1962 Yamaha YD3 Restoration - The long haul

Well... I just got back a full day of driving. 14 hours for the total trip.

The fruits of today's labor are a 1962 Yamaha YD3 in pretty dire condition. I think most sensible and sane people would probably commit this poor bike to the scrap heap at this point, but I've rarely been accused of being sensible or sane.

I'm pretty much looking at taking down every last part to its bare material and building it back up.

The bike doesn't have a left header and it's missing both jugs (I see a set on eBay right now!) and both heads (these are still AWOL).

In a fully restored state, this is what the bike would look like:


And here's how she sits now:




This project is one that will likely span a few years. It's secondary to my CJ project, but this one is going to be a real test. Hopefully I'm not in over my head...

A big job Sonreir, but worth it in the end!

The colour puzzles me - it looks factory done but I thought they only came in black.

Crazy

I haven't done a lot of research just yet, but I've seen a few pics on the 'net in green, red, and two different shades of blue. Not sure how many of those came from the factory, but they seem to be common (and in common) enough to be safe bets.

Righteous!

Handy place for bits mate.

http://www.ydsparts.com/

Some info' to be had in here (if ya dig around)

http://www.classicyams.com/


I've done a lot of "searching" for info on the YDs but there's not a lot out there compared to the YDSs.

I still haven't decided what to do with my YD3 yet, haven't got the heart to throw it but don't know if i've got the patience to rebuild it either lol.

I'd say the colour started life as Light Vermillion.

Yup. That looks about right.

Good luck with the build

Still no luck tracking down some heads... anyone know if the YDS3 heads are interchangable with the YD3 heads?

You may want to talk to this guy. http://www.nwvintagecycleparts.com/search-results.php?q=YDS3&st=model&search.x=8&search.y=10



http://www.nwvintagecycleparts.com/search-results.php?q=YD3&st=model&search.x=7&search.y=10

I've decided to part the YD3, so if ya need the heads or any other bits let me know mate. Postage from here to you on't be too bad.