John Stein's Catalina race bike is currently on display at the AMA Museum

Last night I was reading a 2 part "hop-up" article published for the YDS2/3 and Ascots back in the day.
The article included pipe dimensions to build some pipes that give's a nice wide powerband.
versus the peaky OEM Ascot down pipes.

Since I don't have a set of Ascot pipes....DVM and I will build a set of these.
I am hoping they will look close to the original OEM pipes ?
If they come out good I may eventually have them chromed similar to the originals.

The article also includes frame mods and other very cool stuff....like fitting a 21 inch on the front
suspension tips etc...gearing suggestions a wealth of good information on modifications that work on the bike.

They describe the modified motor as having "turbine like" smoothness with amazing amounts of linear power !
I have always liked the sound of a two stroke twin....there is something magical about it.

Sounds like a lot of fun to me

No frame mods or anything on this build...as I am keeping this rare Ascot looking as original as possible.

Dave- I'm going to have to stop reading your posts as I'm getting really jealous!

This is going to be one awesome bike!

Thanks Mark ! I am getting really excited about this project.

Here's some tidbits from the article.

Here's a modded YDS2 with the short pipes I am planning on building...will most likely
add short stingers on mine....so I can hang silencer/spark arrestors on them.
You can see the text near the photo outling hot to put screws in thru the rims....this was before rimlocks

Bike is still sporting the oil injection along with fiberglass seat that allows heavy rear fender to be eliminated.
21 inch up front and aluminum wheels. The article recommends you cut the frame and rake the front end a bit.
How much depends on "how may beers you've had ?" The article didn't get real scientific...add 3 or so degrees




I like the look of this one.....low and mean !
The text nearby is giving spoke dimensions for lacing up a 21 inch wheel
Note the Ascot pipes on this bike


A plated one of these with lights and all could make for one really cool "vintage Yamaha enduro" ?

Sounds like you want to keep it now

Time to break down the Ascot's wheels as it will be getting new spokes rims and tires...

The hubs and brakes are large and are apprxly 9 inches in diameter...



I was really surprised to see how Yamaha cast the rear hub, as it appears they were concerned
with weight even in the early years ? Or maybe saving on the amount of aluminum used in each hub?

Both hubs are in good shape and should clean and polish up great.....



It's interesting to see how these early Yamaha's were made.

The hubs use the same wheel bearings as the DT/RT's ...so that is convenient

I am working may way thru the Ascots motor replacing gaskets and seals

Maybe someone can help find a gasket.....as it was not included in my COMPLETE YDS2 gasket set

Part #150-15369-00 gasket for oil seal housing .

application 1963 - 1965 YDS2 and YDS3

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I looked in my own gasket supplies, but don't have that.
Is that the round gasket that goes under the generator?
Have you studied & compared the 146 & 156 model gaskets which should be very similar to the 150-15369 ... I did find both of those on eBay
You may end up having to make one!

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Yes that is the gasket that goes on the generator side


I regularly make gaskets for the bikes.....this gasket is very thin and goes over the right side crank bearing along with a shim and a plate that holds the crank seal...so the thickness of the gasket is important.

Have not checked the 146 and 156 versions....will check that out.

Thanks for the reply