Crate-fresh Yamaha XT500 blitzes estimated price
This 1988 Yamaha XT500, with zero miles on the clock and still in its original box, has blown its estimated price out of the water.
An unused Yamaha XT500, which is approaching 40 years of age and has remained in its crate since birth, has just sold for a whopping €84,000 (around £73,000).
The bike was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in Munich, Germany, on 18 October, and had an estimated price of €25,000 (£21,500). However, it far exceeded that despite needing to be assembled should it ever venture out onto public roads, or make for a pretty collectable.
Featuring a blue, red and silver colour scheme on an aluminium tank, the motorcycle is believed to have been manufactured in 1986, before being registered for the road in France, in September, 1988.
The first Yamaha XT500 models rolled off the production in 1976, and were produced by the Japanese company until 1989. During those years the XT500 was used for racing at events the Paris-Dakar Rally, which it became the inaugural winner of in 1978.
The XT5000 is powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke, 499cc engine that’s mated to a five-speed gearbox.
The headlight, turn signals, odometer and handlebars all need to be fitted to the bike before it can be ridden, as does the front tyre. All the non-fitted parts were provided during the sale.
The 1986 Yamaha XT500 featured twin rear shocks, long-travel forks, and front and rear drum brakes. Knobbly tyres support the bike’s 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels.
As part of the same auction were two Bimota motorcycles, including a 1988 YB6 which sold for €7,800 (roughly £6,780) and a 1987 SB5 which went for €8,400 (£7,300).
Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby's. Image Credit - Loic Kernen.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
