I test out the legendary Yamaha XT500 Thumper. Is it worth the pain of owning an old bike? Does it go? Thanks for the help on this one: Emmet Moore Eli Clark Megan Johnston isaacsjohnston
Пікірлер: 410
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
About my “Almost broken ankle”. I actually was kickstarting a XT600 I had and it kicked back. I was launched from the bike and had to go to the Doc. Apparently my ankle was dislocated (didn’t know that was a thing) but I lucked out and it didn’t break. I learned the hard way about kicking big bikes without knowing the process. 😁
@danmorgan86044 жыл бұрын
Yes! Same thing happened to my brother riding it. I am still really careful 43 years later!
@catdaddy33024 жыл бұрын
I know. I used to ride Harleys. I did that to my knee once. I was on crutches for a couple weeks. 😩
@darkiee694 жыл бұрын
That's why Harley riders kick it off the bike, not sitting on it.
@airsoftdutch20003 жыл бұрын
If you kick it right it won’t kick back. The XT is equiped with a anti kick back system, but in order to let this system work you need to keep the kickstarters peg downwards for a sec when you kick it. In this way the rattlewheel of the kickstarter gets slid underneath a holdingplate which makes it impossible to link the kickstarter with the engine when it fires up.
@keithsage15933 жыл бұрын
I had that bike and a 441 BSA..I know about getting slapped in the calf too.
@biggooddad4 жыл бұрын
I purchased a new 1981 Yamaha XT-500 when I turned 18, and I lived in the Mojave Desert at the time..........it doesn't get any better than that. Thanks for the memories!
@bartoszpajak22853 жыл бұрын
Great video! The XT500 was actually the first bike I ever owned. I bought it used in the summer of 1991, two months before my driving license was issued. My first and most probably biggest motorcycle love, my freedom machine!
@isaaclamb14174 жыл бұрын
Glad to see an old tail bike still being used as a trail bike not a toy to take out on vintage motorcycles club
@gummitarzan85452 жыл бұрын
i love it when idiots have idiot opinions about what and how other people should enjoy life.
@JesseDriftwood4 жыл бұрын
My dude I love this SO much! Make more make more!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
JesseDriftwood you are the best 🙈 thanks man. Tell me again how you started making them consistently 🤓
@jamesadams233410 ай бұрын
Old bikes are so much more fun to ride than the new bikes. The new bikes have great features and handle good, are fast and reliable but they are too tall, and an old bike will out corner them every time. The old bikes are more reliable than you would think, don't really handle bad as long as you don't override the suspension and leave you with a smile every time you ride.
@deborahchesser73756 ай бұрын
No electronics to go bad either, soft seats made to go for hours not minutes. I’m with you, I love my vintage bikes.
@danielhespen4 жыл бұрын
Photo + Video + Motocycles = How could I say no to a subscribe?! Love your creativity and you are making me want to get a motorcycle again!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks man! Get one soon!
@jonsimo Жыл бұрын
I really appreciate the effort that went in this Isaac! Fantastic review of the XT500 🙌
@jimrodgers70423 жыл бұрын
Hey Isaac, thanks for your video. I have an old 1980 XT500 in my shed that I have pulled apart to restore it years ago. Your video has inspired me to get it finished.
@4scoren7442 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Did you happen to take videos if/when you did this? I just got the one my dad used as a kid and I'm trying to find videos on how to properly rebuild it
@mikmerl14 жыл бұрын
Nice description of this golden oldie That was my thumper back in the late 90s. Only good memories, I would love one again
@katewalter41654 жыл бұрын
Amazing job! I had little interest in motorcycles but now... thanks for creating these small little videos! Great quality and content as always.
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
I've done my job then!
@jacobsturgess97264 жыл бұрын
So underrated!! This is the kind of thing I’d expect from a seasoned motorbike KZbinr; keep it up man!!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! I hope to do more of them!
@isaacparthun71574 жыл бұрын
Love the fun and humorous attitude of this video review and that it is still highly informative! And as always, amazing job on the filming and shot layouts 🤙🏻
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks man! Appreciate the love
@steveluker81073 жыл бұрын
We grew up on these bikes. Triggered our continued love of all things biking for the last forty years. Retro is soooo cool
@christopherhales30484 жыл бұрын
Such a rad video. I love seeing the progression and the passion you put into these videos over the days. I am really excited to see how your new bike turns out. Keep it up Isaac. 🤘🏽
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks man really stoked to have you part of the journey!
