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Makotosun

1969 Yamaha L5T

  • 71-yamahaRob
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1969 Yamaha L5T was created by 71-yamahaRob

 I recently purchased a titled, gold 1969 Yamaha L5T Trailmaster a few months ago. The bike is in excellent condition, it has 3400 miles and I had bought it from the second owner. My question is for anybody who has owned or ridden one of these bikes, Is what is the top speed. I have been able to consistently hit 35 to 40 mph, and I was wondering if that is in line with other people’s experiences. Yamaha claimed it could go 60, which leads me to believe they overstated performance. 
thanks, Robert 
   
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1969 Yamaha L5T
1970 Yamaha L5TA
1971 Yamaha JT1
1976 Yamaha GT80
04 Dec 2021 06:58 #1

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Replied by MarkT on topic 1969 Yamaha L5T

The little "G" series rotary valves (72cc engine) will zip right up to 45... the "T" models aren't geared that tall but I'm sure they'd go faster if geared taller.  The "L" series rotary should get up to 55-60 pretty easy I'd guess.

First thing to check is if you have the transmission in high range.  I believe that model had a selector knob on the front sprocket that you rotate to select high or low range.

Next thing to check is the speedo...  after it was found sitting in an aircraft hanger in Arizona under a tarp for several decades, I cleaned up a nice RD350 several years ago.  It just wouldn't get up to speed...  or so I thought...  a friendly officer pulled me over and informed me that I was riding a WAY over the speed limit...  according to speedo, I wasn't even at the speed limit.  GPS speedometer apps are available for most phones these days and can be used to see if speedo is somewhat accurate.

 
 
1963 YG1-T, 1965 MG1-T, Allstate 250, 1970 CT1b, 1971 R5, 1973 AT3MX, 1974 TS400L, 1975 RD350, 1976 DT175C, 1976 Husqvarna 250CR, 1981 DT175G, 1988 DT50, 1990 "Super" DT50, 1991 RT180, 2017 XT250
The following user(s) Liked this Post: Ht1kid
04 Dec 2021 07:17 #2

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Replied by 71-yamahaRob on topic 1969 Yamaha L5T

Unfortunately I am in high on the trans range and according to an app on my phone I was at a top speed of 35 last night, inline with my speedometer! The chain and sprockets are way overdue on replacement, could that make that big of a difference? Yamaha stated the bike would go 35 in the low, I normally hit 15-20- and 20 is pushing it.
1969 Yamaha L5T
1970 Yamaha L5TA
1971 Yamaha JT1
1976 Yamaha GT80
04 Dec 2021 07:34 #3

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Replied by MarkT on topic 1969 Yamaha L5T

Sounds like something is wrong to me from what you are saying.   

Not sure a worn chain would be an issue if lubricated...  rusty or "bound up", could suck up some power..  There's a risk of serious and expensive damage if chain breaks so keep that in mind. 

Others have L5T's...  the old bikes are not super fast by modern standards but a legitimate 35 seems slow. 
1963 YG1-T, 1965 MG1-T, Allstate 250, 1970 CT1b, 1971 R5, 1973 AT3MX, 1974 TS400L, 1975 RD350, 1976 DT175C, 1976 Husqvarna 250CR, 1981 DT175G, 1988 DT50, 1990 "Super" DT50, 1991 RT180, 2017 XT250
04 Dec 2021 07:55 #4

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Replied by 71-yamahaRob on topic 1969 Yamaha L5T

I think I will replace the sprockets an chain to be sure- is there a website to purchase oem style sprockets as they don’t sell them for the L5T on partzilla, does someone make reproductions?
1969 Yamaha L5T
1970 Yamaha L5TA
1971 Yamaha JT1
1976 Yamaha GT80
04 Dec 2021 08:16 #5

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Replied by asco on topic 1969 Yamaha L5T

Normally, ignition timing, carburetor, air leaks, and spark plug heat range can make subtle differences. The age and condition of the engine also plays a role. Chain / Sprockets are for safety in my opinion. I would not want to be on old tires above 40 mph..

a
YAMA-LAND RESTORATION,
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1971 CT1-C (BRANDY)
1970 DT1-C (MONICA)
1972 AT2M (ZIFFLE)
1970 CT1-B (HULK)
1971 DT1E (GINA)
1970 CT1-B (CLIDE)
Last edit: 04 Dec 2021 09:17 by asco.
04 Dec 2021 09:16 #6

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Replied by Ht1kid on topic 1969 Yamaha L5T

Not trying to hijack the post.. MarkT love the 75 rd350 I traded a coke machine restoration for one they are wheelie kings
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Last edit: 04 Dec 2021 10:35 by Ht1kid. Reason: No dot
04 Dec 2021 09:50 #7

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Replied by BG Gruff on topic 1969 Yamaha L5T

I live in British Columbia.  I owned a 1969 L5T-A (white) purchased brand new in 1969.  It would go 55 mph on level ground and about 62 or 3 downhill when in high range.  Maximum speed in low range was about 35 mph, maybe a bit more if you really wound it out.  I never did like the sound of that, so I didn't.  If I wanted to go faster, I just leaned down and turned the knob on the left side of the case and changed it to high range.  You could do that on the fly.  I was 16 when I got it and I had it for three years before trading it for a bigger Kawasaki street bike.  Biggest mistake of my life to that point.  I miss it.  I am looking for another if anyone has one for sale or knows where i can find one.  I will travel, or pay for shipping.

Check that Hi/Lo Range knob on the left side of the crankcase.
The following user(s) Liked this Post: Rick C.
22 Sep 2023 23:42 #8

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Replied by BG Gruff on topic 1969 Yamaha L5T

My L5T was 100 cc.
22 Sep 2023 23:46 #9

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Replied by RT325 on topic 1969 Yamaha L5T

Welcome BG Gruff.  Yes L2CA & L5TA were 100cc & YG5T was 80cc.
I had an L2CA as a trade in at work probably the year the L5TA came out.
L2CA had "18 wheels & possibly a taller frame--seemed very tall compared, but L5TA had "17 wheels & i always thought the frame seemed modeled on the smaller YG5T which we sold more of & were 80cc as i said. OurYG5's were kick start only.
My L2CA had the same motor as your L5 with high low, but i think the very very first had a double sprocket on the rear wheel, sort of easy change setup--well not that easy with chain adding or shortening.
Good solid motor with electric start & all. Bring back the "60's i say haha.
Here's a random pic i just googled & found. Can't see the year but must be about "67 before the high/low.
Anyway--sorry. Reminiscing again. Welcome from NZ.
i.pinimg.com/originals/fc/d5/e6/fcd5e62c...bce312ce91f09d85.jpg
I'll edit & fix my mistakes now lol.
Last edit: 23 Sep 2023 04:28 by RT325.
23 Sep 2023 04:14 #10

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