I still had it. Really wish I still had it.

[@icsbay7932]

What I really like about Harry, is that he appreciates the classics and old machines, the heritage, design mechanical feel etc. but without ever complaining and moaning how everything was better in the old days. Instead he keeps curious, open and critical about the new stuff and the future. That's the right way to age, way to go Harry!

[@pauln1557]

Great video, good to see the bike being ridden and enjoyed. I've owned a 1978 XT500 for 25 years, I think I paid £1200 back in Scotland. It was my back roads bike, it was great to tour the Scottish Islands, where half the roads were single lane. Now we live in NZ, so now there's loads of places to ride it off road. I couldn't help smiling every time you said how light it was and how it felt like a small bike. Off road in NZ it feels like a tank compared to my KTM Freeride, but I love them both! Regards Paul

[@none3763]

"There's a grey blur, and a green blur. I try to stay on the grey." - but that doesn't stop me appreciating the boys on the green stuff. lovely bike.

[@tmc3143]

Being Born in 1971 and BIG into trials riding from the age of 7 this was my dream bike as a youngster and I can remember having the poster on my bedroom wall. Nice one Harry 👏

[@aussiebloke609]

Love seeing how easy it is to raise the front wheel on demand. Nice for when you hit a rocky patch. Also, never grow up, Harry. Never. :-)

[@mrmoss149]

" Before the cattle get in...they leave deposits". LMAO, Harry. We call 'em " cow chips" over here

[@MrBenHaynes]

Cow patties or dung in Australia

[@Fran_SG]

My favourite one is the Cagiva. Amazing bike!!!

[@UrgetoRide]

The XT is so legendary in my mind I HAD to talk about it in great length in my Tenere video. You've gone in way more detail and I thank you for it, such a great video as usual Harry

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Yes! More bike stuff! I can't ride anymore most of the time (sodding arthritis - wrists are too weak), so thanks for keeping me in touch with my preferred mode of transport.

[@explorationmoss1015]

There are a few gadgets/ mods that may help you continue to ride.

[@Dunstire]

Love XTs.Only had the 250 but bought it brand-new.No CBT,no training of any kind,just paid for it and rode home.Happy days

[@callumduncan6728]

just excellent harry living your life so happy to be along for the ride

[@speno80]

Brilliant video, Harry! Bloody loved it.

[@steveweber609]

Brilliant! Cheers. Happy to see the bikes back in action.

[@brucebello9892]

Great video Harry, I used to race BSA singles in the California desert back in the 70’s and your Yamaha reminded of the joy of large 4 strokes, thanks

[@col.sirbuffyhorsetrouser9158]

Fantastic! Mine is this exact model fully restored by me and owned since 1986! great to see one being used off road again! Thanks Harry!

[@danielmarshall4587]

Cheers Harry, that's GLORIOUS.

[@markdearlove8634]

Brilliant to see. Looking forward to more in this series👍

[@Whiter00m]

The best video yet Harry!

[@echanos]

Awesome. Well done Harry, please keep them coming!

[@pastorius]

finally a moto video. years back i discovered this channel through that original P-D moto video and been striving for another on that topic ever since. thanks for the good taste and work.

[@moderatefkr6666]

Excellent vid. Been waiting for this one for years. Thank you Harry.

[@rosstinelli]

Such a great video! Can't wait for the rest

[@paula200]

That was great. I always lusted after one of those as a kid, walking past the bike shop, on my way home from school. Had to make do with a fizzy!

[@victoralley708]

Love the video Harry. Keep 'em coming.

[@woodrimcars2324]

Absolutely Brilliant and looking forward to more if the bike videos.

[@pingwong117]

Brilliant video and seeing Harry giving the old bike a great exercise is refreshing!

[@twarken5078]

Fantastic video, absolutely mega to see and hear the bike in action. Keep up the great work, Harry - cheers!

[@RetroRidingEveryday]

Lovely video! How much fun riding this little legend!

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

A dream collection for me , have had 3 XT 500s in my time and loved everyone of them , even an XT 250 as well.Beautiful, nimble to ride and super cool looks, always knew they were going to appreciate !

[@stephencole4498]

Wonderfully simple, classic bike.... enjoy all your content Harry but especially the bikes...

[@IAN1000IAN]

You sir are my hero , love this channel to bits . Keep it up .

[@Lee-mn748]

Excellent! ....been waiting for these bike reviews👍

[@jamesavickers5961]

This is excellent harry..i often look over to your bikes when your in the garage and wonder about them ..bravo thank you so much ciao

[@roscoejones4515]

Harry always puts things right.

[@bendoyle5023]

Never watched anything on bikes before except for Harry's videos, really enjoyed it!

[@13thdukeofwybourne69]

Loved this, looking forward to seeing more from the "Dakar" collection.

[@BobJJ9999]

Superb! Love your bike videos, keep em coming!

[@adrianrorvik7488]

Still miss my 1980/81 (silver tank) version. After NOT getting the kickstart right, I had repairs- rebored with a free flow stainless steel exhaust.. Loud! And fun. Rode it from Cape Town to Durban and back, 2 days each way, in midwinter. That square seat....