@buxvan4 жыл бұрын
I've had my XT since 1995. They are exactly what you said. Makes you smile & feel in a good mood when you're riding it.
@pookiewookie76793 жыл бұрын
Does it still run good? I'm thinking of buying a used one I've seen from '96.
@buxvan3 жыл бұрын
They stopped making them in the early 80's so double check what model it is.
@pookiewookie76793 жыл бұрын
@@buxvan it might be an XT350 or XT600
@volksquadman3 жыл бұрын
Won my first enduro trophy on a '76 Xt in 1985, these bike have true character like nothing else. Great vid.👍
@Whammo7711 ай бұрын
I've owned my 1980 XT500 for 38 years. I've currently got it in my shop going all through it and trying to get it looking back to like it did when I bought it. I've owned quite a few bikes, but this is the one I will never let go of, and it's been the most fun to ride out of everything I've owned. And it's interesting, because it get's a lot of attention, even when you pull up next to a group of cruisers. This bike just has that "cool factor" that oozes from it. Thanks for the video. The XT500 is a BEAST!
@drewledbetter52610 ай бұрын
Love the bike too. My 79 (bought new) got stolen,,now have a 77. Its getting ready to ride. Maybe this summer.
@hodaka10009 ай бұрын
I can relate mate I love my 1978 SR500 I had one exactly the same back in the day, I've had this one eight years and done 80,000 kilometres on it
@mrtopcat28 ай бұрын
I love the XT500, the XT550 and the XT600, each for different reasons. I think these bikes and engines were the pinnacle of motorcycle design. As far as I am concerned, things went downhill from here on. Next to reliability, ease of repair is a huge part of the fun factor for me. I don't care much for speed. I want to see things, not speed through.
@deltafour12122 жыл бұрын
Had a Yamaha 77 XT 500 Enduro LOVED that bike! Mine had a compression release lever to prevent that kick back. and made it super easy to kick over. Had a few times I didn't time it right and my foot slipped off and the kick starter would hit me in the back of the heal. Talk about indescribable pain! LOL . Everything you talked about owning one, such as the vibration, stopping power with 2 riders, the low end grunt, you could go anywhere , the cool factor was EXACTLY what I discovered on my own when I owned one. THANK YOU for bringing me down memory lane! GREAT MEMORIES!
@RCodyWanner4 жыл бұрын
Aw man - that was sick. Favorite shot was the mega shaky one where he’s tracking you on the stone road. But that drone shot at the end was majorly awesome too. Crushed this.
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks man! Stoked on your work as well!
@TroutCandyFilms4 жыл бұрын
So sick. Love it Isaac, keep making more!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Trout Candy Films thanks for the love! I plan too, just need to keep the pressure on lol
@RaoulMooyaart3 жыл бұрын
Really great video, super creative. You can tell a lot of effort went into making it
@austinjamm4 жыл бұрын
Alright I need one!! Good work man. Beautifully shot as well.
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Yeah, that's the spirit! Thanks!
@FordMaverickFanatic4 жыл бұрын
Great video Isaac! I have a '77 XT500 and I don't think I really ever want to get rid of it. Such a unique and fun old machine! And they have quite the following.
@samglinsmann4 жыл бұрын
Great humor in the vid! Also so beautifully shot Issac 👌🏻
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Sam!
@aquamarin6514 Жыл бұрын
Just awesome! love the vid& cool shots, presentation & fun (plus some fail) so cool ! Luv my XT500
@thomkru63282 жыл бұрын
„It makes you feel cool“…. you are so right. Driving my 83 xt550 is one of the best things to do.
@coreyboen774 жыл бұрын
Maaaan. The quality of your audio and videos deserve sooooo many more views. You've more than earned my subscription.
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
That's high praise!
@justindumas28474 жыл бұрын
Good video man, appreciate your work !!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks a million!
@joshn44444 жыл бұрын
Loved it! Can’t wait for more videos on your channel
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks man! I plan to make more very soon!
@SpencerCollection4 жыл бұрын
great video I am getting into older gear more and more.. keep up the good work
@BAPJ4 жыл бұрын
Great Video, I just picked up a 78 for $1600 yesterday (Very cheap for the south). After getting it home and going through it to make sure it wasn't a death trap I took it for a ride, Smiles for miles!!
@camilleangers-claveau23924 жыл бұрын
I'm loving your video! Made me change my mind about older bike
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Yesss!
