TIME CAPSULE 1974 YAMAHA YZ80A RESTORATION

1974 Yamaha YZ80A – Museum-Quality, Full Frame-Off Concours Restoration An extraordinarily rare, first-year YZ mini that looks, runs, and presents like it just came out of the crate in 1974. Guys—feast your eyes on this absolutely spectacular example of the 1974 Yamaha YZ80A, one of the most historically significant mini motocross bikes ever built. This was the very first YZ-series 80 Yamaha ever produced, and it was a massive leap forward from the earlier GT80 play/enduro bikes. Longer-travel suspension, a punchier two-stroke powerband, true race styling—this machine helped plant the seed for what would later become the AMA 80cc motocross class, before such a national championship even existed. Yamaha was first to the game in competitive mini motocross, and the YZ80A proved it. 🔧 Restoration Highlights This bike has undergone a full, comprehensive, frame-off restoration, executed to an exceptionally high standard. It presents at a true concours level, meaning it looks as good today as it did brand new—if not better. Frame stripped to bare metal, professionally restored and painted Front end fully sorted: New front tire & tube New brake shoes Polished fork lowers Excellent chrome fork uppers with zero pitting Restored & repainted front fender and number plate Restored triple clamps Controls & cockpit: Chrome handlebars look brand new New grips, levers, and cables Fuel system: Original tank beautifully restored and professionally painted in correct Yamaha silver Original-style graphics Restored carburetor, fuel petcock, fuel lines, and airbox Seat & bodywork: Restored seat Restored rear fender Beautifully restored side number plates with #1 plates fitted Rear end: Chrome rear rim still looks new Refinished hub and excellent spokes New rear tire & tube New gold chain and rear sprocket Shocks restored beautifully Chassis details: Pegs perfectly straight Original kickstand still present (extremely rare—usually the first thing removed on MX bikes) Shifter in mint condition Engine: Engine cases, cylinder, and top end look brand new Starts easily, runs perfectly, and sounds exactly as it should Every nut, bolt, and piece of hardware is clean, correct, and beautifully finished. 🏁 Historical Significance & Rarity In over 15 years of doing this—and with 10,000+ motorcycles sold, plus hundreds (if not thousands) through our museum—this is the first 1974 YZ80A we have ever had. Why so rare? Yamaha didn’t make many to begin with Most were ridden hard and worn out (ask me how I know—I rode my own GT80 into the ground) Very few survive Almost none are restored at this level A proper frame-off restoration on a bike like this often takes 70–100+ hours of labor, and at today’s shop rates that alone can exceed five figures, not including the difficulty of sourcing correct parts. That’s why examples like this simply don’t exist on the open market. You’d be hard-pressed to find another YZ80A anywhere in the world restored to this level. I honestly don’t know of another one this nice for sale today. ⚙️ Why the YZ80A Matters This little air-cooled two-stroke is a jewel—bulletproof Yamaha engineering at its best. Overbuilt, reliable, and designed to be ridden hard and last forever. These bikes were legendary for durability, and this one is ready for the next 50 years. It’s 52 years old—and it looks brand new. 📦 Shipping & Contact Nationwide shipping available (continental U.S.) Professional roll-on / roll-off transport right to your door Bike is fully sorted, running, and display-ready 📞 Questions? Call us directly: 860-454-7024 🏛️ Available for viewing and display in our museum This is not just a motorcycle—it’s a cornerstone of mini motocross history. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the finest restored examples of the first-year Yamaha YZ80A in existence. Thanks for watching, God Bless America Lowest nationwide pricing and NO FLUFF dealer fees. Call/Text 860-471-0192 AUCTIONS + MORE: https://linktr.ee/kaplanamerica Filmed + Edit by Tyler Merullo For all inquiries visit https://www.kaplancycles.com/ Follow us! Instagram: @kaplan.america Facebook.com/KaplanCycles & Facebook.com/NewEnglandMotorcycleMuseum Donate to the 501c-3 New England Motorcycle Museum; https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/cha... MAIL: Kaplan Cycles LLC 200 West Main St. STE 4 Vernon, CT 06066