Memories of Days past

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   Yesterday was day one that I took my restored 1982 YZ-490J out on a real MX track. I rode one in 82 when they first came out, took it to Germany with me and had a blast on their MX tracks as well, did trade it for a Maico 490 as a German racer really wanted my YZ. That Maico was with me till two years ago, running on and off. Have been running the YZ up and down my local dirt roads finding correct fuel oil ratios with new formula oils, 82 manual states 24:1, now running 34:1 with new Castrol TTS, little smoke, great power, engine cool.

Got to track and the stares from the locals and the what is that look as I unloaded. Three of us took turns kicking it over, three kicks and you are tired out.  Started in man-cave sat night not a problem,2 kicks it's running, of course we get to track is now being stubborn.  Three of us in rotation kicking it before it fired up first time.

Got to start, rev'd it up dumped clutch, and sat there digging a trench in 2nd, once she took off just flew.  Later in the day went against a newer KX450 and a CRF450, out accelerated them both, at least two bike lengths ahead when we got to first corner.  Rear tire is a huge 140/90X18 and it still digs trenches.

It is 82 technology, so cornering in todays soft surface tracks she tends to front wheel dig, as rear is pushing too hard, you get three shots per moto on front drum brake before you get overheat brake fade, 4 on rear. If rear breaks traction she will torque to the right big time, gotta give it a good lean to keep going straight.  Bike flies well, landings not so much, 1st year of a linkage mono-shock for Yamaha, the origin of the term Yamahopping, where when you land rear end dances all over.

Overall the memories of me riding this beast returned, and by the end of the day, even bunny hopping jumps gave the newer bikes a run for their money.  Never got it out of 3rd, it is a 4 speed, start in 2nd, go to third and you are done.  ON the country roads momma paced me at 77mph in high rpm 3rd, ran out of room to get to 4th.

Abbott Motocross in Lincoln we are making a AHRMA 'Vintage' world class track, retro to mid 70's track design, as well as our modern track.  In 2015 we are hosting a AHRMA 'vintage' National Event. I am getting a 73 Yamaha MX360 (rode one of those too but a 74) for that from same guy I got the 490 from, deposit paid will pick it up sometime in June. So I will run true 'Vintage' and then 'post vintage' with the 490. I am getting a go-pro cam, so when I get you-tubes up will let you know.

My motto now, go fast or go home, this 490 is a killer, the track and probably eventually me.....

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oldsoldier Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Crazy old guy Joined: 10 June 2002 Status: Offline Points: 6725	Post Options Post Reply Quote oldsoldier Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Memories of Days past Posted: 10 March 2014 at 11:05am
	Yesterday was day one that I took my restored 1982 YZ-490J out on a real MX track. I rode one in 82 when they first came out, took it to Germany with me and had a blast on their MX tracks as well, did trade it for a Maico 490 as a German racer really wanted my YZ. That Maico was with me till two years ago, running on and off. Have been running the YZ up and down my local dirt roads finding correct fuel oil ratios with new formula oils, 82 manual states 24:1, now running 34:1 with new Castrol TTS, little smoke, great power, engine cool. Got to track and the stares from the locals and the what is that look as I unloaded. Three of us took turns kicking it over, three kicks and you are tired out. Started in man-cave sat night not a problem,2 kicks it's running, of course we get to track is now being stubborn. Three of us in rotation kicking it before it fired up first time. Got to start, rev'd it up dumped clutch, and sat there digging a trench in 2nd, once she took off just flew. Later in the day went against a newer KX450 and a CRF450, out accelerated them both, at least two bike lengths ahead when we got to first corner. Rear tire is a huge 140/90X18 and it still digs trenches. It is 82 technology, so cornering in todays soft surface tracks she tends to front wheel dig, as rear is pushing too hard, you get three shots per moto on front drum brake before you get overheat brake fade, 4 on rear. If rear breaks traction she will torque to the right big time, gotta give it a good lean to keep going straight. Bike flies well, landings not so much, 1st year of a linkage mono-shock for Yamaha, the origin of the term Yamahopping, where when you land rear end dances all over. Overall the memories of me riding this beast returned, and by the end of the day, even bunny hopping jumps gave the newer bikes a run for their money. Never got it out of 3rd, it is a 4 speed, start in 2nd, go to third and you are done. ON the country roads momma paced me at 77mph in high rpm 3rd, ran out of room to get to 4th. Abbott Motocross in Lincoln we are making a AHRMA 'Vintage' world class track, retro to mid 70's track design, as well as our modern track. In 2015 we are hosting a AHRMA 'vintage' National Event. I am getting a 73 Yamaha MX360 (rode one of those too but a 74) for that from same guy I got the 490 from, deposit paid will pick it up sometime in June. So I will run true 'Vintage' and then 'post vintage' with the 490. I am getting a go-pro cam, so when I get you-tubes up will let you know. My motto now, go fast or go home, this 490 is a killer, the track and probably eventually me.....