YAMAHA YL1 100cc TWINJET - Original and still in use today!

The sounds of the 70's are still heard in 2009! Here is an original YL1 Twinjet kindly lent to me to take out for a ride.These bikes were 4 speed ( neutral at the top, 4 down) and this YL1 is one of the last versions of the model produced with the fully coloured frame and headlight case, chrome front guard , and slightly higher handle bars. In 1972 the successor to the YL1 was the newly released 5-speed LS2 100cc twin more like the RD Yamaha shape. These little Twinjets were very popular and quick little bikes back in the late 60's, 70's and still are a favourite with many today!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Classic
• Yamaha
• Stroke
• Twin

[arndtwc]

I was suprised there is no smoke.  These were always heavy smokers that I remember.

[rosscoYL1]

@arndtwc

You are right ..there's not much smoke nowadays! Back in the 70's we had lead in the fuel as well as pretty basic detergent type 2 stroke oil. It was a greeny blue that certainly did leave a smokey blue trail from the exhausts! Todays 2 stroke motor oil is a far superior product and with no lead in the fuel results in a much cleaner burn, you can still smell the familair 2 stroke smell but the smokey blue exhaust has gone! This certainly keeps the spark plugs running better as well!

[rosscoYL1]

Yes this bike has been a survivor! So much so I have restored a YL1 of my own back to brand new condition, see my other videos!

[rutkowsky1000]

you have any pics of your bikethanks for your help i am pretty sure on what the reading should be i confirmed it with my buddy thanks for your help

[rosscoYL1]

You can see a few pics of my YL1 at yamaparts

[rutkowsky1000]

hi what i meant was i want to check compression on heads now what should the reading be on compression tester is what i meant thanks

[rosscoYL1]

OK, you may be better to check with your local Yamaha dealer as regards to the compression reading you should get on a 2 stroke engine. I fitted new cylinders, pistons and rings to my YL1 so I haven't ever used a compression tester.

You can feel the compression ofcourse if you slowly kick start the bike. Sorry can't be of any further help.

[twostrokeornill1]

@arndtwc  What fine things modern day synthetic oils can do.

[gilbertsonscott]

Beautiful look and sound. 

[oldmanmille]

I had a red one as my first bike in 1971 and paid £40 for it - wish I still had it!

[vinnothelizard]

good bike , had one but always giving trouble!!! the bikes today are a different class!!! wish they had them when i was young!!!

[bigkitten]

OMG! I had a 1967 model back in 1977...fantastic little bike!

[DocDazzler]

Wow, awesome childhood memories are coming back. My dad had one of these. As a small child, I thought it was a huge bike... LOL. I remember it haveing a center stand. I would sit on it for hours. My love of motorcycles was born (especially Yamaha).

Thanks for posting this. I hope to get an FZ1 soon, but I'll always remember this bike :)

[natequmi]

Nice speciman from the golden age of Japanese bikes. I owned a '67 identical to this one with the exception of a black/white seat similar to the 305.I loved that little rascal,and it would scat.Thanks for the memory.