The '72 RT2 MX was notorious for kickback as well as some of the other 2 strokes from that era. The lightweight flywheel may have contributed to this.

One day it kicked back on me and ran in reverse, also a characteristic. I put it in gear and gave it the throttle in my gravel driveway with the intention of making a roost of gravel to show off in front of my buddies. Went over the handlebars instead as it went backwards.

Hahaha, but it created a memory you now get to share with us! I really don't think I can resist the bike in spite of the issues and so far nobody has said DON'T DO IT. 70s mx, can't resist.

Are you guys sure the DT250/360 engine won’t fit in the 72 Mx frame. RT1,2,3 frames are different than the 72 MX frame. Looking at engine photos the DT and 72 MX engine look very close.

DT1 & all its offshoots like DT2 & 3 & RT1--2 & 3 up to "1973 will all fit 'straight in' to the RT2MX frame. Ok it might be slightly taller but same frame for engine mounts. "74 was the change over model, motor was longer & different mounts. Totally different motor & design as the SC500, MX360 MX250, DT250-DT360A etc.

I got it. By far one of the coolest Yamahas I've walked up on ever before. It is very rusty. Honestly I'm overwhelmed before I've even gotten into it. I literally don't have a clue where to start with the motor. Then, I get it home and see an ad for a 73' 360mx running condition! Crazy.

Here's the 73 I have a shot at...

The spare motor I got is from a 74' DT360a, it's also froze up.

Ok, that "73 MX above i call a "74 & like your spare DT360A motor, that's when the change came. But if ya meaning your 360 motor would be good for parts then all i can say is its the same shape motor so no doubt parts or some parts will interchange. MX had a balancer which the DT360A didn't have for one thing, but same basic shaped motor.

Good to know thanks RT325. I'm definitely gonna get the 73 too if I can as it's a runner. I'm not sure on the 72 yet. I'd love to hear it run but have never done that extensive of work on a engine before. I was gonna try to bumpstart but need to figure out why it won't shift out of nuetral in addition to the other issues. I just got it late yesterday so haven't even looked into it deeply. Really don't wanna see it parted out. Maybe I'll start a new thread on trying to revive it.

5 gallon of Evaporust would be a good idea.
Neat bike though.