I've gone the Yamaha way.

[Jantar]

Yes its true. I've had two old Yamaha motorcycles delivered to me at home tonight. As I'm at work I haven't seen them yet and the previous owner claims that one of them was running 20 years ago or so, but he can't remember just what they are.

From the descriptions I believe one may be an AS1 and the other a YL1. They have been neglected and are in pretty bad shape, but a good project to build a rat bike.

Does anyone here have any data or photos of these two models to assist in identification.

[GSXRjohn]

Google is god for stuff like this

[Jantar]

Unfortunately, Google hasn't been much help at all. There are a couple of pics of a later model AS1 and one of the YL1, but no specs for either. There are a couple of links to websites that aren't accessable from work, but I'll try those from home tomorrow.

[xwhatsit]

#1: as1
#2: yl1

[xwhatsit]

Also this of the AS1.

As near as I can find out, there was only one AS1 -- if this doesn't look like your bike, perhaps it's not an AS1?

Very cool, both of them, if that's what you have. Could make a mighty pretty bucket.

[bgd]

Hopefully attached is something from the 1970s. Not sure whether your models are there but it will bring back memories for some.

[Jantar]

Many thanks to those who have responded. I haven't seen these two bikes yet, I'm only going on the age and general description.. Hopefully I can get at least one of them working.

[SPman]

My first bike was a YL1 - 98 quid from Whites in Newmarket in 1967! 67mph flat out and my first wheelie across Khyber Pass Rd!
Life seemed so much easier then...........

[unhingedlizard]

I was rebuilding one of them about five years ago!!! Thought it was rare at the time. The Yamaha dealer in cambridge used to have a fully rebuilt one. they may have some more info on them.

[RantyDave]

Also this of the AS1.

That is the funniest thing I've seen in ages. Gritted teeth and sweaty palms on something no faster than a postbike. He's even wearing Dainese leathers.

Dave

[Jantar]

I have now had a chance to look at them, and they indeed an AS1 and a YL1. Both are beyond restoring without spend big $$$$, but the AS1 looks like it can be made into a runner suitable for a rat bike. I'll take some photos this week.

[xwhatsit]

That is the funniest thing I've seen in ages. Gritted teeth and sweaty palms on something no faster than a postbike. He's even wearing Dainese leathers.

Dave

Lol, shutup -- that'll be me if I ever take my CB250RS to a track day

[YL1]

I have now had a chance to look at them, and they indeed an AS1 and a YL1. Both are beyond restoring without spend big $$$$, but the AS1 looks like it can be made into a runner suitable for a rat bike. I'll take some photos this week.

Hey Jantar...just wondering what the seat is like on your YL1...is it like the ones in the following pics? Any chance of some photos even if its past its best!!
I'm restoring a Blue & Silver YL1...have all the specs and photos!
Cheers

[Blackbird]

Malcolm - I have a catalogue of Jap bikes from the 60's to the 80's. Will have a look when I get home tonight.

Cheers

Geoff

[Blackbird]

Hi Malcolm

Here's some pics of the 1967 and 1968 AS1's, complete with specs. You can probably figure out the important bits of the spec!

Cheers,

Geoff