@tedgott74 жыл бұрын
Beautiful, nice work, Isaac!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@chandlerrobinson75834 жыл бұрын
So killer man! Forrest, Alex, Rod Trevino, and yourself need to get a bike trip lined up and document the whole thing. Would be absolutely epic!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Working on one as we speak =)
@kevfinn82324 жыл бұрын
I do envy you with all that open space to ride...man what a smile it must give you.
@JaredS984 жыл бұрын
Super cool video man, watching in Australia 🤙🏼
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Hella cool to hear!
@williamrolph6624 жыл бұрын
Would love to see more videos as well made as this. Cool style. Sweet bike.
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks dude, I'll hopefully start serving them up fresh asap
@blairguinea68113 жыл бұрын
Isaac you have the best XT 500 vid here..............man its beautiful !, I had one back in the day in England.........I LOVED IT ! I now have an XT225 little brother, still good fun....gimme a chance to get another XT 500, thank Sir showing this machines true potential
@remingtonlittle4 жыл бұрын
Such a fun video! You’re making it awfully tempting for me to pick up a bike of my own
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
*chant gets louder * Get one, get one!
@LexElls4 жыл бұрын
Thoroughly enjoyed this
@kevinhaley13314 жыл бұрын
That bike is so clean 😩🙌 the camera work was awesome too!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
I know! I lucked out on it.
@megancouser42804 жыл бұрын
Nice work Isaac!!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Megan!
@xlrider15655 ай бұрын
I owned a '79 XT-500 Enduro, back in the early to mid. '80's. Looked almost exactly like this one, but mine came with a Supertrapp muffler, and a few deep dents in that aluminum gas tank. Later, I bought a NOS gas tank from a local Yamaha Dealer. Apparently, it sat on an upper shelf forever, collecting dust, lol! Got a great deal on it! Paid $25. It was a steel tank, white, with black and red graphics. About the window/decomp. lever; I usually got kickbacks when performing "the drill." Instead, I brought it to TDC on compression stroke, had kickstarter at very top of its travel, then gave a healthy kick. This method worked better for me! After awhile, was comfortable kicking it over wearing rubber slippers, lol! Couple times, got a kickback, sent the slipper skywards, about half a lampost high, lol! Miss that Thumper!
@CONCEPTCOLABSYSTEMS4 жыл бұрын
When I was a teenager in France, it was my best bike ever for trail, and mythical Paris Dakar bike for ever used stock in this race with just a bigger tank. I bought one 2 years ago in Canada one from 1976 full original and first owner, it's my new milf......How easy it's to use it and mechanize.....Buy one with out any hesitation !!!
@pookiewookie76793 жыл бұрын
I'm thinking of getting a '96 milf lol
@mechanicman86873 жыл бұрын
Runs better with super trap piping too
@michaelcervini19492 жыл бұрын
Great video and a great bike!
@evanboeshans31464 жыл бұрын
I love seeing MT featured in your content!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Always!
@pjmannion14 жыл бұрын
Make so many more of these. So fun!!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
On it!
@jkee15334 жыл бұрын
I'm for sure buying a new bike after watching this. love the vid and your channel!
@jkee15334 жыл бұрын
also, the drone shots are great!
@descendantofphineas77853 жыл бұрын
What is nice about the 500, parts are everywhere, upgrades are everywhere, they will run and run compared to modern bikes. Some old school machines are just better than new.
@jimmycagnee65 Жыл бұрын
I agree. I remember when those came out, love at first sight.
@joelhypponen4 жыл бұрын
Holy smokes! In all honesty, I am now sold and looking into finding one of these. Loved this video Isaac!
@JesseDriftwood4 жыл бұрын
Joel Hypponen Me too!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Yeasssss that's what I want to hear! Soon we'll be ripping vintage enduros through Norway!
@nielsmouthaan Жыл бұрын
Awesome video! Lovely area too!
@codyandvictoria4 жыл бұрын
Brap Braaappppp!!! This video is killer man. I'm not up for the maintenance but i'd love to have an old-school bike. Do you have to pop the clutch to wheelie or can you just pull it up?
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Just throttle and it comes up
@mechanicman86873 жыл бұрын
Twist the throttle in first gear. I’ve had the 82 xt 550 for 25+ years. Auto comp release never ever kicks back. Replaced cdi unit from newer tt600... 1 extra wire but no more problems. Fit 510/18 wheel on the rear but the 550 eats new tire for breakfast. Can’t figure why it has 2 carburetors. I love riding it. Will never let it go.
