1979 Yamaha DT400 "cafe road bike"

I know in pic 3 the rear wheel is on backwards "maybe had some beers that night?"

I Got this bike for free and thought I would do a "cheap do it your self" resto with a cafe theme.
I have been roadracing for 20 years and had lots of cool vintage parts laying around the shop. So here is what I have so far. Keep in mind my goal here was to take a rusted up P.O.S. and make it into a neat little back road burner for under a total of $300 USD.







let me know what ya think, it now has lights front and back and a nice used clock, I will post more pics are we progress, I am at around $200 USD so far.

Hi TZ - that`s a nice idea, i ride 30 years before a model like this. This project shows, that someone build his dream without a lot of money. For young riders, is this a perfect example. So go on an make some more pics for us. To ride this bike must be a very special feeling. I like it very much

Andreas

tz250b wrote:I know in pic 3 the rear wheel is on backwards "maybe had some beers that night?"

Very cool project!

very cool project.
Nice budget bike. Curious about the result.

grtz Hans

Very cool project, im also curious about the end result ,

If this little smoker turns out I might build a yz490 engine to replace the dt400., the dt only made 26hp and the yz490 made 56hp. But that would shoot the 300 dollar budget all to hell =(

tz250b wrote:If this little smoker turns out I might build a yz490 engine to replace the dt400., the dt only made 26hp and the yz490 made 56hp. But that would shoot the 300 dollar budget all to hell =(

Hi TZ my feeling is, that the same happen to you - 56hp on that fingertubeframe - okay - ride to hell and see who`s there.

Andreas

I wish I could see more examples of 2 stroke motocross bikes transformed into cafe bikes. These things are sooooo cheap , some times FREE. And what a great feeling it will be to wheelie out of 2nd gear corners , I know the top speed will only be around 70MPH , but it will be a fun ride from 0 to 70.

Hi TZ,
The most torque by the DT400mx is at 1500 rpm...
Ok, its "only" 26 hp... But you can find some horses in a suitable exhaust.
Don't peek the power in higher rpm's, because de DT400 engine hates RPM's
The DT400 won't climb easy on its backwheel, but it will accellerate very well in every shift.

I'm sure,,, when your finnished your project, you'll have the finest riding, handling and accelerating bike in Minnesota.

GrDTz
Erwin.

http://www.bikepics.com/members/kittop/79dt400/

Blow your budget straight to hell and get that 490 engine!
A friend of mine put a Honda CR500 motor in his MuZ125
and didn't complain bout the horses anymore...

Btw., very(!!!) nice project you're working on!

Best regards
sven