Now that I have a 69 DT1 and a 70 DTI-CM thinking of adding a 1968 DT1. My question is it worth searching for the bike and correct parts? About 10 years ago I restored a 1969 CB750 to 100 point restoration. It was a pain to get it right and lot's $$$$. Are the small bits and pieces impossible to find? Are the bikes just too expensive to purchase and restore correctly? 

Like your Honda the '68 DT1 is a tough one to get right with all the unique parts plus low production number of 15,000 for the US market and 5,000 for the rest of the world. Better to find one already done and pay the a$king price. It will be easier and cheaper that way. I know from experience. I have 2 '68 DT1, a '73 RT3 and a '71 RT1-B restored by others. All 4 are museum quality. I don't regret paying the a$king prices. I don't think I could have done them as good, especially the '68 with the curved exhaust stinger, 4 o'clock pinch bolt kick start lever, round button tool compartment, carb top side idle adjustment, etc...

Thanks for the info! I'm excited about getting back into Yamaha Enduros and maybe going overboard. Now you got me thinking about my DT1 and DT1-CM as opposed to restoring just make them look much better and ride them. I know once restored they really become garage queens and value is hurt when rode and scratched. 

I enjoy refurbishing them to the best of my ability while staying within my means (skill level and financial) and then ride them as time allows.
I soon will have more time (retiring end of year) but less money….

"just make them look much better and ride them." I took this approach on my DT-3. I'd like to post before and after pics, but seems like a PITA to post. Paint on fenders and pipe and other small black parts (tanks are both orig paint). Lots of cleaning and Evaporust, new tires. It looks like a very well taken care of 52 year old bike, which is my preference. I don't ride it a ton, but it makes me smile every time I see it and ride it.

I "restored" a partially complete and very rough early (VIN 001717) DT1. Really a pain. I was on eBay quite a bit before starting gathering parts, etc. Got burned more than once. Got some parts right (got lucky) others.... I got some great help from some of the members here (thanks very much!  )

I got professional paint help and used Marbles Motors white so supposedly the color is correct. Same with the fenders. Found when I went to install the used front fender that it was for the smaller models, so had to search all over again for the correct front fender (yes, there is a difference). Got lucky on that one but $$$

If I had it to do over again, I would not have gone to the extremes I did. It came to me as a pit bike basically.

As it is, if I was to "show it" at any kind of knowledgeable venue it would get picked apart and sent to the back, which I would find very disheartening. I am reluctant to put up pics here for that reason. It will probably get sold on very quietly.

You should not hesitate to post photos of your bikes. This forum is not just about show quality bikes. Sure there are some flawlessly restored bikes documented on this forum. But then there are bikes like mine which are my own creations. lol

imgur.com/a/LWWBHC8

I would love to see your bikes.

what Schu said!

no judgement here. One of the reasons I post my restos or whatever I call them is to push myself to finish it. I know if I post it, I have to follow-up...at least in my mind I do. Sometimes, its good to get conversation on how its done. Ideas and stuff.

I have been hoping someone document a DT1. I was wondering how hard it is to find parts for that bike.

NHSTEVE,

Please post some pictures of your 68. I would love to see it. I wouldn't worry about what others think or say. 99% of guys wish they had one! 

I'm wholly in the camp of get them running and ride them. Riding in woods, through mountains and valleys alone or with friends is soooo much fun and if it's a machine that you brought back to life and then it doesn't matter too much if you hit a tree or a bear or a wild boar as there are plenty more abandoned vintage bikes out there looking for a home