Yam IT490

A guy at work has an old Yam IT490 which he bought new in 1984, and
says he's only done abut 2000kms before scaring himself shitless on
it.

I reckon that given enough prompting he might be inclined to sell. [1]

Now that I've finished fantasising about fitting some road rubber and
going hunting for R1s [2], what I need is someone to convince me
otherwise.

What are the horror stories about the IT490?

So far i've collected:
* Evil powerband
* Propensity to eat kickstart return springs
* Detonation problems


[1] I've already offered him $3.50 and a kick in the nuts, but all
that bought me was a weird look.

[2] After doing some serious rider training of course - we don't want
to encourage any irresponsible behaviour here do we?

 

What are the horror stories about the IT490?

Depends on the rider really, they do have power, but its good...
probably the same as a current KTM300

Yes.. and the plastic bush they mount to

Not really. depends on how its treated.

 

Don't forget the really good front drum brakes, they fade quicker than and
Aust Idol place getter.

I still love mine, good for a 170 kph if your game, good low grunt for 2
banger, the kick start return spring is a real bugger but Yamaha stock them,
about $25. rear shock needs reworking, easy done.

Power band isn't as savage as a RM250 etc

Riding on road would be epic as vibration is bad especially through
footpegs, long trip would be 25 km on road

They are about equeal to a DRZ400 except higher top speeed (IT)

Serco stock full rebuild kits.
They are old technology, but lots of fun.

Mick Chester
Cootamundra

 

Agree.. if I still had a 2 good legs Id love one, I had the YZ
variety

 

horrible bike on slow slippery clay but would love to have a go on the road
i reckon go for it they are an awsome motor
cheers dan