You just never know.

[pem]

Just after I posted the Honda resto video I drove past my neighbors place across the street and there was a bike sitting behind his house I never noticed before. It looked old and like a smoker so I turned around to have a look. I knocked on his door and he said he just pulled it out from under a tarp. After 34 years. He is original owner of the 48 year old 1971 Yamaha R5-B sitting there. It was in very good condition. Original everything with 6,000 miles. Turns over, has 3 keys, tune up kit, title and owner and shop manual. Tires are crap. Sprockets too. Tank ain't bad. He said he has the tank emblems somewhere.

It's now in my garage. I said I never would restore another motorcycle 3 years ago. Ya just never know.

[Jim]

WOW! All that time under a tarp and it looks that GOOD? WHEW! Great find! and good luck with it. "IF" It were mine, I would probably just get it running and ride it like that. Well... you need the YAMAHA tank emblems first.

[pem]

That is exactly my plan. Ordered the new tires, fork seals, battery strap, air cleaner and missing steering dampener. Can't find a replacement seat cover though. Don't think I can save the old seat cover. Lots of small tears. Maybe a RD350 cover will work. Left fork tube has to be replaced too. Way to much rust. Right tube can be saved.

I haven't restored a smoker since I restored 2 Tohatsu's. A 1962 Runpet Sport 50(factory production racer) and a regular Runpet 50. Both all original. I was lucky enough to find an old parts stash with all the hard to find goodies. Again, Dumb luck! They were a blast to ride around the grounds at Road America.

They are only original once.

[aumick10]

Pem, that looks like a good score.

The tank badges from that era were used in a few different models.
The main issue I have found with two strokes that have sat for a time is the crankshaft seals drying out and becoming hard. Sucks air from outside instead of the crankcase.
Also, less common, is the reed valves take a "set" if they sit fore a while. Can allow blowback during the intake cycle.
Either way, good luck in getting it running again.
Cheers,
Mick

[len dowe]

I like it alot. Way cool pem.

[pem]

I've been searching the net for a white paint code or? for my 1971 Yamaha R5b with no luck. Checked my owners manual and shop manual. Nothing. I'm color blind and thought my bike was gold and white and my buddy tells me it's white and tangerine. Who knew!

Any ideas would be appreciated. I only need to touch up two spots the size of a quarter. Both on the bottom corners of the tank. Otherwise it is in really good shape. Thanks

[Steve Swan]

TRY THESE FOLKS https://hvccycle.net/seat-covers/ or join a owners forum or owners club, these old skeeter killers were very popular in their day, so resources are out there.

[pem]

Thanks Steve. I already dropped a wad of cash there and their website doesn't show but 4 cans of paint. I just found a site overseas that has my colors I think. They said my bike is Candy Marine Orange and Clean White. A little touch up bottle is $13.50 plus postage.

[Steve Swan]

just to clarify, the link i gave was for seat covers.

[pem]

Starting to put it together. Left it original except for rubber bits, seat cover, tank badges, fork tubes and tires/tubes. Chrome isn't perfect but good for being almost 50 years old. No hurry to finish. Sign I've had in my shops for 30 years. Found a S100 product that is called Engine Brightner. It's new and makes your old black painted engine shine like new. I tested it on a case cover and it works. Doesn't dry like paint and remains kinda wet. Hard to explain. Not supposed to wash off right away they claim. I think it would be good for showing a bike or in a display. Don't know if dust will stick to it on a gravel road.

[Steve Swan]

conserving a bike like that is so much fun, it's gonna be gorgeous when you are finished, will be a fun little around town hopper!

[pem]

It's done and running.

[exeric]

You did a beautiful job, and just in time to do some Summer riding.

[Jim]

Very nice!!

[pem]

Thanks. Looking at the photo I see the front fender is bent. I never really noticed it before. I wonder if a good wack would straighten it. It came with a sawed off fender and this one. The sawed of one is like new except for being sawed off. Minor detail! The original owner said that was the hot set up in 1971. And the butt ugly sissy bar that was on it. That I left off but I did clean it up. Once!