@antoniom.andersen6704 Жыл бұрын
Awesome vid, I've never owned an XT 500 but I think they're the coolest of bikes. Some guy in Germany did an engine upgrade from 500 to 700cc... would be cool to do and retrofit discs 🙂
@benjaminskrivseth95224 жыл бұрын
Love the video.Makes me want to ride.Very classy bike.Your right this bike fits in anywhere.
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks man, it really is a great bike for any place
@fabiopunk16613 жыл бұрын
Interesting. I have that of 1983 and a) it does smoke at start but only after a long sleep, and it does not burn oil; b) it does kick you back once in a while. I found myself on my back on the left side of the bike - I was wearing boots. I take this as a sign of gratitude for the love and care that I gave to her
@ylleskog Жыл бұрын
Wow! Nice video, just rebuilt the Yamaha SR500 to a Scrambler and this makes me want to try it on a dusty gravel road NOW! Please snow go away!
@adriancleveland48382 жыл бұрын
I’m lucky to have one of each, a 79xt that I picked up for 1k on the NY/Canadian border in a snowstorm, I actually stuffed it backwards somehow into the boot of my ford escort and took it home dangling out the back with a bungee strap. My 76 tt I picked up for $60 in a box of bits and a frame, a few bits of eBay and away it went, raced it in the vintage Mx and won a bunch of trophies, I often ride the xt around our village with my girlfriend on the back and have it road legal, some scumbag even tried to steal it the other day while I was in big lots but he couldn’t manage to lift it onto his truck lol
@oli29774 жыл бұрын
Brilliant video, Im not at all interesting in motorbikes but was still an enjoyable and interesting video to watch. Keep it up!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
thank you!
@impatrickt4 жыл бұрын
Slick man!! Subscribed.
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Sweettttt thanks!
@ElliotWhitehead4 жыл бұрын
I've been thinking about getting a motorcycle, and this just put it over the top. So stoked to get out on two wheels now. 🤘
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Get one man
@markharris14732 жыл бұрын
I just bought a 1977 Yamaha XT500 for $500. It needs restoration and I'm gonna start that as soon as warm weather gets here. My first 500. It's missing a few things, but that's ok. I figured what I can't find in the salvage yard I can buy new. When I'm done it's gonna be a nice bike
@taufrosch4 жыл бұрын
Nice bike, nice shots 👍 The XT is definitely a keeper :)
@mebeasensei4 жыл бұрын
i had the road version in Japan, the SR. Loved it. I loved the straight line vibe acceleration. These bikes, mostly the destroked 400s, were the foundation of the whole J-cafe/tracker scene in the '80s and '90s. Inspired Kawasaki to produce the legendary (but unknown outside Japan and SE Asia) Estrella and w650 which later got Triumph going again with their Bonnevilles and the whole Euro-retro-cafe thing. I remember the pressure release valve lever that required special attention when kick-starting. THese Yamahas could be bitches to kick start too!
@thorstenwanoth67743 жыл бұрын
Cool choice of bike. Happy riderings...
@robhowe22403 жыл бұрын
I hear ya bro i have a 1974 Suzuki TS 185 enduro love it runs and rides great 47 years old so cool
@chancejohannsen58984 жыл бұрын
Great vid man 🤙🏽
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Chance Johannsen thanks dude!
@joesjunkgarage4 жыл бұрын
Excellent video!
@dorianearnest46483 жыл бұрын
I gotta say an old bike is the best! My 77 dt250 is a tank and I trust it more than my car to be honest. And the sound of a cold start and the feeling of dirt under your tires is unmatched. Old bikes forever babey
@stevenhawker49843 жыл бұрын
I had a 81 TT500 import from the States. Made it road legal and absolutely loved it on the UK roads. Havent to this day heard a more epic sounding bike.
@steph42874 жыл бұрын
Awesome video!
@johndocbikerestorations8313 ай бұрын
I rebuilt a 76 model a few years ago, love it, they are a timeless design. Has it's flaws but I can forgive it for it's fabulous engine and great looks!
@bewilderment9268 Жыл бұрын
I know this is a 3yr old vid, but l am about to enter the XT world. Today l am picking up, for free, a 1979 model, west Texas "barn bike". Actually a goat pen bike. I checked and it does have compression so it should run. Looking forward to this very much, although l probably won't keep the bike. Enjoyed your take on this beast classic.