[@Terraceview]

Been waiting for this! Awesome

[@gerrywatson261]

Excellent video Harry! 👍👍

[@piggymito]

Very happy that you've got round to doing this. I for one am excited to see the elefant video when you get around to it!

[@windinthewillows6248]

Love that Harry, glad your doing some more bike videos of your collection. Look forward to the next one. 👍

[@Piglife101]

Love the bike video and the onboard through the fields looked amazing

[@cosicave5179]

Excellent! Harry, you've taken me back in time - as the DJs of the era would say (all too frequently). I used to have the exact same model. Enormously versatile and loads of fun; and I don't think I ever got off without an uncontrollable, daft grin.

[@OngezoutenMening]

what a stunning collection of bikes!!!!!!!

[@thehopster23]

Fantastic Harry! Looking forward to the next one!

[@stephenjones4339]

Brilliant xt500 loved that i had a DT400 back in the 70s had some great fun on that to.

[@mattw3641]

LOVE THESE!! Look forward to longest wheelie contest!

[@drewdavis4614]

You are my Favorite Lad !! Such Class, Knowledge and such a wonderful bloke!!

[@Formulaz5]

You are awesome Harry. You are a great example.

[@scoobers90]

Love the bike vids, Harry!

[@cockneybarrowboy]

Cool Harry, you popped a wheelie on my birthday! Thanks brotherman x

[@SamCordery]

Absolutely marvellous Harry! You look at one with the XT. Lovely stuff. Can’t wait for more bike content

[@andyjohnson9894]

Love the opening wheelie Harry, bike is pretty fantastic too.

[@CyberEditing]

Saw the XT500's doing wheelies from traffic lights in 1979.....Been riding a Hyabusa since 2000

[@gypsism]

Ever done a wheely?

[@havocmwf]

That was maybe me if it was in Edinburgh back then. Got banned for 12 month for the pleasure lol.

[@dufensmertz1]

I got a few tickets from the cops for careless riding for pulling wheelies on my XT500 from traffic lights when I was a teenager.. Didn't stop me though... lol

[@michaeltomlinson7245]

Watched this one after watching the more recent Dakar bike videos. Again, what a machine ! Wheelie monster.

[@JJ-bo4ir]

This was so fun to watch 👍👍 well done harry

[@stephendickinson8454]

Loved that video. Brings back great memories. An XT 500C was my first real road bike. First big adventure on from Sydney to Tasmania in 1979. Blew a head gasket near Burnie. Had it fixed but blew the piston after sitting on 120ks for a couple of hours in 40 deg C heat near Vic border on way back. Shipped it home on train to Sydney. Love your videos Mate

[@hwajones]

Great video! Thanks Harry!

[@tanmilne]

Just awesome, Harry!

[@DormanDiaries]

I love the old Dakar bikes, will be watching these rest of the series. I’ve got to say you are a brave boy ripping across that field at such a pace!!

[@adamemerson7522]

An excellent, informative review. I wish more reviewers had your vision, thanks so much!

[@mrmoss149]

Wow. Thanks, Harry. Cheers

[@wernerengel6357]

You live a charmed life Harry. Mighty impressed with your ability. I still ride road bikes but my knees won’t let me ride off road anymore.

[@RipMK747]

Never thought Ill enjoy a video about bikes that much!! LOL cheers Harry

[@PipeOPhile]

Brilliant. Thank you for this Harry!

[@Alfa_spud]

Never been a street bike guy, but cant see how this wouldn't look like a ton of fun! Much enjoyed! And now there's just one more thing I need...

[@thorstenfrolich8453]

An absolutly wonderful Video about the XT 500! Thumps up! We in Germany love this Bike with "goldenen Felgen and Silbertank!"🙂

[@NoHassle911]

Can't tink of a better video I saw in the last few months!

[@shadowred1980]

Brilliant, looking forward to the other bikes.

[@penmann4003]

This was my second ever bike I had a DT175 1979 and bought one of these XT500s for £600 in 2006 offroading in the Scottish woods I was 16 and weighed 6 stone soaking wet so this bike was a real handful especially when I was knee deep in a bog trying to kick start it, loved every minute of it

[@spellacy29]

Nicely done Harry. Looking forward to more of these 🙂

[@johnandrews3568]

This one made me giggle like a young boy. Brilliant stuff, Harry!

[@Chadman03elantra]

This brings back some great memories. I bought a 76' XT500 off of my sisters boyfriend when I was about 14 in 1984. Rode trails with it until I got my motorcycle endorsement right at 16. Used it for mixed road and trail riding until it was stolen about a year later right out of my garage. Never saw it again but I still have the title to that bike to this very day. I moved on to sport bikes after that, then marriage and kids and no bike for a while. About 5 years ago I returned to my dual sport love though when I purchased a used near mint condition 12' DR650 which I ride usually a couple times a week.

[@JacquesWood952]

This was brilliant, Harry. Thank you

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

What fun! Thanks Harry.

[@mantarayal]

A mate of ours bought one when we were still on Suzie TS250s (took those things everywhere)..let us ride it. Couldn't believe the POWER!!! And it looked exactly like this one. I just think they're the best looking scrambler and the motor is legendary. Thanks Harry. And nice wheelies by the way!! Cheers from NZ