1959 Yamaha YD2 250cc
Super Rare Early Yamaha. Needs Complete Restoration.
SOLD
Yamaha's two stroke motorcycles enjoy an incredibly rich history worldwide. In the early 1960s when they released the YD3 in the United States, the build quality, power to weight ratio, simplicity and reasonable cost literally smoked the competition. This example is the predecessor to the YD3, the YD2. Arguably one of the best looking early Yamaha 250s. It sported super svelte lines and an electric (or kick) start.
The YD2 is extremely rare, pre-dating Yamaha's entry into the US market. This one has the desirable ULTRA rare low "home market" handlebars. It needs a COMPLETE restoration.
Here is the frame number. It is a fairly early production model.
And the engine number. It is a non matching (identical) unit, apparently from a YD3.
The bike is missing a couple of items, but is surprisingly complete for the condition. Know to be missing are the right side cover, chain guard, both levers (perches are present) and the carburetor cover. The engine does not turn over by hand, and no attempt has been made to free it. There is no damage externally, and all the fins and case are intact.
The original black paint is still on the entire bike, with the exception of this area of the front fender. The "grey" milky portions of the frame and fenders is just a film that actually rubs right off. It makes the bike look grey, but it is black.
Little tiny carburetor, helped it to crank out nearly 20hp. It has a 4 speed gearbox.
The build quality of these motorcycles is literally amazing. The fasteners are extremely high quality, easily on par with the German machinery of the day. Many of the smaller nuts are brass, and stripped threads are nearly non-existent due to the nice hard metals used for fasteners.
It has spent most of its life in California, judging by the license plate that is around 1964 vintage. The last tab is 1971, and presumably that is the last time it was registered. I do not know any more of the history of this machine. The license plate is broken. I do not have a title and the motorcycle will be sold on a bill of sale.
Some of the chrome is still fairly good, like on the bars and the speedometer trim. Most of the nuts and bolts that were originally chrome are now pitted and will need to be re chromed.
The fins are all nice and intact. Note the super cool flair on the fender.
The rear wheel is in decent shape. The chrome has surface rust only, and no serious pits.
The front wheel is not quite as good, and has some significant pits in a couple of areas. Both rims are straight. Spokes all need refurbishing. Shocks front and rear are operable and feel smooth.
Wheels are 16 inch.
The are a couple of dents on this side of the tank. The other side is straight. I do not know the interior condition as the gas cap is on so tight, I am unable to remove it by hand. I have made no further attempts to unscrew it.
Perhaps the coolest thing about this bike (besides its rarity) is the styling. The YD2 is far prettier than the Honda Dreams and really unique to the era.
Here are some more photos of this beauty:
The rear fender has a bit of rust, but it's not terminal.
This is a great opportunity to purchase a rare bike in restorable original condition. This is a piece of early Yamaha history.