@pookiewookie76793 жыл бұрын
Awesome looking bike. Love XTs!!
@phuketbungalowinfo27572 жыл бұрын
had the bike for 30+ years, absolutely reliable, no electronics, just pure mechanic, it will never leave u alone
@ianbestor15284 жыл бұрын
I’ve got an 81 ive had since 98 when i was in 9th grade. Ive got a road glide, softail, ninja and my xt is still my favorite bike to ride.
@KevinJohnson-jc9ju20 күн бұрын
Great beast..had a 77 and a 79 in those years..I'm back on a 77 like the one I had at 17..enjoy Thumperians
@storm.woudwijk4 жыл бұрын
Never got so excited from a motorcycle video! :0
@freeridefilms72544 жыл бұрын
Sick editing bro
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@nikita_frolov4 жыл бұрын
So inspiring! This made me want to buy a motorcycle!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Awe shucks that's so rad to hear!
@Stevo7363 жыл бұрын
These bikes are iconic now and the price is just Rocketing upwards.
@glenbawndog3 жыл бұрын
Very nice bike indeed. They are pretty rare in Ireland these days, still hold serious value though. $1,100! Now that's a steal. Subbed and ride safe.
@lawrenceatkinson58843 жыл бұрын
They are very popular in South Africa. I've just bought a 1980 XT500. Spend some time cleaning it up and making her feel loved. It's a crowd stopper at the gym, at the coffee shop or just putting in gas. A full nuts-and-bolts restoration, 99 percent original, will cost you USD5,000. A used, but clean model, about USD2,500. The most fun you can have with clothes on. I'd not ridden a bike for 35 years. The XT was a schoolboy dream. So now I'm acting like a schoolboy.
@redhead11204 жыл бұрын
Great vid
@catdaddy33022 жыл бұрын
I love my 76 XT 500 converted to TT electronics. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@Perry_dAccard2 жыл бұрын
2:19 the XT500 was never built to stop. It was built to keep going. 😎
@Bob_Suruncle3 жыл бұрын
That was the first new vehicle I bought. Was in Hawaii and I loved it. Someone else loved it too and stole it.
@michaelkvick4 жыл бұрын
Love the content! 🤙 Also wish I had mountains where I lived, and also a bike to explore them on 😂
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Mountains are pretty great to ride in
@boreasons29654 жыл бұрын
I don’t know why people don’t watch your channel more haha. It’s just good fun.
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
I think it might be that I haven't made much on here. Lots of edited IG stories but not much on KZbin. Changing that now
@deanbothma3364 жыл бұрын
lovely video, scenic as the day is long, do a daily Dakar to work, Edenvale to Sandton, as much offroad as possible, the traffic, she wish she had an XT to go go.
@xtman6934 жыл бұрын
That was awesome! Hell yeah!
@b5846967b2 жыл бұрын
I wish you could still find them for that price. In so cal these are going for 3K---6K range. killer looking bike. great video thanks!!!!
@elmerfudd54164 жыл бұрын
I just bought the same exact bike! Already have a TT500 that Im using for flat track. So awsome! I need to know, what mountain range is that your on at the end of the video?
@henkdevries4 жыл бұрын
Picked up an XT 350 recently (88 model), having a blast with it!
@KamenKachev3 жыл бұрын
Welcome to the fun club mine 350 is the 1987 model!
@bewilderment9268 Жыл бұрын
I commented a few weeks back about getting one for free. I did, it's an '80 model, built in May of '79 and it runs great. Since then l have found another and purchased it for $100. It's a 1978 model in almost all original condition. Pretty nice 45 year old bike. From what l have read it should have CDI but it has points ignition. Paint is Crystal Silver and clearcoat Aluminum.
@graceyeo50544 жыл бұрын
sick video! dat cinematics thooo!
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Haha thanks!
@jsherman3853 жыл бұрын
Dude I had one of these back in the day! Yes the kick back can hurt your foot! I put a pair of Mulholland shocks and a super trap....lots of fun!
@TommoCarroll4 жыл бұрын
Yup. Done it again Mr J. Shhhweeeeeeet video. I need to get my butt on a motorcycle! But the question is...will Mrs J let you get her one yet!?
@IsaacJohnston4 жыл бұрын
Haha good question! I got one the other day actually, we can call it hers lol